Scarlet Oak Landscape Management Inc.

This company took almost $40,000 as a deposit/advance to replace three retaining walls in my back yard. Instead, they ripped down those and a fourth (a fully-functional one closest to the house, which was vital to the integrity of the upper patio and gardens, as well as protecting the back foundation of the house) that was not supposed to be touched. This is on top of a great deal of other damage, starting with cutting through a water line without telling me (instead, they just piled dirt back over top so I wouldn't notice resulting in a water bill of several hundred dollars). Part of their contract was to save the shrubs and other plants in the gardens needless to say, they were all destroyed, and will be costing me several thousands of dollars to replace. Other examples of damage include (but is, sadly, not remotely limited to) smashed wrought-iron fencing and gates, smashed stone steps & other garden walls far away from the project zone, smashed driveway and walkways, and several destroyed heritage trees (my property is on a protected woodlot). Machinery was regularly flipped while being operated, or left precariously on the slope to tumble. Debris piled dangerously for pets, children & guests, as well as blocking me from leaving the house on a regular basis.

After tearing everything down, I would see them occasionally over the next few weeks, but all they did was move rocks around, flip machinery over, and hack away at more trees absolutely nothing was done to protect my foundation, despite growing pleas.
Once it became obvious that Scarlet Oak was neither going to finish the contract nor even return my correspondence, I turned to the Better Business Bureau Brandon would not respond to them, either. Neither did he respond to (or pay) the rental company whose machinery was also abandoned in my yard.

I was fortunate enough to find another company who was able to protect my foundation before frost set in, but also had to pay them to fix the damage caused by Scarlet Oak, on top of the cost of the water repair and replacement of the plants they were contracted to protect.

Brandon and Scarlet Oak took almost $40,000 to destroy my property, leave my home vulnerable to severe damage, and its inhabitants and guests in an unsafe environment. None of the work paid for took place, and I know none of that money went to expenses, because I have been informed that neither the equipment rental company nor staff have been paid for their services.

I see their website still claims to be BBB Accredited, which is not remotely true, since they lost their accreditation because of refusal to respond to my BBB complaint in August. This company is not to be trusted to be truthful, ethical, or remotely competent. Run for the hills.

They did not always come and remove the snow from the driveway, including shoveling at the front door. When I called there was no apology or excuse. I called at least 3 times over the winter season. Not impressed. Will not use again and would not recommend.

Scarlet Oak did a great job on driveway and retaining walls. Brandon and crew were courteous and willing to work with us explaining about the steps involved and materials used. Finishing touches and thorough site cleanup much appreciated. Billing was as estimated. Very pleased with the results.

Thanks Brandon
Terry & Kathy Gardner

Every snow fall had to call for them to come plow. Never answered calls. Was last service on street to show up. Poor job, left ridges and didn't do whole driveway. Paid for side walk to be cleared........was alway half effort. Did the walkway mostly myself. Tore up my lawn and now I have to repair it for summer. Knocked off 1 of my lawn sprinkler heads with their plow at end of driveway. There are many options in Barrie.....use them not this one or be ready for disappointment. In the fall, I called these guys 5 times to see if they where going to come and stake out my driveway because of my sprinkler system and the amount of snow......they never came out....never acknowledged the need to. Once you pay them.....your service level ends. Buyer beware. If my wife did this review....would be negatives.

Moved into my new home last year and when looking over the property the front lawn was in need of care. In May gave Scarlet Oaks a call to price up the work. The whole lawn needed to be ripped up and replaced as it was beyond help, seeing i have corner lot with a lot of lawn thought this was going to be a really expensive job.

Met with Brandon who provided a written quote, my neighbor also had his lawn replaced at the same time,

Brandon's guys arrived and worked throughout the day digging up the lawn and replacing it with new sod, Both Paul and Gus were very professional and I found Paul very easy to talk to and answered all of my questions and provided me with great information about lawn care after the installation.

There were no hidden surprises with the bill and the amount specified on quote was the exact that paid.

They also trimmed my bushes and pine trees at no extra charge which was a nice touch of customer service.

I would recommend Brandon and his team again and look forward to having more work done by them.