Instant Lawns

We had our septic system replaced which completely dug up our backyard. We needed to replace the lawn and called Instant Lawns based on the reviews. They showed up the same day, gave us a reasonable quote and said they could have the work done at the end of the week. They then called back and said they had an opening in their schedule and could do it the next day. So far things were going very well and so we asked for a quote to also do our front lawn; we accepted it and gave them a deposit.
They installed the back lawn as promised and said we should keep it watered and wait 10 days before mowing to allow the roots to establish. The sod they installed was already quite long so after 10 days our mower could not handle cutting it and ended up tearing some of the sod which had not properly rooted. We had to rent a brush cutter just to get it down to a manageable height. I emailed and called to complain several times and each contact took them several days to respond. We wanted our lawn repaired, the cost of the brush cutter to be reimbursed and we wanted our deposit back for the front lawn. They finally honored all those requests but it took two months of emails and phone calls. I felt like I put as much time into running after them as it took them to install the lawn in the first place....and I was the one paying.
The staff seemed hard working and enthusiastic but I question the quality of the work and frankly it shouldn't take that much of my time just to ensure I'm getting what I'm paying for.
Even now when we just did some raking of leaves the sod was still lifting in places after being installed for two and a half months; I'm tired of dealing with this.

I recognize that my negative review here will stand out from the glowing recommendations (upon which I decided to hire this company). Hopefully, that's simply a matter of the fact that my experience is unusual – and Instant Lawns has treated and will treat other customers better. In any case, Instant Lawns made a number of basic administrative errors that I feel significantly diminished the overall quality of the job. First off, we had trouble communicating. I distinctly remember talking to the company's representative about when to start. We agreed we'd have the lawn installed after another home renovation project was done – and that I'd call to schedule the install. Then about a week later, the company called me to say the crew would come by in just a few days. I called back to straighten that out. Still, it was like no one at the company had remembered that earlier conversation about scheduling. That was the first issue. Next, we had trouble on what was supposed to be the install day. The team was scheduled to arrive at 12 p.m. By 4 p.m., seeing how as no one had come yet, I called for an update. I was told that the crew's truck had broken down and everything was behind schedule. That happens. But I shouldn't have had to call to find out. I expect companies to be proactive and contact customers to warn of delays. In any case, the rep on the phone suggested that the team would still be able to get the job done that day. We eventually decided that the crew would drop the sod off on my driveway and come back the next day to install it. Glad we made that decision, because the next day, the job took about four hours. Had they started the previous evening as the rep had initially suggested, they would have been working well into the night and well past the point of my neighbours' patience for construction noise. I'm surprised the company didn't consider that. Finally, we never did receive the follow-up fertilizer application that came with the package we bought. I called a number of times about it, but here we are, late-September and still no fertilizer. I applied some myself, no big deal. Add all those things up, though, and I'm one dissatisfied customer. I should point out: the lawn installed took just fine and is growing well, so I certainly can't fault the company there. As well, the staff members were courteous and friendly. I get the feeling they really were trying. But the end result simply wasn’t good enough. And finally, I understand Instant Lawns was in the midst of an ownership transition at around the time of my job. Such significant disruptions can throw businesses off their stride. Maybe that's what happened here. If so, I trust the company is working toward finding its balance again. I hope that means mine will be the only negative review on this message board for some time. Nonetheless, I have to be honest: I feel Instant Lawns did a poor job for me.

We hired Instant Lawns to revamp our tired front and backyards which included interlock and carpentry work. The process was friendly, on budget, on time and to our satisfaction. We were very impressed with the detailed quote, competitive pricing, quality of work and very good communication throughout the process. Our questions and concerns were addressed promptly and to our satisfaction. The crew worked hard and efficiently in very extreme heat. Helpful suggestions were made that improved the end result. Thank you to Adam, Jacob, Lucas, Alex, Cody, Spencer, Peter, Rocco, Julia and everyone who worked on our project. It is without hesitation that we recommend Instant Lawns.

When I moved into my house two years ago, the front lawn was in bad shape and had a massive garden that was in even worse shape. I tried for two years to sort them both out and finally gave up this spring. The garden needed more upkeep than I was willing to give it and the lawn was a mess. Based on the reviews here, I called Instant Lawns. I wanted new sod and the garden reduced to a more manageable size.

The estimate was done on May 21. It included sod and topsoil for the new garden bed. I was told it would take 5 or 6 weeks before the work could be done and it came in right on schedule on June 30. Everyone in the company I dealt with was friendly and professional. I was notified two weeks in advance with the install date which gave me ample time to get all the plants out of my front garden. The team arrived on June 30 right when they said they would and, in just under 5 hours, I had a new front lawn and garden bed. I was absolutely amazed at how hard and how fast the team worked.

I also had occasion to test the customer service and warranty when one piece of sod turned out to be defective. The day after install, it started to turn brown and gradually died. Since the day after install was a holiday, I couldn't call the office until the following Monday. Thursday afternoon the dead piece of sod was removed and a new one installed.

This was a good experience from beginning to end and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for "instant grassification".

New lawn, garden edging, and river stone behind the shed. Work completed in around four hours.

Total Instant Lawns were very professional throughout the whole process. They were willing to adapt in order to address changes in the project on my end. I would use them again and recommend them to others.

The guys at Instant Lawns did a great job! They were very fast and professional! We're super excited to enjoy the backyard this year! We had a small area (16x14 + 10x10) - they were able to get the job done in less than 3 hours - this including removing 2/3 small stumps of small trees, levelling and grading the ground.

This tale all started with an estimate on May 18th,2016 for the following work: Removal of the existing Sod, Rotor Tilling, removal of as much detritus as possible Approx 14 Cubic Yards of Premium Grade Topsoil delivered & spread across 2,800 Sq feet and levelled with respect to the terrain, rolled & made ready for the installation of the Sod. The work commenced on June 16th,2016. The 1st crew arrived and work commenced as proscribed for the installation of the Sod (There was one small hiccup which we resolved together). The Sod was delivered & to my eyes was not as damp as expected & as a result I felt that by the time of installation it was a that It could be a problem that would require a lot of watering.The Crew that laid the Sod were as dedicated, polite and helpful as the previous crew.
After everyone departed it was up to my wife and I to try and imitate 'Noahs Flood' and this because of the weather will need at least 3 two hour applications of water a day until the heavens open & release some of 'Noahs' water. At least I know that I am helping the Ottawa Sewer Board wipe out some of their debt !! All in all, the whole team from Instantlawns have provided a service up to the service expected from previous reviews.

Recently, Instant Lawns levelled the grading, installed sod and a riverstone path with stepping stone pavers in my backyard. I really appreciated the time Adam took during the estimate to really listen to my needs and budget. He came back with a few ideas. I was able to stay within budget without sacrificing quality in the result. Installation went very smoothly and professionally. I was impressed with the pride Instant Lawns take in customer service and communication. My backyard is now a little piece of paradise!

The team at Instant Lawns did an amazing job! After 7 years with a back yard of mud, we now have a perfect oasis for the kids to enjoy. Thanks Instant Lawns... Instant grassification in deed.