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Question

I had a landscaper sod my back yard in centipede. I paid $2000. The area is approximately 2400 quare feet. The dirt(part clay, part sand) was hard. He did not lime or till before laying the sod. He said it did not need to be tilled. The area was flat with a large Oak Tree. Needless to say the sod did not take root well and is sparse. More dead than alive. What are my options regarding the work that was done.

Submitted: 433 days and 2 hours ago.
Category: Home Improvement
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Posted by Brian 433 days and 1 hours ago.

Info Request

Hi XXXXXXXXXX. Thank you for asking your question on JustAnswer. The other Experts and I are working on your answer. By the way, it would help us to know:


-Did you obtain any type of written warranty?

Thank you again for trusting us with your problem. Please reply as soon as possible so that we can finish answering your question.

433 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

No, it was verbal. 3 weeks prior to sodding, I told him that we could never get grass to grow in that area. He said that it would grow if the soil was tilled, limed and then sodded. When the sod came, I asked, "aren't you going to till it". He said no that is was not necessary. I have kept him informed and he has looked at it a few times but has said nothing.

Posted by Brian 433 days and 1 hours ago.

Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXXX,

Welcome to Just Answer.

Sorry to hear about your problem.

 

A written contract with warranty is always a good thing; It gives you alot more leverage and without it, it will be tough to get him to fix the lawn. Go to his place of business and confont him, nicely, about the situation. If he denies anything or makes excuses, tell him that you have a verbal contract/ warranty and that you want your failed lawn to be installed correctly this time or you will be contacting your lawyer (even if you do not have one yet) and the Better Business Bureau to report him.

 

Also, If landscape contractors in your area are required to be licensed, you can let him know that you will be contacting the Contractor's State Board to research whether he is even licensed, (research this first so it can be used as an actual threat.) Some states require landscape contractors to be licensed, to perform work. This would concern him, because if he is licensed, enough complaints against him, and they will be reviewing him and possibly revoking his license. If he is not licensed, he could be fined, etc. for performing work without a license.

If none of this pans out as fast as you like, I'm afraid that you will have to think about getting a lawyer and going to court, to get your money back. Hopefully, it will not have to come down to this since there is no guarantee that you will get any money back, without a long drawn out process, and possibly paying large fees to the lawyer.

 

And remember......Never ever pay the last final payment until the job is complete and to your satisfaction. Making the final payment, leaves no incentive for any contractor to come back to fix anything.

 

If you think you will need more of a legal advice, you can ask a legal question in our legal department.

 

 

 

 

If you need further help or clarification on this answer, please do not hesitate to reply to this post.

 

Thanks for asking your question at Just Answer.

Best of Luck, Brian

 

Please leave feedback at your convenience.

433 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

One other question-Was $2000 not enough money for it to be properly done?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure. I do not know how much sod is going for these days and it does vary throughout the states. If I had to make an educated guess, I would say that the number sounds low and too exact. I could see it costing $2,475.00 for example and not just a well rounded number thrown at it.

 

I do know that it needs to be watered alot when installed and that the soil should be tested and adjusted to the correct PH. Also choosing the correct grass is important, based on sunlight, soil type, etc.

 

Click here to learn more. It pretty much outlines what he should have done before laying the sod and what he should have told you to do afterwards to help it grow healthy.

 

If you need further help or clarification on this answer, please do not hesitate to reply to this post.

 

Thanks for asking your question at Just Answer.

Best of Luck, Brian

 

Please leave feedback at your convenience.

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Expert: Brian
Pos. Feedback: 99.2 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/16/2008

Architect

Licensed Architect- 12 years, L.E.E.D. AP, Former Remodeling Contractor- 10 years

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