This was a fairly large residential landscaping job, which included: Demolition of and filling in a large swimming pool; construction of multiple retaining walls faced with stone; construction of a large multilevel flagstone patio; demolition of an existing driveway and replacing it with pavers. Also excavation of the house's foundation and waterproofing; construction of a long dry stack stone wall; provision of proper drainage throughout the entire property; and replacement of the front walk, stone steps and landings. The landscape plans called for bed preparation; transplantation and installation of new plant material (large trees; new shrubs, perennials, annuals); and mulch application, as well as oversight of lighting, irrigation, and fencing contractors. Their bid was in the middle, but since D & A Dunlevy came so highly recommended from our landscape architect (whom we have used in the past) we went with them and we are delighted with the result.
Could not have been better, as they surpassed even our high expectations. D and A Dunlevy has been a family business since 1982, and has the expertise to address the many facets of landscaping. Dave Dunlevy is an ISA Certified Arborist; his son Blake has a degree in Landscape Design. Their office staff (including family members) are responsive and professional, and many on their crew have been with them for years. Ours was a difficult site requiring specialized equipment to access the rear yard and the plans called for a high degree of ingenuity. (HVAC equipment needed to be temporarily relocated, for example, and they arranged to have it done quickly and efficiently.) The Dunlevy family conducted business in a timely and professional manner, and even pulled the required permits quickly -- a feat in DC! Their entire crew worked hard throughout the hottest days, and either Dave or his son, Blake, was on-site daily to oversee the operation. They not only returned phone calls immediately, but came out quickly when called. They did an admirable job on the construction -- their engineering and stone work were excellent -- and came up quickly with ingenious solutions for the few inevitable on-site problems. The bottom line: The Dunlevys set the bar high, take pride in what they do, and operate with a level of integrity that is, sadly, increasingly uncommon today.