top of page
-
Why should you choose South Central Landscapes?Simply put: because you're our priority. We know that your home is the biggest investment you'll make in your lifetime, and that investing your hard earned money into your property is a big deal — that's why we take the privilege of earning your business seriously. Quality construction and client satisfaction are our top priorities. We're highly detail oriented folks, and ensure that we take our time on each project to get things right. We stand behind our quality, which is why we warranty our work. If there's a problem, we'll work with you to rectify it — and you can actually get ahold of us! (We're highly responsive, so reach out anytime.) ​ We're happy to handle coordination with your builder or other contractors to make the process as smooth as possible. And rest assured, your bid will not increase upon completion. Should your project include variable costs, those will be clearly outlined in your quote prior to groundbreaking. ​ We think you should choose us because at South Central Landscapes, you're our top priority. Our approach of transparent communication means that we'll keep you informed about project updates at every step. Our high quality work speaks for itself, but if you'd like to talk to a past client for a referral, we've got dozens for you to choose from, and would be happy to arrange it. Ultimately, we value our clients like family, because we wouldn't be here without you.
-
Are you experienced & qualified to take on my job?Most likely. Here's why: We're hardscape experts – it's really all we do. From professional design planning to expert installation, we stick to what we do best: hardscape design + build. We're Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) certified and meet or exceed rigorous ICPI standards on all project installs. Doing things the right way ensures our paver installs stay flat and level for a lifetime. We're proud to offer a comprehensive warranty on all hardscape installations. Our small team of tenured staff have years of hardscape experience. We value regular continuing education to ensure we can continue providing a top-notch final product. Check out what our clients have to say about us by taking a peek at our 5 star review rating on Google.
-
Are consultations free?In most instances, yes. Request a Quote to get the ball rolling. The fine print: • Consultations & quotes requested to facilitate real estate transactions are subject to a fee. • Consultations greater than 40 minutes from our HQ in Cambridge, Wis. may be subject to a fee. In all instances, we offer a free preliminary virtual assessment via photos as a first step. Consultation fees will be credited back to the project should you wish to proceed. We also offer landscape inspections and assessments for real estate agents, home inspectors, buyers and sellers. Landscape inspections are a great option to receive a professional assessment on the structural integrity of hardscape elements (like retaining walls) and for identifying water management issues and solutions.
-
Can I speak to references or visit a past project?Sure thing. We're happy to facilitate contact with previous clients. In many cases, a site visit can be arranged.
-
Are you licensed & insured?We're fully insured in the event a problem occurs during construction. We're happy to provide you with a certificate of insurance upon request. Did you know that there's no credentialing or licensure for landscapers in Wisconsin? That's a bit of a scary thought, especially if you're considering structural upgrades like a retaining wall. Unfortunately, it's the Wild West out there with landscape contractors. As a consumer, it's important to do your research and find an experienced, reliable landscape contractor before making a commitment. If you have questions for us, ask away! With that said, we're a licensed Nursery Dealer in the State of Wisconsin simply due to the volume of plant material we purchase on an annual basis. We don't have a retail nursery.
-
What is your service radius?We primarily serve Dane & Jefferson counties in south central Wisconsin. We occasionally install projects in the Janesville and Milwaukee areas, too. We've completed installations as far as Minocqua, La Crosse and Platteville. We're happy to travel for the right project, but please note that additional travel and lodging expenses may apply for projects 90+ minutes from our home base in Cambridge. In these instances, we're typically working on highly technical installations that cannot be completed by local contractors to the area.
-
What does the process of working together look like?After you reach out to inquire about a project, we'll follow up promptly to gather additional details. We recommend using our Request a Quote process to get the ball rolling. ​ Next, we'll schedule a site visit. You'll meet with our estimator to discuss additional details about the scope of your project. ​ Once details and measurements are finalized, you'll receive will receive an itemized quote via email. If you received a virtual quote originally, we'll include any revisions to the quote based on the consultation appointment if necessary. ​ When you're ready to move forward, we'll send you an onboarding email with a comprehensive overview of our next steps. Part of the onboarding process includes e-signing our service agreement and submitting a project deposit. ​ Once the completed contract and deposit is received, your project will be scheduled. ​ We'll coordinate with Digger's Hotline to have the site marked for underground utilities and coordinate with other contractors if needed. ​ You'll be kept updated via email at every step of the way. From the initial consultation, to scheduling, to groundbreaking, and final notes after completion, we strive to provide complete transparency in communication and top-notch customer service so that our clients are always informed.
-
How do payments work?We use a three-step payment schedule as follows: ​ Payment 1: A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to hold your spot on our scheduling roster. Payment 2: Prior to ordering material and/or groundbreaking, an additional 40% payment will be due. Payment 3: Upon project completion, the remaining 40% balance will be due. ​ For projects under $5,000.00, we may opt to use a two-step payment schedule with a 50% deposit due upfront and the remaining balance due upon completion. We offer free online bank payments for your convenience. We also accept cash or check. Credit cards are accepted with an additional 3% convenience fee. We offer financing options through Acorn Finance. If your new construction property or home renovation is working on a draw schedule, we are happy to coordinate with your builder and title company regarding payment.
-
Do you offer financing?Yes. Please inquire for additional details.
-
What should I know about timelines & budgets?A rough timeline for groundbreaking will be provided once the contract and deposit is received. Some logistical considerations may be out of our control -- think things like weather, other contractors working on site, your HOA's approval process, etc. Variable costs or budgetary line items will be clearly outlined in your estimate if they are applicable to your project. Please note: we can't schedule projects until both the signed contract and deposit is received. This is a firm policy and we aren't able to make exceptions. If your new construction home is working on a draw schedule, we're happy to work with your general contractor and title company regarding payment.
-
Will this project impact my neighbors?It might. We know that construction can be disruptive – we strive to be good "neighbors" while we're on the job. Keeping our work site clean and tidy is a direct reflection of us as a company, and we know it's important to you, too. We clean up at the end of each day and strive to leave our projects as organized as possible. We try to park our trucks and equipment in ways that is minimally intrusive to other motorists. ​ If access to the project location requires us entering via a neighboring property, we'll discuss option(s) with you and we're happy to include your neighbor into those conversations, too.
-
How do I select material & design options?We'll include our standard options in your quote, unless you already have something specific in mind. We'll provide you with a physical catalog or online link for our standard options. With that said, we highly recommend you visit a local retail location to view options in person. Colors don't always translate accurately from photos. Leaders in the hardscape space for manufactured pavers & retaining block include: Unilock Belgard Techo-Bloc County Materials Corporation Rochester Concrete Products Our landscape lighting partners: Rejuvenation Lighting New York Encore Landscape Lighting TruScapes Landscape Lighting Our outdoor textile & furnishings partners: Palecek West Elm Four Hands McGee & Co. Pottery Barn Rejuvenation Blue Ocean Traders Williams Sonoma Home We provide white-glove service for all furniture pieces which include delivery, assembly and installation of furnishings. If you're interested in product catalogs, spec sheets or material data safety sheets for any project element, just let us know and we're happy to provide more information. (Pavers, brick, block, geo-grid, landscape fabric, drain tile fittings, etc.)
-
Can you help with planting design & care?No, sorry. The focus of our work is in landscape construction. We've chosen to specialize in designing and building custom hardscapes for our clients. If the focus of your project involves new plantings, a horticulturist or nursery designer will be better equipped to serve you.
-
Can you design and draft formal plans?Yes. Our landscape architect can draft formal design plans and 3D renderings for your residential hardscape project. You can view examples of our design work on our portfolio page. The average turnaround time for design work is 4-8 weeks. Expedited options are available. All design fees are due prior to drafting. We offer the following design packages: 1) Architectural Site Plan - $1,500 We'll draft a professional 2D site plan to help you visualize your project. Every detail will be thoughtfully considered and completely customized to your specific site and wishlist. 2) Architectural Site Plan + Illustrative Renderings - $2,100 We'll draft a professional 2D site plan to help you visualize your project. We'll take things to the next level by designing a series of photorealistic, full-color 3D images to provide you with an immersive experience. And of course, every detail will be thoughtfully considered and completely customized to your specific site and wishlist. Design process overview: ​ Phase 1: Site visit and consultation. ​ Phase 2: We get to work on your initial design package deliverables, including a linework site plan, 3D renderings and an installation quote. ​ Phase 3: We'll have a call to discuss your initial feedback and chat about revisions. ​ ​Phase 4: Designs and quotes are updated with the desired revisions and we begin project onboarding if you're ready to commit to the project's installation. ​ Phase 5: Additional revisions beyond the first set are subject to an hourly design time rate.
-
Services we DO NOT offerWe have dedicated our time and resources into perfecting our craft in hardscaping, and as such, we've established ourselves as experts in our field. Because of this, we do not have the ability to perform the following services that are sometimes offered by landscaping contractors: ​ Concrete flatwork* Deck construction Gardening assistance and maintenance* Gutter cleaning Lawn care and maintenance Planting design plans and suggestions Seasonal clean-ups Stump grinding* Tree removal* On-demand snow removal (seasonal contracts only) *We may offer or subcontract these services on a case-by-case if they fall within the broader scope of the desired landscaping project.
-
Concrete vs. pavers – what's right for me?Poured concrete, stamped concrete and pavers – there are a few important differences between the two that can help guide the decision-making process: PRICE A common misconception is that installing a paver patio or walkway is less expensive than using concrete. This is false. The cost of installing pavers is generally 2-3x more than standard poured concrete, including decorative and stamped concrete. Why? Labor: The process is significantly more labor intensive than poured concrete. Material: Segmental paving units (i.e. pavers) are more expensive per square foot over concrete. DURABILITY & LONGEVITY Professional grade manufactured segmental paving units must adhere to standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). As such, manufactured pavers must meet a minimum requirement of 8,000 psi. The typical strength rating for residential patios and walkways is generally around 3,000 psi. Meaning, pavers can withstand more weight and surface pressure. Most professional-grade pavers are manufactured using a face mix process – meaning, a coloring layer is present on the face of the paver. Meaning, over time with wear cause by vehicular and foot traffic, or accidental drop and dings, the base aggregate won't show through. With colored concrete, the coloring agent is typically applied as a chemical top coat, which is susceptible to fading and wear over time that may eventually expose the larger aggregate below. LONGEVITY Cracking in concrete is inevitable. It's not a matter of if it will crack, but when, and where. Just ask any concrete contractor. Pavers don't crack, in part due to their 8000 psi strength rating and in part because of the inherent benefits of the segmental installation process. All of our segmental paving units are installed to meet or exceed rigorous Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) standards. The most time intensive (i.e. labor intensive) part of the paver process is installing a proper base to serve as a foundation for a lifetime of flat, level pavers. The reality is that unfortunately, most concrete flatwork is not installed to these standards, which often results in sinking. DESIGN Pavers offer the most flexibility during the design process. From decorative borders to intricate design inlays, the possibilities are just about endless. This level of flexibility is not usually possible with poured concrete. Ultimately, concrete is the more economical option, but comes with a few drawbacks to consider. As a company, we've elected to specialize in the design and installation of segmental paving units (pavers) and don't offer concrete flatwork.
bottom of page