Red Spade Environments

Red Spade does great landscape design and installation work. We've used them several times for lawn and landscaping, patio design and yard drainage. They translated our thoughts and priorities into a design that exceeded anything we could have envisioned. They kept the price reasonable, talking us out of some high-priced things in favor of lower-cost options. The work was executed professionally and with great attention to detail - including locating brick that had been out of production for years. They stand by the work, checking to make sure everything looks and works as planned once complete, as well replacing anything that didn't survive winter. The drainage work done in our yard solved a multitude of issues.

My firm has been working with Red Spade Environments for many years, collaborating on over a dozen projects. This collaboration has allowed us to coordinate our client's projects goals in the architectural process with the exterior landscaping; creating seamless, completed projects. Scott's visions compliment the architecture. He works closely with our clients' budgets and time frames as he integrates the exterior with the interior of the homes. Each solution is unique to the project. His staff is approachable and resourceful, with great client interaction.

We have used Red Spade for multiple landscaping projects around our yard and would certainly use them again should something else arise. Scott has a natural eye for landscape design. He has great vision with the ability to quickly take one look at an area and know exactly what needs to be done to achieve the right look. Red Spade's prices are reasonable and the workers are reliable and do good work. Scott is always available to inspect and ensure the work is done as he designed. Our yard looks so much better than before!

For many years we hired Red Spade for all of our landscaping needs. One day when Scott Freres, the owner of Red Spade, stopped by the see how the work was progressing (which he did much more than any other contractor we’ve hired over the years) and I told him we were getting quotes to have a porch built and new Haride siding installed, he said Red Spade did that and asked if he could give me a quote. I thought: “What do I have to lose?” Well, the answer was … I hired him, and we couldn’t be happier that we did. Our house is was finished perfectly (better than expected actually), on time and for less than he quoted. You tell me when that’s ever happened before in the history of contracting! Never! That’s when!

We've used Red Spade several times in two different towns and their work is inspired, their communications exemplary and their prices more than fair. Scott is a person with vision, imagination and he really listens to the client and tries to get inside their aesthetic zone. Honestly, we had multiple strangers come to our door in Glencoe to ask who was behind the stunning landscaping that so perfectly complimented our 1907 Arts and Crafts house. Years later and with a 1969 Balfour Ames Lanza "modern" house in Lake Forest, he created an Asian inspired floating bridge walkway, clad the ugly brick with Ipe and installed lights that make the place magical. Their carpenter is skilled beyond anyone we have ever used and a total perfectionist. Their stone work on the ravine side was strategic and beautiful and the new drainage solved problems we had struggled with for years. Our neighbors and friends can't get over the transformation and we are gob-smacked every time we look at it. Every member of Red Spade is someone I would be delighted to have in my house as a guest - honest, intelligent and completely dedicated to doing a stellar job. If you're thinking about something awesome rather than ordinary, you couldn't do better.

I rarely write reviews but I am so disappointed that I have to share my experience. I was given a business card from a friend and called to get a estimate for landscaping on a large commercial property. Called several times and was never able to reach someone on the phone (which should have been a red flag) and left several voice messages. Finally 2 weeks later was contacted and had someone come out to the property for an estimate. Explained what I was looking for and they wanted blueprints for the property (who asks for that?) but actually had them available which I provided. Now 3 weeks later have not heard back with an estimate or even a phone call. This should be an indication of the type of business Red Scape is running. I can't expect that they would be to complete the work If they cant even return a phone call or provide a quote! Just call back and say whatever. Terrible customer service!