Schmechtig Landscapes

Needed to solve a more than 20 year old landscape design problem with the front of the house. Had tried to solve my landscape design problem on my own over the past 20 years but just couldn't solve the issue of drainage and cluttered look. Discussed a solution with Schmechtig Landscapes Design Team and we synced in a way which created a well engineered design plan for the new plantings, granite boulder drainage wall, new stone front door step area/walkway, and additional upgrades for water drainage from the roof.

The weekly crew members who perform maintenance such as cutting the lawn are always very polite and friendly. They do a reasonably good job. The special projects employees did a great job last fall with a large landscaping improvement plan. They worked hard and set up an automatic watering system that helped a lot during the drought. Ling, the landscape architect, clearly knows how to select plants that will thrive in less-than-idea conditions (shade and lots of tree roots). Our lawn has been completely transformed and looks so much better already. I can hardly wait to see how the flowering trees and bushes will look this spring and summer. Matthew, our account manager, does a great job in resolving issues and communicating. I recommend Schmechtig Landscapes.

We contracted with Schmechtig to significantly improve the landscaping in our front yard. It was neglected for a long time and did not look nearly as nice as it should. Ling Ji, a landscape architect with Schmechtig, came to take a look. She made some recommendations based on the significant shade and the large number of tree roots on our property. After listening to our requests and preferences, Ling made a number of changes to her original plan. She made sure to select plants that would do well given the conditions. The project has just been completed, and it looks great! Throughout the project, Ling made suggestions regarding placement as well as some last-minute suggestions based on what the village would and would not permit. Now we have a beautiful yard with a new retaining wall and gorgeous stones here and there. We have several new trees and shrubs as well as other beautiful plants. It’s so much prettier now! Ling’s knowledge of plants of all kinds is thorough, and she has outstanding design skills. The variety of plants in her design, including textures and layers, is amazing. Throughout the project, Ling communicated with us about upcoming stages and how to care for the plants. She has a thorough knowledge of landscape architecture and design. We could not be happier with the end result. My husband and I highly recommend Schmechtig Landscapes for any landscaping project.

Ling and her team are the best of the best. When I first saw the work being completed, I was truly taken aback by the transformation. Our property needed a complete overhaul and it was completed above and beyond our expectations. Ling and her team do a wonderful job of ensuring that any plants that you would like to keep are reused and nothing is put to waste. If you don't have an idea of what you want down, they will help you develop a vision. If you have a vision, they will make it happen! Once everything was done in our yard, we decided to make a few changes and the team was extremely gracious and helpful to ensure that everything was exactly to our liking. I cannot recommend Schmechtig enough. Our neighbors consistently comment on the transformation. And most importantly, we now have the garden and yard that we had always hoped for.

I have worked with Schmechtig for the past 4 years and engaged them for both landscape architecture, lighting, irrigation and ongoing maintenance (as well as snow removal). Suffice it to say, I have experience with them across multiple services and years. Although I enjoyed working with their design people (very pleasant and knowledgeable), I cannot say anything positive about their ongoing service and maintenance. They are happy to bill you quickly and at full market prices, but the quality of their maintenance crews is laughable. Effectively, they are a mow & go company while charging full service. I continually found large weeds in my beds that even a cursory look would find on the same days that the crews visited. I reached out the supervisor (who was a nice guy) but nothing improved. And this was a complaint I expressed over several seasons. I also engaged Schmechtig on to water all my lawns and flower beds and although they happily charge me for that service (start up in the spring), the lawns and beds look awful. Dead flowers and sprinklers heads that are not working. In a last ditch effort I wrote a direct email to the owners of the company and rather than taking the time to respond, they had their maintenance guy follow-up with me (which I had reached out to initially to express my frustration). I started this relationship with high hopes, but I am utterly disappointed and would advise you to go elsewhere.

They are the best landscaping company - ever. Our yards have transformed and it has changed our entire home life with the beautiful landscaping projects they have done. They also do an incredible job at maintenance. We love working with them!

We have used Schmechtig for over 20 years. They do awesome work. We use them for spring and fall cleanup, along with scheduled grounds maintenance. They also fertilize our lawn, do weed and grub control, and in addition aerate the lawn. We have also used them for reseeding our lawn, as well as dormant winter pruning. Their staff is first-rate and we highly recommend them.

Reputable and dependable. Quality work. Have serviced my property for almost 20 years. Full range of services offered.

Did a fabulous, professional job of installing drain tiles on the side of the house to the backyard. It had been a big watery mess for years and now it is dry and perfect. Took two to three days. Cleaned up after themselves and left everything looking great. Highly recommend. Also, removed a side of a fence and filled in the holes. Very happy!

I have been a customer for many years. I have always found Schmechtig to be responsive and responsible. They do quality work and on the rare occasions when I find something that has been done wrong, it is promptly corrected. They also are very good at bringing things to my attention that I would never have noticed.

This was our first year using Schmechtig for our weekly maintenance and also one special project. They did a fine job on both.

Been using Schmechtig for seven years. They are in the top tier of landscaping firms in Chicago. Truly one of the best.