Plum Valley Landscaping

- 25555 S Cottage Grove Ave, Crete, IL 60417

For many property owners in Will County and the greater Chicago Southland region of Illinois, the exterior of a home or commercial building is just as important as the interior. It provides curb appeal, utility, and an outdoor space for living and working. When looking to transform a yard or complete a major hardscaping project, a specialized contractor is essential. Plum Valley Landscaping, located in Crete, IL, operates as a specialized outdoor general contractor with a primary focus on being a professional Landscape Designer and paving expert.

Serving the local Illinois community, Plum Valley Landscaping is categorized as a Landscape Contractor and Paving Contractor. This dual focus suggests their expertise lies in both the soft elements of planting and design, and the durable, structural elements of hardscaping, such as patios, walkways, and driveways. As a company at the forefront of paving stone installation, they are known for creating segmental pavements, which offer both aesthetic appeal and longevity. They aim to be a dynamic leader in this expanding outdoor construction industry, offering services that enhance the curb appeal and functionality of properties throughout the region.

However, potential clients should note that public feedback regarding the company's operational standards and customer relations has raised serious concerns. Reports indicate a significant lack of accountability, poor communication, and unprofessional conduct from the management. Specifically, there are accounts of negligence regarding company vehicles on the road, resulting in property damage that management failed to address, and instances of highly unprofessional, aggressive behavior toward clients. These issues strongly suggest a need for caution when considering Plum Valley Landscaping for any project.

Plum Valley Landscaping is strategically located in Crete, Illinois, positioning the firm to serve the local community and the wider Will County area, often referred to as the Chicago Southland. This location provides them with a central base to dispatch crews for landscaping and paving projects across the region.

The physical office and operational base for the company is:

• Address: 25555 S Cottage Grove Ave, Crete, IL 60417, USA

In terms of physical accessibility, the location is noted to include:

• Wheelchair accessible parking lot.

This central address, near major routes, ensures they are well-situated for both commercial and residential projects that require the transport of heavy materials like pavers, construction equipment, and landscaping supplies, including TREES SOD, as noted in their commercial operations classification.

As a Landscape Designer and a contractor specializing in interlocking pavement, Plum Valley Landscaping's services focus on transforming outdoor spaces through both soft and hard elements. Their core offerings, as defined by their business classifications and industry work, generally include:

• Landscape Design and Construction:
  • Creation of custom landscaping plans that may include planting, garden design, and site planning.
  • Specializing in Landscape Contractors services for commercial and residential installation.
• Hardscaping and Paving:
  • Expert installation of Interlocking Pavers for various applications.
  • Construction of Paver Driveways, walkways, and entrance features.
  • Design and construction of functional and aesthetic Outdoor Patios.
  • General Paving Contractors services for durable outdoor surfaces.
• Commercial Services:
  • Design and installation services for larger-scale commercial properties.
  • Handling and transport of construction materials, including Construction materials and Agricultural/Farm Supplies (trees/sod).

The company specifically warranties its hardscaping work "from the ground up," indicating confidence in the longevity and quality of their paver installations and outdoor patios.

Plum Valley Landscaping presents itself as an experienced provider in the local Illinois construction market, with specific attributes highlighting their business model:

• Paving Stone Installation Specialization: They assert their position "at the forefront of paving stone installation," focusing heavily on segmental pavement solutions for driveways, patios, and walkways. This specialization means they are equipped to handle complex paver designs and structural outdoor installations.
• Commitment to Workmanship: The company promotes its work by stating they "warranty our work from the ground up," a feature that, in theory, offers peace of mind regarding the durability of their hardscape projects.
• Portfolio Availability: They are willing to provide a list of completed projects for clients to "drive by to determine if a paving stone driveway, walkway or front porch gets you excited," allowing potential customers to visually inspect the quality and style of their previous work before committing.

However, it is crucial to address the significant and negative public feedback which acts as a counter-highlight:

• Negligence and Lack of Accountability: Management, including Tim Van Baren and Don VanBaren, has been cited in public reviews for failing to take responsibility for negligence, specifically a company truck operating unsafely and causing property damage (a cracked windshield). Repeated phone calls and messages were ignored, demonstrating a severe lapse in basic business ethics and customer relations.
• Unprofessional Conduct: An additional review highlights the owner's "nasty rude yelling" and "erratic and manic" behavior on a client's property, suggesting a highly unprofessional and volatile approach to conflict resolution and customer requests. This is a critical indicator of poor customer service and a concerning work environment.

To inquire about landscaping or paving projects with Plum Valley Landscaping, or to address concerns, the company can be reached using the following details:

• Address: 25555 S Cottage Grove Ave, Crete, IL 60417, USA
• Phone: (708) 672-5500

For residents and commercial entities in the Illinois region, choosing an outdoor contractor should always balance service specialization with professional integrity. On the surface, Plum Valley Landscaping offers compelling specialization in high-quality Interlocking Pavers and Outdoor Patios, which is a key need for many Illinois homeowners and businesses. Their focus on segmental pavement and their stated commitment to warrantied work are attractive features for those seeking durable, well-constructed hardscapes.

However, based on multiple severe public accounts, the choice to hire Plum Valley Landscaping comes with substantial risks concerning customer relations, accountability, and professional conduct. The recorded instances of management (Don and Tim Van Baren) ignoring property damage claims, coupled with reports of erratic and rude behavior on a client's property, paint a picture of a company whose integrity and professionalism are highly questionable. In the competitive Illinois market, where professionalism and trust are paramount for a general contractor, these ethical and operational failings suggest that other, more reliable and respectful contractors should be considered for projects requiring significant investment in property landscaping and construction.

Plum Valley Landscaping

25555 S Cottage Grove Ave, Crete, IL 60417, USA