Request Opinion About Landscape Architect's Professionalism

[CAT122255]

Can you please provide an opinion or direct me to someone who might give an
opinion?

I've paid in full a landscape architect who just told me his project went over
budget, consequently, he removed various trees/bushes that he planted on my
property, indicating that they were extras that he had given me (not a part of
the contract), because he can't afford to give them to me anymore. I'm
wondering if this is considered an acceptable practice for a landscape
architect. He's a very nice person and conducts himself very professionally,
but giving something and then taking it away seems unprofessional/unethical.
What do you think?

[Michael]

Hello Cat 122255:

I find your story strangely compelling. I do not think you were not treated fair
or professional
according to your story. It sounds very like shabby behaviour to me. You should
confirm that
this person is a registered landscape architect or is he a designer/contractor
calling himself a Landscape Architect. That in iteslf is illegal. Did the
(Landscape Architect) ask for additional monies for the extra materials that were
once considered included in his generous offer and then
remove the materials when none was forthcoming? It must have cost him more to
transport & plant and then subsequently remove, make good his disturbance,
retransport and restock the materials
than the materials cost themselves.

The best advice I could give you is to take your agreement (contract) and the
drawings
(considered to be part of the contract) to your lawyer for an opinion and / or to
your state chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (assuming you
are in the USA).

Best of Luck

Michael E. McGuire, CSLA