Shape of the Earth

Serves Alameda, CA

35244

Hired 28 times

4 employees

27 years in business

Free on-site estimate

4.7

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.

Next Service

Hours

Sun Closed

Mon 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tues 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wed 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thurs 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Fri 10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sat Closed

Credentials

Background Check

David Shamanik
Completed on 2/26/2022

Introduction

Proprietor David Shamanik has been working with gardens in the Bay Area Since 1999. David will bring an artistic touch to your garden with lighting, shape, texture and creative materials. The work often includes irrigation, lighting, stonework/hardscape and water features along with design and plant selection. Shape of the Earth is always happy to add to our base of regular maintenance gardens where we do pruning, trimming, weeding and cleanups. Contact David to schedule an on-site consultation. Most estimates are free so you have nothing to loose.

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Price estimates can be more accurately given after an on-site visit. It’s just that simple folks.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I meet with the client and discuss the work or project in person.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have learned through mentors and extensive (30 years) on the job experience.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I started as an arborist nearly 35 years ago. Once I moved to California, I expanded to doing all aspects of gardening and landscaping.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Over the years I have done nearly everything for every type of client, specializing mostly in residential work. I've worked with new homeowners as well as lifetime residents and everything in between. Some have been tenants who don't own the property. There have been luxury retreat properties and small agricultural projects as well.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

Very proud of my work at 288 St. James Drive in Piedmont California.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Don’t trust a quote without the vendor seeing the property. Contractors will bid low on a job, sight unseen, then switch the price once the scope becomes more clear. This is called a "bait and switch", and is an unfair tactic that creates chaos and negative relationships. I won’t bait and switch so I have to see the property to give an accurate estimate. If you like the contractor, hire him, if you don’t, keep looking.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

How do you want to use the yard? (Very important) Kids? Entertain? BBQ? Fire pit? Hot tub? What's your budget. How much regular maintenance you can handle yourself, and how much do you want to hire out? What are some of your "must-haves" and "do not wants"? What problems have you had in the past and what do you want to avoid?