“We are delighted to recommend that you include Dirt Clods Landscaping when considering a landscaping project. Marcus promptly responded to our initial inquiry with an on-site visit during which he listened to our vision for a major landscaping project which included resolution of drainage problems, deterioration of concrete entry steps and lack of curb appeal to a 100+ year old property located near downtown. At the conclusion of our first meeting it was clear we could communicate, exchange ideas, and that he understood our needs and vision. Following several on-site meetings we were able to agree on the scope and a fairly priced budget for this major project. With his knowledge of hardscape materials and carpentry he was able to provide a multi-stage implementation plan which allowed for some design changes contingent upon unexpected discoveries expected when digging into original 130 year old city lots (e.g. old livery stable foundation).

The result was an on-budget exterior transformation which exceeded our expectations in creativity, construction quality and design flexibility. All exterior terrain was landscaped, runoff diverted away from the house creating a dry basement, natural stone retaining walls created, lawn irrigation installed, new front entrance with landscape lighting installed, original brick sidewalk relayed all while retaining the original look of the front entrance to the home.

From the beginning the limited access to the property presented challenges and Marcus was prepared for every contingency. The Dirt Clods crew arrived promptly every morning at 7:30 and worked hard all day leaving at 5:30 with the property neat and clean to minimize impact on surrounding downtown homes and businesses. Marcus was present at all times not only directing the work of his crew and subcontractors but also doing much of the work himself.

He is a trained horticulturist who works with natural eco-friendly products, has solid carpentry skills and has an innate understanding for curb appeal. On several occasions he modified the stonework design because it did not meet his expectations. He integrated landscape lighting into the stone and wood entry steps so that it was not apparent.

Above all he consulted with us every day, kindly accommodated our change orders and together we found solutions on those rare occasions when unexpected issues were encountered.

Every day was a pleasure to work with Marcus and his crew and we look forward to working with him in the future to maintain this property. He has proven we can trust his judgment.”

—Gary Samuelson
—Lee Hubbell

“I appreciate and respect [Marcus] as a person and businessman. It was reassuring to watch [his] methodical approach to the project and a joy to know there are still people with integrity who take pride in their work.”

—Joanne Eckert

“It is easy to provide our enthusiastic recommendation for Dirt Clods Landscaping . We contacted Marcus for an estimate for a small landing off of our patio, and for a solution to some drainage problems that we had. Marcus was doing work for a neighbor, and stopped by after work on the same day we called him. He provided a range of possible solutions, provided samples of hardscaping materials, and offered suggestions to help us make decisions about the projects. After we decided on the plan Marcus provided a very detailed estimate for the job, and completed the work right on schedule and right on budget. He and his team have a fantastic work ethic, and clearly take pride in their work. Marcus has contacted us a couple of times since completing the work to make sure that we are happy with it. We certainly are! We have a number of other potential projects planned for the coming months, and we are certain that Dirt Clods Landscaping will be completing them for us.”

—Ric and Carol Steele

“We cannot say enough good things about Marcus Muhs and his landscaping company Dirt Clods! We saw a flyer in our local newspaper advertising the company and decided to give it a try. In addition to needing landscaping help, we were attracted by the name Dirt Clods! Marcus responded promptly to our initial phone call, came to our home, listened to what we wanted, and made some helpful suggestions. He brought us an estimate promptly, we accepted the bid, and he put us on his schedule. When he was delayed by weather and a more complicated than expected project before ours, he kept us informed by phone! He and his assistant did an excellent job of cleaning out old shrubs and planting new ones. He has been helpful since then – checking on the plants’ condition and answering our occasional questions. We highly recommend Dirt Clods for anyone’s landscaping needs!”

—Art and Barbara Thomas

“As a long time Lawrence resident, I have used a number of landscaping firms over the years. Dirt Clods Landscaping easily tops the list. A trained horticulturist, Marcus Muhs only uses the highest quality plants, has a great eye for color and contrast, and he keeps in touch to ensure that everything has worked out. He is thorough, always on time, and his charges are reasonable. I’m delighted to recommend Dirt Clods landscaping for jobs large and small.”

—Ted Wilson

“My wife and I contacted Marcus Muhs of Dirt Clods Landscaping when we needed to have a two-level deck repaired at our home. Unlike other contractors we invited to provide an estimate, Marcus responded to our inquiry promptly and came to the house to inspect the existing deck at the agreed time. It turned out that the deck, which was about 25 years old, had deteriorated to the point where it was more cost-effective to replace it completely and so we decided to enlarge it slightly and incorporate some higher-end details such as cedar planking, concealed fasteners and aluminum railings. We discussed the project and he provided a detailed plan of work and several estimates, incorporating different designs and materials, and conforming to local building codes. Once we agreed on a pretty ambitious design and obtained the appropriate permits, Marcus and his assistant set to work demolishing the existing deck and constructing its replacement, being careful to minimize disruption and cost. For instance, he shared a concrete delivery with our driveway repair company to avoid additional charges for a small delivery, and he took care to preserve (and even improve) an existing tool shed that shared some structural members with the original deck). While demolishing the deck, he found some rotted siding, which he also replaced at a very reasonable cost. The deck was inspected by the city at key points during construction and on completion and we are extremely happy with the final result. It is both sturdy and attractive and has been greatly admired by visitors to the house. We have recommended Marcus to friends and neighbors and would not hesitate to use him again for landscaping projects. He has proven himself to be skilled, hard-working, personable and honest. We recommend him and his work without reservation.”

—Stephen Johnson