FAQ Retaining Walls, Sprinkler Systems, and More!

*We strive to offer free estimates whenever possible.  However, certain estimates require a deposit or a consult fee.  Insurance quotes are a $75 deposit; Landscape Designs are free for an estimate, which will not include the plant list or drawing, but to receive the plant and shrub listing and the sketch will be a $150-$300 deposit (depending on the size of your property).  Both of these deposits are credited to the work at the time of work completion.  Second appointments for discussion of the same work is a $50 deposit.  All tree removal estimates given via photos will receive an on-site viewing to determine if the rough estimate is valid before proceeding with the work.

What do material costs include?
Materials listed on the estimate include the costs of the materials, including SC sales taxes and fuel / delivery surcharges.  We do not mark up our material pricing.

Do you complete sprinkler system repairs?
Yes.  We do not come out for estimate on repairs.  Our sprinkler system repairs are $75 for the first hour plus materials (1 hour minimum charge); each additional hour is $75 per hour plus materials.  If the sprinkler system is hooked into a well or lake-feed pump, there is an additional charge.  Minimum charge to pull a non-functioning well pump is $150. Most repairs are completed in 1-2 hours, but please ask for details regarding the sprinkler system repairs as each individual repair is different; these prices are a guideline.

Does mulch cause pest control issues like termites and cockroaches?
No, it does not.  Termites need constant moist soil and will dry out quickly when exposed to fresh air.  If your mulch bed is maintained properly, with a 1-3 inch depth of mulch; there will not be enough sustainable product for termites to live and survive.

Do you offer warranties on your sprinkler systems?
We offer a warranty on the workmanship for 1 year from the date of completion.  Any materials are covered for failure for 1 year, but are not covered if found damaged in any way (lightning damage, animals chewing the heads or drip line, cutting the heads off with a lawn mower, etc).  Adjustments and setting of the heads are done at the time of installation.  Any further adjustments are billed as a sprinkler repair.

Do you offer warranties on your live materials?
Due to circumstances beyond the control of Live Oak Services, LLC and our workers, such as weather conditions, over-watering, under-watering, chemical spraying, and other conditions that occur (such as animal damage, etc), there is no warranty given to any sod, tree, shrub, perennial, or annual plants, except that is healthy at the time of planting.  We are a small family owned company, without the large overhead that many full retail nurseries and home improvement companies have to cover replacements.  If an item dies, we will discuss possible replacement options.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, personal check, and credit cards.  (All checks must be drawn upon a local bank unless prior arrangements have been made.  For any credit or debit card transactions, a 3.5% processing fee will apply).

What are your payment arrangements?

All invoices and payment are due at time of completion for the work.  If payment is being made via credit or debit card, we "pend" the transaction before starting the work that morning to ensure funds availability; the payment will fully process at the time of job completion. Our work is estimated in sections and the sections completed are to be paid for on the day of completion; unless, other arrangements have been made in advance.  Any portions of work that are completed and not paid for at the time of completion may incur a $35 surcharge to cover time and gas for coming back to pick up the payment.  All estimates that were approved, via emails, text messages, verbally, or signed will incur a 15% cancellation fee of the total job cost.  Any materials that have been ordered by Live Oak Services, LLC will be charged at full cost and must be paid for, even if contract is cancelled (and the balance of the remaining contract will still incur the 15% cancellation fee).  Any materials purchased by Live Oak Services, LLC and delivered to our clients are non-refundable.  All materials must be paid for at the time of order (if advance order is needed) or if they are in stock at our manufacturers, at the time of delivery to our clients worksite; this is especially important regarding retaining wall materials.  Our normal method of payments is 1/3 of the labor down on the day we start,  1/3 of the labor halfway thru the project (if it is a large project), and the final 1/3 due the day of completion.  If any materials are delivered, they must be paid for at the time of delivery (unless prior arrangements have been made).

Our Notice to You
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation with our business policies. We are a small family owned business and do not have the large overhead that bigger companies carry, which allows us to offer our clients better pricing and customer service.  We are never more than a phone call or text away, 24 hours a day, any day of the year.  Please reserve the late hours for emergencies only.  We look forward to working with you, your family and friends, and neighbors for years to come! Please note that we have yard

**Please note: We have the yard marked for utility lines prior to work commencing but 811 does not mark any pipes (such as plumbing, drainage, gutter, sewer, etc), electrical lines, or anything else buried that belongs to the homeowner; it is the homeowners responsibility to inform us of any underground items that maybe within our working area.  We will not be held liable or responsible for any damage that may occur.  Often times, we can fix it, but may come at the homeowners cost for materials and labor.  Thanks!