Landscaper · University Place, WA · reviewed since 2017
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%70+38.2Reliability 24%61+14.8Value 14%69+9.8Replies to reviews 7%39+2.8Craft & service penalty57−4.3Momentum penalty88−1.2Experts Score= 60Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.60SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#20 of 22 retaining wall contractorsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 10%
4.6★★★★★42 Google reviews · 24 photos
90%five-star reviews
4.50★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Alvin's Landscaping holds a 4.6-star rating from 42 reviews, with customers frequently praising the company for punctuality, efficient project completion, and fair pricing on services like irrigation, retaining walls, and lawn installation. Reviewers highlight clear communication, professional conduct, and thorough cleanup as key strengths of the service experience. However, several low-star reviews cite a pattern of unreturned phone calls and delayed responses to estimate requests, indicating occasional difficulties with initial communication.
Google rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 42 reviews (90% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 42 Google reviews (32 with written comments, 8 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 2% of reviews.
Most recent review: April 27, 2026.
Service: Retaining Wall Contractor serving University Place, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 28, 2026.
Score profile vs other retaining wall contractors
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: replies to reviews.
Alvin's LandscapingRetaining Wall Contractors median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Alvin's Landscaping: 70/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.B
70
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Alvin's Landscaping: 61/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.B
61
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Alvin's Landscaping: 57/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.C
57
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Alvin's Landscaping: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.B
69
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Alvin's Landscaping: 88/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
88
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Alvin's Landscaping: 39/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.D
39
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
42 Google reviews we collected
4.6of 5
5 stars3890%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star410%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 32 written reviews
99%praise
Praise8599%
Complaints11%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price267%
Reasonable133%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Speed & response1922%
Quality & results1619%
Communication1416%
Would recommend1315%
Staff & attitude1214%
Price & value1214%
What customers talk about
We read 32 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We were extremely impressed with how efficiently the team worked to make our home look amazing.”
“The team did an absolutely outstanding job removing an incredible amount of pine needles, trimming all of our plants and trees, spreading beauty bark,…”
“We worked closely with Tony, who was extremely communicative, knowledgeable, and friendly.”
“10/10 service, we will absolutely be engaging this team again the next time we need any sort of landscaping service.”
“From the start, Alvin was incredibly knowledgeable, walking us through several options that fit our budget without sacrificing quality.”
“Alvin and his team gave us a fair rate for graveling our driveway, and was able to finish the job in 2 days!”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
What reviewers say about Alvin's Landscaping
From 24 detailed written reviews; every point below is quoted in at least one review.
Mentioned most: Quality of work (20 praise); Would recommend (19 praise); Speed (13 praise); Communication (9 praise, 1 complaint); Clean & tidy (10 praise); Explains clearly (8 praise); Responsiveness (6 praise, 1 complaint); Professionalism (6 praise).
Reported results: 2 exceeded expectations, 2 problem fixed.
Value for money: 3 said worth it.
Jobs reviewed: irrigation system (2).
Returning customers: 1 reviewers say they used Alvin's Landscaping before.
👍 “Absolutely outstanding job”
👍 “Was extremely communicative”
👍 “Knowledgeable, and friendly”
👎 “Waiting 4 months for any communication”
👎 “Has yet to respond to me”
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Alvin's Landscaping for 8 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Tanner1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We engaged Alvin’s Landscaping to get our yard ready for Spring. The team did an absolutely outstanding job removing an incredible amount of pine needles, trimming all of our plants and trees, spreading beauty bark, and doing an amazing job prepping our lawn.
We worked closely with Tony, who was extremely…
Great priceGardening servicesGrass seedingLawn landscaping
Jane8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
We recently hired Alvin and his crew to install a new front lawn, and the results are fantastic. From the start, Alvin was incredibly knowledgeable, walking us through several options that fit our budget without sacrificing quality. The team was professional, punctual, and highly efficient. What really blew us away…
Mai1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
Alvin and his team gave us a fair rate for graveling our driveway, and was able to finish the job in 2 days! If my husband had to do it by himself it would take us 3 weekends to finish! Ladies you know what I’m talking about. We’re so happy with the results, that we’re already thinking of hiring his company for the next project for this summer!
Tam5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
Alvin and his crew did a great job on building my training wall on the stove of my house. Price was very reasonable and the work was exceptional.
Great priceStone landscaping
Jimmy1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Alvin's landscaping did a large project for us including irrigation, retaining walls and pavers. From the start, Alvin was punctual, professional and very easy to talk to. He explained the process, payment milestones and expectations. The crew was very kind and aware as I am a bit particular about how I like things.…
Jon11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Loved working with Alvin and his team. They were quick, clean, and they over-delivered on quality and value. Definitely hiring them again for our next project.
We engaged Alvin’s Landscaping to get our yard ready for Spring. The team did an absolutely outstanding job removing an incredible amount of pine needles, trimming all of our plants and trees, spreading beauty bark, and doing an amazing job prepping our lawn.
We worked closely with Tony, who was extremely communicative, knowledgeable, and friendly. We were extremely impressed with how efficiently the team worked to make our home look amazing.
10/10 service, we will absolutely be engaging this team again the next time we need any sort of landscaping service.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Gardening services, Grass seeding, Lawn landscaping, Green landscaping, Driveway landscaping, Yard landscaping, Tree landscaping
Jane Myers8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jane has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We recently hired Alvin and his crew to install a new front lawn, and the results are fantastic. From the start, Alvin was incredibly knowledgeable, walking us through several options that fit our budget without sacrificing quality. The team was professional, punctual, and highly efficient. What really blew us away was how spotless they left our property once the job was done—you'd never even know they had just hauled in new soil! Alvin is officially our go-to landscaper.
Mai Nhung Le1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Mai has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Alvin and his team gave us a fair rate for graveling our driveway, and was able to finish the job in 2 days! If my husband had to do it by himself it would take us 3 weekends to finish! Ladies you know what I’m talking about. We’re so happy with the results, that we’re already thinking of hiring his company for the next project for this summer!
Tam Le5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Alvin's landscaping did a large project for us including irrigation, retaining walls and pavers. From the start, Alvin was punctual, professional and very easy to talk to. He explained the process, payment milestones and expectations. The crew was very kind and aware as I am a bit particular about how I like things. They finished a few days earlier than planned and the final results were amazing. I have also now started using him for small things and he always makes time to PICK UP HIS PHONE! If you're looking for quality work at a fair price, give this company a call.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Stone landscaping, Walkway landscaping, Concrete masonry, Gardening services
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thank you Jimmy! We're happy you can now enjoy your new backyard with the family.
Jon Green11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Loved working with Alvin and his team. They were quick, clean, and they over-delivered on quality and value. Definitely hiring them again for our next project.
Jim Sabuda11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jim has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Alvin and his team are fantastic to work with. Alvin took the time to really understand our goals with our backyard upgrades that included hardscape, grading, landscaping, fencing and irrigation. He proposed options that improved the design while still keeping the job within our budget. His team completed the job on time, on budget and great quality. Highly recommend Alvin and his team!
M. W.Local Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews M. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
For our re-gravel and clean/minimalist but welcoming landscaping project, Alvin was very friendly, responsive, and communicative. He answered my call the first time, came out for a free quote and design consultation first thing the next morning, and offered insights on ways we could alter our vision to save money (and future effort!) with multiple options. We were especially impressed by how quickly he sent a detailed, line-item quote (with options!) and got started on the work the following week.
His team was also very professional. Owning their own equipment meant no delays, and they showed up on time each day, working hard on a pretty labor-intensive job while keeping everything tidy. At the end of each day, our yard was clean and their equipment was stored/stacked out of the way. When the project was done, everything was left clean and trash free.
The finished project looks fantastic, and folks who drive by have been stopping to admire the work, and asking for Alvin’s number for their own projects! We're stoked with the end result and wished we found Alvin sooner! Six stars!
Chris Qin12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chris has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The most satisfying thing is to watch Alvin operating that mini excavator and get all work done smooth and steady. The quality of his landscaping skills are exceptional. Highly recommended!
Lynn ChadwickLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lynn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot possibly express what a great experience it is working with this company. Alvin is on site frequently. The communication is lightning fast. Every question was answered. I can’t say enough about the quality of the work. It is all so much more than I could even have dreamed of. They built me new steps, a retaining wall, a walkway, and installed a new sidewalk. The sides were cleaned up, weed barrier installed, and rock put in, it looks so clean where before it was an uneven hazardous mess. I have a new irrigation system, and they put down sod, plants, and high quality mulch. My new yard is not only beautiful, it’s practically maintenance free. Do not hesitate to hire Alvin, you will be so glad you did.
