Rated 3.52 / 5 from 31 reviews
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Greenwise Greenwise opened its doors in the Evanston community in 2007 and have since established our reputation as the leading sustainable landscape company in the greater Chicago area. Greenwise believes in beautiful landscapes that sustain you as well as the life around you. Your landscape is an opportunity for you to enjoy the natural world, relax, and find sanctuary.

Your garden can be your solitude, your entertainment, and your connection to the vibrancy of life. This means that a quality landscape should not come at the expense of your health, but contribute to it. A high quality landscape does not pollute the environment, it supports clean water, soil, and air.
Services
Snow Removal
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The Chicago region averages between 30 and 55 inches of snowfall every year. This translates to about 15 to 25 snow removal visits per season. Additionally, Chicago experiences about 30 days when hazardous, icy conditions exist. Due to the changeable weather patterns in our service area, the Greenwise team of professionals carefully monitors forecasts for inclement weather.
Maintenance
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You can breathe easy and avoid noisy maintenance visits by using Greenwise eco-friendly lawn and garden services. We implement the latest technology of efficient, clean, and quiet landscape equipment. Our commercial grade, propane mowers run 8000 times cleaner than conventional mowers and our handheld low emission, low decibel, blowers are certified by the EPA.
Fertilization
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We realize each lawn is unique. As such, Greenwise will help you customize an organic lawn care program that suits you and your property specifically. We take into consideration your needs, goals and budget to craft a plan that is as sure to satisfy the ecology of your space as it is to satisfy your pocketbook.
Design
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Sustainable means accomplishing today's goal while protecting the earth for tomorrow. Sustainable, or green landscaping, is a way of designing and maintaining yards, gardens and landscapes in a way that reduces harm to the environment, provides healthier places to work, live, and play, and saves time and money by offering reduced maintenance.
Reviews (31)
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Uzma N.
Jun 15, 2022
My rating is exclusively for the service and efficacy of the all natural cedar mosquito treatment. Last summer we used a service that used a pyrethrin-based product and found it very effective but I didn't feel it was entirely safe and wanted to try a less toxic product. We have now used the cedar treatment offered by Greenwise for a month and it's been fantastic at deterring mosquitos.

We are in our yard all the time without applying bug spray, and feel at ease with our kids and cats coming into contact with the product. Also, the cedar smells absolutely fantastic upon application. Greenwise has so far been here every two weeks as scheduled for application, and have done a thorough job spraying the front and back yards. Would highly recommend this service and the use of cedar oil as an effective mosquito repellent!
A. P.
Jun 13, 2022
Upon initial contact, this company was very responsive sending a service person (Mike Wright) out to my property to provide us with an estimate for lawn services, which included weed management in the back yard and grass installation in the front yard. This all took place on May 6th. The same day I agreed to have the services completed via email for a grand total of $1485.00 After this initial contract and agreement on 5/6,, I was told that the job would be started within 7 to 14 business days.

I did not receive any information after this so I followed up with Mike on 5/16 to be told that the scheduling manager was out and that Mike would check the schedule and get back to me. Four days later I received an automated email notification stating that initial service was scheduled for 5/23, weather permitting. The weather on 5/23, 5/24 and 5/25 was sunny and dry.

No one showed up to complete a service. Instead, on 5/26 I found a card notification in my mailbox that an individual named Tito performed an initial weed management service. I work from home, I have two dogs that bark incessantly if anyone comes near the house. My office is located in the back of the house facing my back yard. I was at my desk the ENTIRE day.

I saw no truck in my driveway, no service person on my property, and my dogs did not alert me that there was anyone on my property. There is absolutely zero evidence anyone was here with the exception of a card in my mailbox that anyone can drop in the mailbox by driving by. I emailed and called Mike and was emailed back in writing that I would not be billed and that my service contract for any future work is cancelled.

To my surprise, I received a $96 invoice on June 9th, AFTER I was told that I will not be billed. I contacted Mike and for a second time, he stated that he will be voiding the bill. Abby, the other individual I have been communicating with via email about this issue, stated that Mike had to obtain permission prior to voiding a bill. How is this the customer's problem if your staff cannot communicate clearly?

I was misled after being told I will not be billed, and then receiving a bill. At this point, Green Wise is insisting they were here, and completed a service. I was emailed a GPS screenshot showing that someone was supposedly on my property on 5/26. The problem is the GPS screenshot does not even list the correct house address, but they are insisting that they completed a service on my property and that the GPS only shows a radius. So, basically they are saying that their customer who was willing to fork out close to $1500 for lawn care is lying to save $96. Seriously? Stay clear of this business as they completely unprofessional and shady.
Sm T.
Dec 09, 2021
Green wise does an amazing job, when they actually pick up the phone or get back to you via email. I was warned by another customer about how bad their customer service was and not should I listened to that advice. Very frustrating when they continuously move your service out but the do not follow up when you ask for an update. Also, no follow up after conversations about a new service plan which would increase THEIR revenue. SMH. It's too bad because I truly believe in organic lawn care and safe practices for the environment but I'm considering moving services. This is a headache.
Kk P.
Dec 05, 2021
Still waiting for my design and proposal from Spring 2021.it's now December. The employee came out and said he would get back to me. I guess they don't need the business.
Arie W.
Nov 19, 2021
You pay a premium for organic lawn care and you expect to see some results. The previous owners did not take care of their lawn and we had our work cut out for us. We hired Greenwise and our lawn looked exactly the same a year later. There was still a ton of weeds, crabgrass, etc. You name it, we had it. We wasted a lot of money on nothing, we ended up hiring another local landscaper to cut our lawn and Turfcare to take care of our weddings and seeding and now we are seeing a huge difference. Don't waste your time or money.
Mallory C.
Nov 09, 2021
Very professional service with great organic products/services to offer. They know a lot about their craft.
Andrew M.
Nov 08, 2021
So far used them for some landscape design (including planting a tree), lawn maintenance, hardscape weed remediation, and cedar oil bug spray. I typically contact them over email, and they've been quite responsive. I initially started out with one service and realized I needed more over time. This is the first time I've had to deal with over an acre of land. I greatly appreciate the green approach as it keeps toxins out of the lake. Lawn as been looking really good. Will definitely continue using them next year.
Joshua S.
Oct 19, 2021
I seem to be having the same issue several others have had. Greenwise set up an appointment to come out to give me a quote, I made the effort to get away from work to be there to meet with them. I was told that I would have the quote within the week. and I think that we know the story from there, never got a quote! I emailed them asked again for a quote, they wrote back that they had several quotes to get out and that I should have it in a day or two.

Now after more than a month, still no quote, nothing. Im assuming this a good indicator of how reliable their business is, zero follow though. They didn't have a problem wasting my time, probably wouldn't have a problem wasting my money either.
Stephanie L.
Oct 16, 2021
I've never reviewed a business before but we could not be more disappointed with this one. We hired them to redesign our front bed and re-do our lawn front and back. We paid thousands and were left with the most underwhelming flower bed, actively lowering our property value. The plants are completely undersized for our dwelling. Months later they continue to look thin and sickly.

We would have been better off DIYing it at Home Depot. Despite completely ripping out and re-seeding the yard it looks exactly as it did prior to paying for many expensive treatments. And beware every fertilizer treatment will leave your patio and furniture covered in a disgusting brown substance that will attract flies for weeks.
Ellen M.
Sep 01, 2021
I rarely write a review but we have had such a bad, expensive experience with his company. I have repeatedly reached out and rarely get a phone call back. Our lawn is nothing but weeds and looks horrible. ALL they do is cut lawn. No weeding etc. even though they charge your for it and sat they do. Save your money and stay away!
Devon M.
Aug 30, 2021
We have a yard full of weeds, Creeping Charley and almost no grass. "Lawn care" to this company means mowing the grass so low that the lawn is burnt and brown and absolutely nothing else. We have called and emailed and called and emailed and called some more to inquire about the weeds and to have some bushes and ivy removed, and we have not ever heard back from anyone from the company, not once.

We bothered to reseed some of the horrible lawn ourselves and the company rode right over it with the ride-on mower, sucking all of the new baby grass up because apparently bald patches of lawn with newly sprouting grass is not recognizable by a lawn care service. Don't bother with this company. They do NOTHING but mow. Save yourself a headache and hire a real lawn and yard company that has some idea about actual lawn care because the "service" is non-existent and our lawn looks absolutely HORRIBLE. The pictures below were taken today. Crab grass, Creeping Charley brown burnt grass and bald patches and pretty much nothing else. And we have to pay them for THIS.
Jackie L.
Jun 22, 2021
Our lawn has never looked better (even in this Spring of little rain). And we appreciate how the feed and fertilizer is safe for our dog. We've been a customer for over 10 years. The lawn technician even remembers our dog's name!
Donna M.
May 15, 2021
Waited over 2 wks for their quote on a landscape project. They never got back to me! That's not good business, in my opinion. Finally, I gave up. I went with another company that was very professional and more responsible and ended up doing a fabulous job.
Jacob B.
Apr 22, 2021
First time hiring a landscape crew, and Marcos has been amazing to help guide us through this service! Love what the company stands for, and their work is beyond great!
Stephanie O.
Apr 17, 2021
Mike came out to quote my project over two weeks ago and said he'd be back in touch with a proposal by the end of the week. A week passed and I called the office to inquire and they said they'd reach out to him and have him send the quote. Another week passed with no communication. I called again yesterday and was promised a quote by the end of the day, but not surprised when I didn't hear from them.

If you're going to come out to quote and waste both my time and your time, please follow through with a reasonable expectation of when you'll quote and stick to it, or a polite declination of services, especially when I've repeatedly reached out for it. ** Update: about 4 days later I did finally get the quote, but won't be using them.
Rachel V.
Nov 03, 2020
10 million stars. We bought a house w large yard with a lot (a LOT) of creeping Charlie etc 4 years ago. The neighbors spray toxic chemicals and I would not allow that on my yard. Switch to greenwise, and I have the best grass on the block, period. And it's safe for my kids and pets and the wildlife. I can lay ON the grass in the sun and enjoy it, truly.

No it's not always super easy to communicate through the office, but I am a very small job, and have very small landscaping projects, but still get top service even when things get a little screwy (I am complicated, and cheap). You just have to reach the right staff member to deal w different issues. Bonus we get cedar oil sprayed for insect deterrent which makes everything smell amazing too.
Rob K.
Oct 09, 2020
The Greenwise crew did an excellent job clearing the dirt from our foundation (a narrow, 4' 25' strip on the side of our house). They completed the job quickly and the site looked great afterwards. We recommend them highly and will hire Greenwise again for our spring lawn care projects.
Connie Y.
Oct 03, 2020
After using many companies over the past 10 years, I started with Greenwise because they used organic materials and that's very important to our family. Their people are very knowledgeable, the men who come to cut and trim are extremely nice and easy to communicate with. I couldn't be more pleased! Highly recommended
Shamontiel V.
Aug 23, 2020
I came outside on Friday, and some random guy was in our lawn with his two-wheeler. I was confused about why he was there. We'd already hired another gardener. I'd already set up a schedule for fertilizer, weed removal, watering, tree removal and soil/seeding with another company. Then here's this random guy who I don't know just moving around in our lawn like someone asked him to be there.

I asked who he was, and he said he was from Greenwise. Even after I have, in print, that we canceled future services with them, this company is still sending out workers. And once again, they felt the need to tell NO ONE that someone was coming. This was my bone to pick with this company the first time. They communicate with each other, but not their customers. Stay out of our lawn now, please.
Alysa S.
Jun 03, 2020
Today I removed my prior review, and I am replacing it with a new review. I had been unsatisfied with my fall clean up and delays with my spring clean up. Some of this was due to things out of Greenwise's control (rain, a lot of water in our yard), as well as communication issues. I work with Marc who I adore and who is passionate and so knowledgeable about landscaping, he reached out to me when he knew I was unhappy.

He said he was committed to making things right, he followed up with me regularly and now a month after having reached what had been my greatest frustration, I am happy to say Greenwise came through. Our yard and gardens look amazing this spring. We have signed up for their natural mosquito treatment and are in the process of exploring options for another large project with Greenwise.

I respect and value a company that makes things right. I appreciate the amazing customer service I received. I believe in their mission for lawn care, and I am happy that I hung in there with them.
Steve H.
Aug 06, 2019
This is a company that presents itself as "organic" - it's even in their name. However - they continually, purposefully, willingly and knowingly use their obnoxious gasoline-powered leaf blowers disregarding local restrictions. These devices are banned by city ordinance in Evanston during the summer months. Greenwise knows the ordinance as they are an Evanston firm and have acknowledged it.

But as of this writing they still use gasoline blowers. However, like many local landscapers - they continue to use these blowers unlawfully causing noise and environmental pollution. Using these blowers is hostile to the environment and the community. It's also irresponsible, unethical, and unlawful. The Greenwise marketing messaging is very eco-friendly.

Unfortunately though, the actions of their employees do not align with their brand's message. Directly from the Greenwise website: "No noisy blowers. No exhaust fumes. No toxic chemicals. We use clean, efficient and quiet garden and landscape maintenance equipment. And while we don't make as much racket as the other guys, our statement is loud and clear: we're committed to bringing out the best in your property, along with a sustainable service you can feel good about.

Everything we do supports and protects the environment. Think electric and propane mowers that run 8,000 times cleaner than conventional mowers and low emission, low decibel blowers that are certified by the EPA." Based on what I've witnessed - this is just not accurate. Practicing what is preached would be welcomed. It all sounds great and reads wonderfully and provides a nice warm fuzzy. Unfortunately, the reality is Greenwise use gasoline blowers that can be heard blocks away - which violates Evanston code and contradicts Greenwise's own advertising.

If you care about the environment and bot contributing to noise pollution - please do your research before selecting a landscaping provider. Disclosure - I am not a customer of Greenwise and I make no claim on the quality of service they provide. However, many houses in my neighborhood are Greenwise customers, so - their work trucks and workers and heavy equipment are plainly audible to anyone within a block when they turn on their blowers.
Anne
Nov 22, 2017
We are very pleased with Greenwise. They always keep us updated about when they are coming to mow or fertilize and our yard always looks great
Catharine
Oct 09, 2017
Yes, I have referred two neighbors to you, in the past years, next door and across the street and will be happy to do so again.
Lynne
Jul 23, 2017
Wonderful re-do of our herb bed, from excavation through replanting and with new stacked wall. service was excellent - all our old plants are flourishing in their new home. highly recommend.
Beata Welsh
Apr 27, 2016
We had Greenwise in for a special spring clean up and they were super. In a previous life, I worked in the green industry and I know a great job when I see one.
Daniel Steindler
Apr 08, 2016
Marc and the entire Greenwise team are amazing! From snow removal to landscaping to building patios they get it done at a great price and with great quality!
Anne Berkeley
Apr 07, 2016
We have been using Greenwise services for over four years. The garden maintenance and horticulture crews are friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and responsive to requests. I've used several other companies over the years and found Greenwise to be the best.
Ben
Mar 31, 2016
The Greenwise team has been helping us care for our lawn and garden for many years and we have been most pleased with their work. Our lawn looks lush and healthy without harmful chemicals. When we moved into a new home, they helped us design the garden and it looks great.
Katharine
Sep 27, 2015
We are so grateful to Greenwise for supporting our youth program fundraiser with a complimentary all-natural mosquito treatment. They came through for us, and helped make it a beautiful and successful evening!
Amy Starkoff
Jun 29, 2015
We have used Greenwise for 3 years, and we have the most beautiful and healthy lawn on our street. Marc and the entire Greenwise team are always so responsive, and I trust their judgments and opinions.
Freddy Oldenburg
Oct 15, 2014
Marc came over to our house for a free estimate on a few projects for the house that included a large flower garden, new sod and leveling on the backyard, and more. We were blown away by his ethics, customer service, ideas generated/brainstormed, helpfulness, and willingness to work with us and our budget.