Publicity

Excerpt from July 2011 Southern Distinction article:

"College Pro Landscaping was founded in 1996 on the premise of quality customer service which is also reflected in the company’s slogan “Quality not Quantity.” That unwavering devotion to excellence is still the motivating factor in all aspects of the company. A multifaceted business that strives to meet customer expectations, they are familiar with all aspects of the landscape industry from the correction of simple drainage issues to providing comprehensive design for homeowners.

Picture of backyardCollege Pro views the environment as a tool that can be used to tailor spaces to each client’s preference. By creating custom spaces that clients can enjoy, they help transform the environment into an aesthetically pleasing experience. By mixing native plant material with exotic plants, they help to soften hardscapes and positively influence existing structures. They also exploit the use of lighting to create unique spaces that transform at night. Seasonal changes provide new opportunities to experience the landscape and College Pro designs with the seasons in mind. They create environments that are dynamic and continual producers of exciting textures, colors and scents, encouraging the process of discovery in the landscape.

Environmental discovery is created by the senses and College Pro uses every opportunity to engage as many as possible. They focus on the sense of smell most often, as scents are very important in internalizing environments in our mind favorably. Creating spaces that are pleasing to the olfactory system is an experience unique in itself.

The color palette is important in landscaping; color combinations can actually influence how people feel about spaces. Warm shades create excitement, while cool colors can evoke calm and order. Different effects can be achieved by combining textured materials alongside plantings. Subtle but effective accents can be achieved with stone, brick and stained concrete.

Water can be one of the most important elements in the landscape. Consistently connected to the feeling of cleanness, water refreshes the environment and can serve to revitalize our minds. The sound of running water drowns out all other sounds, helping to calm the mind and contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. Water features, also for wildlife, allow homeowners to interact with the environment, giving often surprising and delightful glimpses of nature.

Texture appeals to our eyes and our touch, and plants offer many types that can create an enjoyable display. The layering of textures allows for the eye to see spaces organized into different levels, helping to define spaces and serving as a backdrop for accent plants. These details may seem inconsequential individually but are actually essential elements which are part of an effective, stunning whole.

The staff at College Pro Landscaping is constantly searching for new ways to enable their clients to interact with the environment. Through the use of smell, color, sound, texture and water, the spaces they create come alive and allow clients to enjoy the discovery of their property in new ways.

The owners of College Pro Landscaping, Jamie Allgood and Matt DiPalma, have created a company that once only consisted of a few employees but now has grown into a larger more prolific enterprise. Even through the growth over the years, both Matt and Jamie are very active in the day to day processes of the company, often meeting with clients at their residences to ensure their needs are met. Jamie Allgood is the lead designer on staff. His 15 years of experience has been a collaboration of creative problem-solving, developing him into a qualified, articulate designer. Matt DiPalma is the maintenance manager. He ensures quality control and guarantees that the client’s property is well-groomed, creating curb appeal and increasing the value of the home. DiPalma has a drive for perfection and professionalism which he demands from himself as well as his workers and office staff. Only expert landscapers are employed to be sure each property is meticulously nurtured and that healthy environments are established.

Conscientiously supporting the Athens economy, Jamie also utilizes local businesses for his plant materials and building supplies, a philosophy College Pro Landscaping consistently practices. College Pro Landscaping is a proud supporter of local charities such as the Athens Home Builders Association, Habitat for Humanity, and local schools. Being a part of our community is very important to College Pro and we take every opportunity to enrich the community experience.

As a result of College Pro’s commitment to excellence, clients are pleased with their performance and are free with praise. One of the most common compliments is College Pro’s creativity while meeting budget constraints. The designers at College Pro make a conscientious effort to provide quality designs for all customers. College Pro frequently collaborates with local vendors to remain aware of pricing, availability and new products, so they can provide quality service to their clients. The maintenance department also receives high compliments on its attention to detail tail and commitment to perfection. They consistently are ensuring a high standard of excellence which allows homeowners to display a sense of pride and they happily and consistently report that they are creating envy among their neighbors.

As a yearly participant in the Athens Home and Garden Show, College Pro Landscaping repeatedly wins awards for creativity in design. The designers at College Pro know that the Athens area is highly competitive. How the designs respond to the needs of the environment and reflect the individual characteristics of the client is the driving force behind developing successful landscaping solutions. Versatile and accommodating, College Pro designs everything from small gardens to entire parcels of land. The designs created respond to the context of the site and advocate ecological solutions across a broad spectrum of aesthetic tastes - formal gardens and water features to English-style gardens and contemporary masterpieces. Using the latest software and equipment to implement their designs efficiently, College Pro provides their clients with concept drawings and illustrated plans to help communicate the ideas effectively.

College Pro understands the importance of treating customers as if they are family and management will not be satisfied until they have met the needs of their customers. The commitment to family is demonstrated by the treatment of our clients; all are treated with respect. Carrying the weight of gold, a good reference is worth all the effort as College Pro Landscaping prides itself on its reputation and communication. The office staff is available for any questions. Feel free to call 706.543.8575 or visit their redesigned website at www.collegeprolandscaping.com."

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Bentley Ruggles