Pruning crabapple trees + 2 others
Very unhappy with the job done on my crabapple trees last fall. The company brushed this off by saying it was a misunderstanding and they could only take 20% of the tree off without damaging it - too bad it was all on one side of the tree. Since they're the experts, I assumed they knew what a pruning and shaping meant and what a tree should look like afterwards but it doesn't seem so. They've practically ruined my beautiful trees. One is completely lopsided, the other slightly less so. I would never recommend this company to do any work. I would like to post a photo here but that doesn't seem possible. I've had these trees pruned in the past by another company and they looked great, very balanced and pleasing to the eye. The trees are in flower right now which is one of the reasons I wanted to wait before posting a review. Last year's pruning is just plain butchery. I could just cry.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $945.00
- What could this company do to improve their services?
- The staff they sent to prune the trees were clearly not trained to do so. I suggest they train their staff properly.
- Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
- Find a different company.
- Company Response
Hi Barbara,
I am very sorry that you were unhappy with the service you received. We have offered to return to your home on two occasions to preform additional pruning in order to correct the balance of your tree. The pruning that took place on your tree was quoted (and approved by you) to "deadwood and remove rubbing or low vigor branches, trim back from garage", and involved taking an additional large limb that you specifically requested on site as it was 'too low'. After doing this the shape was asymmetrical. To additionally shape the tree for symmetry would involve using topping cuts or removing an excessive amount of foliage, both leaving the tree more susceptible to disease.
I do not believe that our arborists would remove contributing and balancing branches without reason, regardless we cannot regrow the removed limbs. I truly understand the value of a ballanced tree and really wish there was something we could do to make this better for you. We have offered on two occasions to return to 'shape' the tree further under your direct supervision. We have also offered a discount on the work and have asked what we can do to make this better for you. All of our offers to correct this issue and appease you have been rejected. I am sorry that we cannot make this matter better for you. We truly strive to provide a great professional service.Sincerely,
Lisa Sullivan B.Sc.
ISA Certified Arborist
Owner / Operator
Sullivan Tree Service LTD.