ComplaintsforBranching Out Tree Service

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We asked for Branching Out Tree Service to give us a bid to remove 21x Italian Cypress trees. Their bid came back as follows: Remove 21x Italian Cypress trees $2,400.00 Remove Cut low Stump Grind $1,500.00 ________ total $3,900.00 With an explanation that we could opt for all, or just a portion of the bid. We explained that because of the existing irrigation system, we wanted the trees just cut to the ground. They agreed to cut the trees to the ground level, Sent me an invoice #31423 for the $2,400.00 on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, and began the work on Thursday 21, 2021. Upon removing the first tree, the young man said that there were wasps in the trees, and that they found wires that were used to tie the limbs up. He left the job, and I got a call from the Manager, Eric, soon after where he informed me that they were going to have to figure out another way to do the work. After calling and leaving several messages, I was able to get through to Eric on Monday Nov. 1, 2021, and he told me that he would only be willing to finish the job if we pay him twice what he originally agreed upon.

  

  Business response

  11/02/2021

  We provided an estimate to remove 21 Italian Cypress trees and cut them low to grade for $2400 (day rate for a 4 man crew). Services were scheduled for October 21st at 7am. However, on the day of service we encountered 2 major issues that prevented our completion of this work as expected. The first and most important issue was the fact that all of these trees had metal wire hidden deep within and around the trunk. This was old wire from previous "wrapping" of the trees to maintain shape. As a result it was not possible to cut these trees into pieces and put them into a wood chipper as planned. It was destroying the chainsaw chains and chipper teeth. We also encountered several dangerous wasp nests within the trees. Due to these unforeseen circumstances we advised the customer that we would need to re-valuate our approach for completing this work and that it would result in a different price. 

  Customer response

  11/11/2021

   I have attached the signed contract made with Branching out tree service. The information therein was a proposal by them, and I agreed with their terms, and signed the contract. So far, they have only removed one tree, and still have 20 trees to go, in order to fulfill their side of the contract. Please encourage them to do so.

  

  Business response

  11/12/2021

  This bid was for a standard removal using a chainsaw and wood chipper. Due to unforeseen circumstances and safety concerns, a standard removal is not possible. There is metal wire embedded in the trunk of each tree that does not allow for a chainsaw or chipper to be used.  The customer did not inform the arborist of the metal wire when they discussed the bid over the phone. When the bid was given there was no way to determine if metal wire had been used in the past unless the customer disclosed this information. Additionally there were multiple wasps nests present in the tree at the time of service. When wasp nests are present, an exterminator is required to remove them in order for tree service to be preformed safely. We have made several attempts to resolve this matter with the customer. The only solution we can offer is to re-bid the work for removal using a third party crane service. A crane service would be the only possible way to remove these trees because they would need to be cut from the base and lifted into a trailer in one piece. The customer is unreasonable and does not accept our solution. We managed to remove one tree the day of service at the expense of several chainsaws. We have not charged the customer and no money has been collected for this project. 

  Customer response

  11/15/2021

   Nothing has changed on this job for either the customer or Branching out. The proposal was made by Branching out Tree service with a price of $2,400 to remove the 21 Cyprus trees. Since their first visit, all I have heard from them is that the job was too hard, and they wanted to double the price they quoted. I signed the contract they sent me on 9/7/2021, and they agreed to complete the Job on 10/21/21. They are in breech of the contract they proposed. There is nothing acceptable about this type of business practice!

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