The Snapshot
Why did you look for a contractor?
Tree removal for a dying oak.
Why did you choose this particular contractor?
Complete customer service and flexible pricing.
How do you feel about the results?
6 stars out of 5! They were that great!
If a friend asked you for a referral, what would you say about this contractor?
I would hire them again in a heartbeat and recommend them to anyone who needs a tree cut down.
The Full Scoop
No doubt about it, the top of my enormous oak was dead. It was in such bad shape that I needed to have it completely removed. While I was at it, I wanted to get several other trees trimmed.
Seven or eight different contractors came out here to give an estimate. Eric of Jeovani's Lawncare & Tree Service, the last one, was higher than the others, which put me off.
The picture changed, though, when he asked, “What’s the price everyone’s giving you?” I told him I’d been quoted $2500-2600 for tree service that included:
- Removal of the oak.
- Pruning several trees in the back yard.
- Trimming the front bushes.
When he responded by lowering his bid a couple hundred dollars, I said, “Okay! You got it!”
Of course, it didn’t hurt that he promised, “My people will clean up all the mess they make. Your yard will look just like it does now, minus the tree.” He was also adamant that when the crew came out, I’d just have to describe what I wanted and then leave it totally in their hands.
When they came out, they had a basic scope of what they were supposed to do. I explained exactly what I wanted. After asking a few questions: “Where do you want your mulch? Where should we stack your wood?” they were like, “No problem, we got this.”
I didn’t have to stand over them. Instead, I stayed in the background, taking videos and sending them to my son … who said, “OMG, they’re like a beast! They’re taking that tree down in no time.”
They didn’t play around. While some of the guys were cutting the tree, one was mulching, and another one cleaning up. They were great!
Their best qualities:
- Had a very professional attitude and a great work ethic.
- Showed up on time.
- Were organized.
- Cleaned as they worked so it wasn’t a mess when you went outside. I could walk in my backyard at any given time. They left no footprint other than a little sawdust from the tree.
- Didn’t damage my neighbor’s picket fence or dirty his yard.
- Were very well-mannered. Didn’t use any abusive language.
- Took care of everything!
What advice would you give to other homeowners based on your experience?
Get referrals and interview different people. Find a landscaping contractor who will listen to what you want but also has the initiative to take care of the job without your constant supervision.
