A&T Tree

I would like to take the time to set the record straight in response to Ken's review. After coming out on time on the date that we settled and for a free estimate, me, Ken, and my business partner Tim, walked through his property after he indicated he wanted some 'trimming' done on the Longleaf pines behind his unattached garage. I told Ken I saw a lot of dead wood in all the trees we looked at (including two trees in front of the house) and that it would all need to be pruned out to reduce hazards in the trees. Ken then proceeded to tell us to give him our recommendations on the trees he indicated. Beyond removing deadwood in the pines, we also showed Ken a couple of pines that we recommended should be removed based on bad structure, defects, and wood decaying fungi on a root collar. Ken did not object to these recommendations as he said he was concerned about the well-being of his garage and the vehicles that would be parked behind it, underneath the trees in question. After we looked at all the trees and pointed out various situations to Ken, I told him that we would follow up with him and send him an itemized estimate. Keep in mind that our recommendations were for multiple trees that were pointed out by Ken, not just a couple. After this, Ken heads back to his house and Tim and I proceed to price the trees individually, then we leave.


Let's jump to the next day (Saturday, August 31st):

Saturday morning I go out to my work truck to find that it isn't starting and that it will need to go to the shop. As a result of our work vehicle being down, I knew we were at a halt in all operations. Because I had no idea how long it would be until we could get back in service I decided to tell Ken (via text) that we would not be able to take care of his trees. I wanted to be upfront and honest, and furthermore, not lead him along.
The resulting conversation between Ken and I lead no where fast. Ken felt that I was positively not wanting to send him an estimate at all nor do any of the trees. Neither were the case. I told him beyond a couple (not all that I previously recommended taking care of) trees, I would not be able to do the work for him because of our incapacitated work vehicle. Ken then proceeded to tell me he felt that we were wanting to remove all of the trees. This was simply not the case. I recommended removing two trees based on my professional evaluation as an ISA certified arborist. Apparently Ken knew better in this particular instance. Everything I recommended was necessary and in accordance with tree care industry standards. At this point Ken said he was confused about what I was telling him and said that I was as well. He then told me he would just fine another company and I told him that was fine but that I was trying to clarify if he still wanted the estimate. Ken then declined and told me to have a good day. Afterwards I received a notification from Yelp stating that Ken left a negative review based on his experience with us. Personally feeling the aforementioned was unwarranted based on the fact we did nothing except to be as professional as possible given the circumstances, I responded to Ken via text stating the same. Ken responded saying that 'our opinions were different' and to stop 'harassing' him or he'd report me for such. None of the aforementioned was legal or civil harassment. Ken clearly wanted the conversation to end and his mind had been made up. He didn't get what he wanted and reacted by pointing the finger at us and desperately trying to make us look bad. This my friends is why reviews for professional businesses are sometimes bad-for the business. In any other circumstance where we would have been in the wrong, I would have responded, taking responsibility for our errors, but this was simply not the case in this instance. As you can also see in Ken's review, he accused us of avoiding sending him an estimate so we could do storm work as a result of hurricane Dorian. That is laughable to say the least. We are in the business of plant health care, not chasing storm work. What is even more ridiculous is that Ken also accused us of 'casing' his property as if we were thieves or such!


In conclusion, I would like to allow Yelp users and prospective customers to determine whether or not Ken's review was warranted and if there was any "unprofessionalism" on our end (A&T Tree). We only strive to do better, create a better service, and keep our clients happy. We apologize for any inadequacy or deficiency on our end and hope that you will allow us to show you better individually.


Sincerely,

Adan Ayala

Co-owner/operator

A&T Tree

ISA certified arborist SO-7328A