Carlos is definitely a hard worker, I have no doubt about that. I also feel that he quoted me a…read morefair price for my service, and wanted me to be a satisfied customer.
That said, I not thrilled with my experience. I used the tree grinder he recommended, and ordered a tree from the garden center he recommended, and the outcome was OK, but not amazing.
Carlos did a phenomenal job removing the old tree that I was replacing, I have no criticisms there. If you're just looking for tree removal, I can absolutely say he did great work.
As far as the stump grinder he recommended (Aaron G.), I don't know if that person was less diligent than Carlos, or if the sudden heavy rain we had in the middle of the job made it difficult to do a great job, or if he did everything right. What I do know is that the new cherry blossom tree that was replacing the old tree was planted higher up and closer to the sidewalk than the old tree it was replacing, and I can't help but wonder if Carlos had no choice but to work around the roots of the old tree.
Carlos did pick up the tree from Scottsdale Farm, and installed it the same day as the old tree was removed. While the tree looks healthy enough, Carlos brought two areas to my attention where he was concerned.
He asked if I had any roof primer (or something similar) to paint over the exposed area and protect the tree. I said I didn't, but that I would be happy to pay him if he could swing back by and apply what he thought was most appropriate to protect the tree. As he continued to look at the two spots on the tree, he told me he was concerned about the tree, and that if it was up to him, he would replace it. He said Scottsdale Farm was generally good about these things, and he would take photos, speak with them, and see what they were willing to do. He said he'd follow up with me the next day.
The week that followed this install is where I felt most disappointed. I had to repeatedly reach out to Carlos, who would generally say he'd respond later that day or the next morning, and usually did not. I spoke with Scottsdale Farm, who said they'd speak with Carlos and look at his photos when spoke with them. Ultimately, Carlos did call me back and say Scottsdale Farm said the tree was healthy, and they didn't see anything concerning enough to replace the tree. I again asked if he could swing by to apply whatever he felt was most appropriate to protect the areas of the tree we were concerned about, and got a yes, but Carlos never returned.
I believe Carlos was suggesting I get some bricks to put up a retaining wall near the sidewalk, but that wasn't super clear, and I was hoping to get some more clarity when he came back, and I genuinely believe he was intending to return after our post-install conversation. That said, the follow up just wasn't there.
I think this is a hardworking guy who means well, but I'm a bit disappointed in the follow up, and wish things had gone smoother both the day of the job and the days after.