Did not follow what we had discussed, claiming it was necessary for the "health of the tree". If that's the case, then tell me that before you spend my money. We had asked that he cut the tree down 2-5' all around. That definitely did not happen. When I complained, he kept asserting that it had, and that there's only so much they can do for the health of the tree. I know the tree as not cut down that much. As an example, it was a little less than a foot from my neighbor's house, and now it's a little more than a foot from my neighbor's house. That can't fit in a 2-5' pruning. If you can't do a job, tell me up front, not after you've spent my money and did what you wanted to the tree. At least it was cheaper than the prices I got from the competition. Now I know why. Not to mention that he didn't show up on the date we scheduled. Or the date we rescheduled. Or the date we rescheduled after that. Instead showing up weeks later on a non-street cleaning day so my neighbor's cars were in the way of their work. read more

Steve is the best! He was recommended to me by a dear friend. Steve came to my place on time to give me an estimate to cut/ or try to save a tree that is diseased . I could try to save it but it may be dangerous as my tree is leaning already . Steve is very reasonable with his price , not pushy and he really cares for nature and what he does! He is a true professional in his work! Thank you Steve for caring and for giving me options on what I could do ( about other trees as well) looking forward to working with you! My friend and her neighbors have used Steve services for 20 years+ and are very happy so I am glad we connected! read more

Steve responded immediately after contact I live in the Oakland Hills and trees are a big issue Namely driven by fears of fire and property values in regard to views He traveled from Marin to assess the project Some 50+eucalyptus trees are blocking my City view With neighbors and attorneys, we now have a green light - will update this review after project is complete Steve also came over to chip a large pile of oak trimming from my property He and a crew arrived on time and knocked out the task extremely quick Price was fair and can highly recommend Steve and his company read more

I asked him to remove a large tree in my backyard. He showed up and did the job while we were gone. The stump remained and I asked about it (was supposed to be included). No response, but a couple weeks later it was gone (also while we were gone). Aside from weak communications he did a good job at a good price. read more

We had Steve and his crew remove two giant trees right in between us and a neighbor as well as 3 others and some trimming. In 3 and 1/2 days they got everything done - including grinding out the stumps - for a very reasonable price. They were fantastic at taking everything down with zero damage to houses - lawn or fences. They cleaned up after the work each day and were friendly and professional the whole time. We are very happy to have chosen them and recommend them highly. read more

Steve has very poor communications skills that factored into my rating. The work he does is professional, but I outlined specifically what I wanted pruned and he did not follow my instructions completely. He left me disappointed and seemed insensitive. That is not professional or good business, especially when considerable money is exchanged. read more

He set up 3 appointments, with me and bailed on all of them. So not sure how good or bad he might be. Two times he cancelled at the last minute and the third time he just did not show up or call and left me hanging. Guess it's good to be busy, but don't appreciate the way he treated me. Good luck. read more

After my many years of using yelp, I created an account to steer others away from this tree service. Steve has the best price in town... Here's why. I got three other estimates from other companies, checked what they included for the removal of a large Silver Maple. I was very clear when I asked what the removal would include... The tree, stump and roots within 6 inches if the surface. To make it easier for the crew I then removed my walkway for easy access to the roots. After About two weeks Steve arrive to remove the tree. He then explained that they remove several trees then have a day where they go around to remove the stumps. Ok. It took WEEKS for the stump to be removed. Finally..... BUT... While he did remove the stump and surface roots under the walkway, HE LEFT ALL THE HUGE ROOTS directly connected to the stump! And what's worse, though they protected my windows, a stone flew out of the grinder and broke my front window. Ok fine so things break, no big.... BUT, Steve insisted that he could repair the window but mentioned that double panes are a little tricky. Shame on me. He offered a $150 discount on the job. It cost $366 to repair the window because it is tinted. Argh. I paid him in full because it was dusk and I couldn't tell that the major roots were still in the ground. I have made MANY attempts to contact Steve via phone or text ....after he complained that he didn't make any money on the job, he agreed to remove the roots for additional money. Multiple calls and multiple weeks later, I'm still in the same boat. Roots and I can't land scape till roots are remove. Not even an apology for the additional cost for window. But here's the topper ( pun intended ) I just checked the online license verification with the International Society of Arboriculture and no such Steve Svienty exists. Argh. All I'm saying is that it would have been done, less money and a better experience if I had gone with a more reputable company. Ps. I tried calling one last time before placing this post. Nada. So here's the post. read more

I bought a Groupon for Steve's services and before he came to my house, he wanted a pic of the tree in question. I sent the pic which showed the height of the tree, told him it was a Groupon and gave him my address. When he arrived, I showed him the tree, I mentioned again that it was a Groupon, he gave me the estimate upon which I asked him if the Groupon $ amount would be deducted from the bid. He got very upset and said he drove an hour to get to my house and "there is no money is this job." He then got back in his truck and left. I was dumb founded. He had all the information needed before he even drove here and he would not honor the Groupon. I consider that the height of unprofessionalism. Never again! read more

Steve was professional, affordable, organized and efficient. We had to remove a very large pine tree that had reached the end of its life cycle. His crew was busy following our first round of winter storms and there were a few minor weather related delays that created a small change in the scheduled removal date. The tree was removed and the stump ground to 18 inches below grade. We were exceedingly pleased that the job was completed in less than a full day and we would indeed recommend Steve and his crew. Well done! read more

Very disappointed! I purchased several Steve Svienty Tree Care promotions through Groupon. The deals looked very good but somehow the owner excluded my area from their website map when we tried to book an appointment. Please change your service map so it's clear to the customers. read more

We recently had our Canary Palm removed through Steve and his staff, and that job went decently well. However, scheduling the palm base grind was riddled with communication and scheduling problems, and I was thoroughly inconvenienced by Steve's 'We'll do it when it's convenient for us' attitude. To sum it up: If you want work done cheaply and don't care about when it gets done, call on Steve. If you need someone who is clear and responsible in their communication and honors your time, you should hire someone else. read more

Steve came on time to estimate my tree removal. Got his bid, discussed the job options with him. Called a day later to hire him and then again a day after that. No response ever. Flake!! Update: He did show up without notice two weeks later and removed the tree and stump. He did a good job but does not communicate with the customer (at least in my case). read more

Yeah he is not sergeant give a damn, but dang folks give him a break this is hard work and you have a lot of down time doing bids and/or fixing chain saws. He was a day late, but he was a dollar short as well. The other bids I got were higher. I will use Steve again read more

Steve removed a large tree from in front of our house. His fees were reasonable, and he was very professional. I would highly recommend him.

In November '12, I almost used Steve Svienty for a job on a redwood tree at our house. Upon asking about his certification and insurance, he emailed me forged/doctored documents for both his ISA certification AND his liability insurance! I followed up with both ISA and the insurance company to verify the documents he provided. The ISA told me "According to our records Stephen is not a current Certified Arborist." The insurance company told me they haven't issued or renewed policies in the state of California since 2009 due to insolvency liquidation. I emailed him back to get clarification from him on what was going on and he stopped responding to me altogether. I can't vouch for his tree work, but I'd suggest double-checking his documentation before hiring him. read more

Steve is really tops. Keeps our trees happy and healthy. Oaks are hard to keep looking good, Steve knows just how to trim them out. We are very please with his tree service read more

Steve cut the top off of our 60' tree, trimmed down 3 other trees, and removed our neighbor's tree (at their request of course). He comes on time, charges a fair price, and cleans up. Recommend. read more

Had a very good experience with Steve and crew. Quality work at a good price.

I wish I read the other 1 star review before I contacted Steve. I only needed to trim 1 tree that was touching the roof. The tricky part was that it's very tall and you can't step in the roof. Met with Steve, got the price and the date. Rescheduled once, didn't show up. I called and we agreed on the new date where I mentioned that if he can't do it I can find somebody else - was assured he can. Didn't show up and now completely ignoring my calls. 2 weeks waisted. Don't recommend. read more

We used Steve and his crew multiple times and they always have done an excellent job. Punctual and very friendly. Highly recommended.

I used Steve Svienty recently on a recommendation from a neighbor who said his prices were good. I asked him to trim some redwoods trees in my yard. He didnt finish the job he was paid for, broke a number of garden pathway lights in the process and then over a month later left me several disturbing messages claiming that my check had bounced (it didnt). read more

This firm put flyers up on telephone poles saying "affordable tree care". The owner of the firm did work on trees and had an assistant working with him. Much of the time, the assistant was loudly yelled at to both my and his embarassment. During the day, the owner was in the trees cursing so loud that I figured the entire neighborhood could hear him. The quality of the work was also not great. I felt bad for the worker and was almost to the point of asking Svienty to halt work and just go away. I had the assistant come back two times and do more work. The work of the assistant was absolutely great, but I would not use the Svienty company in the future. read more

I've hired Steve several times to clean up my oaks and pines in efforts to prevent trees and or limbs from falling on my house / driveway. Prices are always good with quality work. Steve is my go to tree care service. read more

Steve trimmed our two big laurel trees, 2 Japanese maples, and a plum tree. He was on time, did excellent work, cleaned up, and charged a very reasonable price. What more could you ask? read more

It's been three years since my first review of Svienty and I've used him a couple of times since. He just finished removal of a large tree plus some tree trimming. As before, I am very happy with the experience. Fast response for the initial quote, reasonable price though I didn't get competitive quotes, great communication on scheduling, he and his crew showed up on time, work was done carefully to avoid any damage to my house, cleanup was very good, and the work was done quickly. read more