ComplaintsforT & J Excavating & Tree Clearing, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  08/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 8/8/2024 T & J Excavating & Tree Removal employees were clearing neighbor's yard for pool project. We have 40 ft. trees along the fence line; some branches overhung neighbor's yard. These are (or were) healthy, 38 year old Norway Spruce trees, approximately 50 feet tall. Without notice, T & J employee clear cut all tree branches on the sides of the trees facing neighbor's yard, from the top of the trees to the bottom, up to the trunk. Absolutely no care was taken to lessen the damage or to consider the health of our trees, which are 38 years old. When we questioned the employee about this, he was extremely rude, argued with us, and actually cursed at us. We are people in our 70's and are always treated with respect by other people. He was one of the rudest and most abrasive people I have encountered. He made statements like "the trees are going to die anyway." Not only did our trees sustain damage that may kill them, but we were treated with extreme disrespect. We no longer have any privacy screeniong for our back yard. If our trees should die, the company and possibly neighbors will be hearing from our attorney.

  Customer response

  08/09/2024

  No, we haven't received a quote yet to replace the trees.  That was a rough estimate, but it might well be a lot more.  I am going to call an arborist today and see if he can come out and give me some idea whether the trees can stand the severe pruning.  I might need more days to get the arborist out.  Thanks.

  

  Business response

  08/29/2024

  I do know it is upsetting to see trees go but we were hired by Homeowner to clear their side of their property.  We are sorry if you were not made aware of this issue but unfortunately your trees overgrew on the property owners side in which they needed trimmed to construct a pool.  We are sorry if you felt like you were treated rudely but we were just doing a job we were hired for. 

  Customer response

  09/04/2024

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The apology from the T & J Company does not acknowledge the seriousness of the damage caused to our trees.  We would like them to know more about the Ohio law.  T. & J. needs to recognize that they and the homeowners share responsibility for these damaging actions.

  The Ohio Revised Code states “No person, without privilege to do so, shall recklessly cut down, destroy, girdle, or otherwise injure a vine, bush, shrub, sapling, tree, or crop standing or growing on the land of another or upon public land…whoever violates this section is liable in treble damages for the injury caused.” (Ohio Revised Code, Section 901.41.)  The T & J employee cut off more than 1/2 of the 8 trees' branches, flat-sided the trees from the bottom nearly to the top, and stripped the bark in many places.  An Ohio ISA Certified Arborist we consulted said the trees could very well be entirely dead and fall within the next 1-2 years, risking serious damage to surrounding structures.  Obviously the trees must be removed.

  The financial costs to us include: a firm proposal of  $4,800.00 to have the trees removed, an estimated $800.00 for stump grinding, and replacement landscaping costs of an estimated $8,000.00 (trees plus installation.)

  We recommend that in the future, given the Ohio law (as well as common courtesy) T. &. J. takes steps to ensure that all of the neighbors involved are made aware of tree-trimming plans and given options to best insure the continued survival of the trees, such as consulting an Ohio ISA Certified Arborist.  Otherwise, T. & J. will again risk legal consequences that might have been avoided.

  
  ** ******

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩