The Case of Poisoning the Client

 In The Tree Watchdog

Having a tree drop out of the sky can put a dent into most anyone’s picnic. But this didn’t happen to just anyone. It befell a homeowner after an arborist had worked on her tree (and spent a lot of money).  A tree with an obvious rotten top. It would have been nice if the arborist would have warned her, if not, removed this hazard. Just what did he do?

He sprayed for pests…while she watched from below, resulting in her lengthy hospitalization, and spending thousands to have her pool decontaminated. Since, she’s been unable to reach this company by phone, though they advertise a quick phone response (convenient!) and claim to be the best! Like many Carolinians, she doesn’t believe in suing.

A responsible arborist wouldn’t have treated an unsafe tree, let alone spray a tall tree in a tight backyard. Especially a tight backyard with an uncovered swimming pool & unprotected person standing below. This large oak should have been treated through the trunk or soil after it was made safe. Likely, this tree was unsalvageable and should have been safely removed from her backyard before trashing her fence, landscape decor and installed and potted plants.

Such narratives play to the stereotypical grizzled tree man recklessly wielding a chainsaw & driving an old, rusting pickup truck. Would it surprise you to learn this involved a large, “reputable” company, employing certified arborists, with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau? Possessing certification does not ensure an arborist is competent or ethical. And a company is not professional merely because it’s paid to perform a service.

Fortunately, our client has physically recovered from her ordeal. This is one of many of our clients who have been wronged by arborists and tree services who quite frankly, have no business being in our profession! Fortunately, not all arborists and tree services act this way. There are some good companies out there, a few of which, we can recommend (we don’t accept referral fees). We have many such stories to share with you. Sorry, we can’t reveal their names. Please stay tuned!

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