ComplaintsforClarks Tree Express

• Initial Complaint

  06/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  $10100 to cut trees and grind stumps. Property was destroyed in the process. Owner of company refuses to make it right. Estimates of over $3000 to restore damage.

  

  Business response

  06/12/2023

  I was contacted by Mr *** regarding a falling tree at ********************* I saw the tree that fell, grazed the home We agreed to remove the fallen tree and 17 other trees he wanted removed for a total of $8000. 1st day of service 3/22 he added 3 more trees making the total $10100. While removing a dead tree in back we did have a rope break a limb came down on the shed in back We immediately notified Mr *** who said "can you fix it?" We explained we can but the shed was over 22 years old and had wood rot (See attached "shed was not in good shape") We offered to replace the shed (Valued at $4000) since it would be difficult to find matching siding and shingles for a shed that old, we also explained that the wood rot that was present would make it difficult to make repairs He declined replacement We agreed to remove 2 more trees and trim up a 3rd ($2100 value) Mr *** agreed that with the extra work at no charge and the repair of the shed cost $1000 he would be happy After we finished all work including the extra work we met with Mr *** and told him since we spent $1000 on repairs and did $2100 in extra work that we wanted him to take $900 off the invoice for tree service ($10100) to make a total of $4000 received for damage to shed. After walking the entire property Mr *** agreed with only one exception he asked us to fix a 1 dented down spout we agreed After checking the shed and the rest of the home Mr *** then handed us a check for the full $10100 again we offered to pay $900 back Mr *** declined. A week later  he said he was not happy and would be getting a quote to fix the shed we told him that would be fine but he would have to consider the extra work we did $2100 and the repairs we spent $1000 (See attached)  He is asking for $3000 to restore damage (See text **** saying $1500 estimate) But if he is willing to accept the $2100 of extra work we are willing to pay $900 for a total of $3000

  Customer response

  06/12/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  CTE has fabricated so much in the answers and should be ashamed. My shed is only 12 years old. He offered a new building and then reneged saying he had a construction crew and was sending someone to look at the building.  The next thing I know they are repairing it.  This was without my authorization, as was the extra tree work.  The downspout was damaged by them and they argued that it wasnt until I showed them photo evidence.  I never agreed that the extra work would take the place of them pairing my building, and my building was structurally sound, although it did have some rot on the front.  This has been proven since by two estimators.  

  

  Business response

  06/19/2023

  I have reach out to customer to see if we can resolve this matter. 

  Customer response

  06/22/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
   CTE representative *************************** visited and discussed and viewed the damage. We are trying to work out either a settlement or repair.  Acceptance is pending what we can negotiate. 

  

  Business response

  07/06/2023

  ***** asked for a few days to consider current offer, we feel confident we can work out something amicable for both parties 

  Customer response

  07/07/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:  I am taking a  huge loss with either offer. I am sending them the following text: I have thought over both of your proposals. 1) $1500 check and you you do no repairs.  2) you repair the building and replace the crushed downspout, patch the vinyl and try to line up the chimney without replacing any vinyl corner pieces and not repair the fence.   Im sorry to say that neither option would correctly repair the damage caused by your crew nor would be fair for me to have to pay out of my pocket to repair your damages.  Therefore I must reject your offers and will proceed to do what I must do to get this matter settled.  Had you offered to repair and/ or replace the damage to my property I would have deleted my reviews  but in good conscience I cannot accept the loss due to your crews negligence.  Its a shame it has come to this and an even bigger shame that Chriss integrity or lack thereof must be called into question.
  
  

  

  Business response

  07/13/2023

  We have tried made multiple offers to Mr *** who just turns down every reasonable offer, we asked for a counter offer and he says nothing. The only way I know what he wants is from the $3000 he wrote in his complaint with BBB and he has now asked for $6500 in his complaint with the ******** ***************** Throughout Mr *** keeps adding things on and at this point we feel he is trying to take advantage by asking us to pay for things we had nothing to do with

  Customer response

  07/14/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because: Clarks tree Express has consistently offered well under what is needed to repair and replace what is needed to make me whole. I will accept $3500 to have the repairs done. This is based on the the $3200 estimate plus $300 to repair the fence damage.  The amount filed with the ************************ is to replace the building since we cannot come to an agreement. My insurance has advised me to not accept less than what will make me whole.  
  
  

  

  Business response

  07/19/2023

  We have only received one actual estimate for $3000 that included a new roof on the shed, since we have replaced 1/2 the roof we would like to get additional estimates to repair shed and current roof? We reject your claim we damaged the fence. We put fence back the way we found it, actually better then how we found it, the gap in the fence was blocked by the tree we removed in the corner of the fence per your request. If you feel the fence was not installed properly you would need to talk to who ever you had remove it before we ever got there

  Customer response

  07/19/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:I was trying to give you a break but since you insist on being so difficult, I withdraw my offer and will go for full replacement of the building as your team originally agreed to do before they reneged on their offer while I was looking at buildings. The portion of the roof your contractor built is faulty as you saw that it bows and the vent doesnt meet the roof in places nor does the roof match. And as far as my fence your people know good and well that they damaged the fence and did not put the boards back correctly.  It appears they have lied about this just as they did the downspout and I have at least four witnesses to the fact. The fence was fine before your people took it down.  I couldnt open the gate due to dirt and grass that merely needed dug out.  Now since your people put it back it swings upward. In the meantime I will be getting more estimates including those for a comparable building.  I dont know that its worth putting that much into a building that *** never be correct due to the damage done by your company and I must insist on being made whole. A building like mine would easily run $5000 to $6000 not including tear down and removal of the damaged building and all the other damage done to my property including the fence.  And I dont know what gap was where the tree was that you are referring to.  The gap is on the opening side of the gate and the other is against the house, where you found the boards behind the heat pump.  The tree was on the opposite side beyond the gate.
  
  

  

  Business response

  07/26/2023

  Mr *** has selective memory and leaves out facts

  Fact #1 Mr *** never mentions in any complaint the original reason we were called was because he had a tree fall on his house in a wind storm that could have easily caused the damage to his siding and down spouts.

  Fact #2 When we offered to by a new shed to replace the shed we damaged Mr *** declined.

  Fact #3 Mr *** agreed in front of witness agreed to have us repair the shed and do some additional tree work valued at $2100 as payment in full for damage done to shed (Note this was additional work Mr *** said he wanted done but could not afford)

  Fact #4 Mr *** told our contactor and 1 of our employees that fix to the shed was fine and to go home, stopping all work.

  Fact #5 Mr *** has no estimates for a new shed and is guessing at cost (See attached is a new shed same size and shape for $2680)

  Fact #6 We walked the entire property with Mr *** prior to paying us for the original invoice of $10,100. At which time Mr *** said everything was fine and only asked us to fix a down spout

  Mr *** has reneged on our agreement to fix the shed and do additional work, so this correspondence will serve as demand for payment of $2100 for additional work  (See attached invoice)

  Customer response

  07/31/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Response: I am not the one who damaged my property through negligence and am stating the truth. 
  
  #1 Response: The reason CTE was called was for a tree leaning on my roof, yards away from the downspout and corner piece, see attached photos 
  
  #2 Response:  I never declined this offer and was searching online for a comparable building when I was informed that CTE was sending for a *********  
  
  #3 Response: I agreed that the building could be repaired only if it was repaired to the condition it was in prior to their dropping a tree on it. Re addl tree work is concerned, work was done prior to any discussion without approval by me and was not approved to be part of settling their damages  
  
   #4 Response: CTE left before I had the opportunity to examine my building closely.  CTE left lumber and debris all over my yard and my building very poorly repaired. I never put a limit on their work day. The quality of the repair is very poor. They have insurance but refuse to file a claim. 
  
   #5 Response: In process of getting more estimates for the repair and replacement of the building, as well as the other damages.  A new shed of the same quality and size would far exceed this estimate, plus the tear down and hauling off of the damaged shed, not to mention the rest of the repair and or replacement of their damage to my property.  
  
   #6 Response: Original invoice was actually $8K, We added additional approved work to bring the price up to $10,100. In walking the property, the only thing besides the building we were looking at was the tree removal work and the condition of the ground. Later I found damage, besides the gutter downspout and the corner piece.  I have never said everything was fine. As far as additional tree work is concerned, this work was done prior to any discussion and without approval by me and was not approved to be part of settling their damages.
  

  

  Business response

  08/11/2023

  Mr *** has original invoice, this same complaint was sent to and closed by the *** ** State Attorney so unless Mr *** is willing to be reasonable we feel there is nothing more we can add

  Customer response

  08/15/2023

   
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Clarks Tree Express has yet to make a reasonable offer to make me whole regarding the damage done to my property by their company.  The ************************ closed the case only because facts were being argued and I believe that was an erroneous decision.  

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