It pains me to say this, but avoid "Champion Tree Service" (CTS) like the Plague…read more
This pains me, because it started as a very hopeful experience. CTS had done a tree job for neighbors, and they were pleased. I called them, and Richie, the owner seemed extremely nice, immediately emailed me proof of insurance, and when he came out, he quoted me a great price, half of what the other estimates were. I picked him for the job...then the trouble started.
I live 25 miles from my rental, where the tree was to be taken down. 3 times, I drove in to be there for the start of the job. 3 times, I sat and waited for at least an hour, nobody would show up, nobody would call. When I would finally call him, I would get excuses, and I would drive back home.
I put him off for Xmas break, not wanting to inconvenience my renters. After New Year, he finally made it out, and took the tree down. While taking it down, they swung a tree limb into my house, punching a hole in the Hardy-board. Richie immediately pointed this out, and told me he had already contacted someone to do the repair, and they would be out the next day, at his expense.
He had given me such a good price, and had already done the clean up, seemed so sincere, I paid him in full, even tipped him $50, because I felt bad that the repair was coming out of his pocket.
Again, this began another run of excuses, no one showing up, going on for almost 3 weeks now. More round trips into town for nothing.
This past Friday, he called to say that his guy (a new fixer) had just confirmed that he would be there Saturday at 9, and Richie "promised" to be there by 9, himself, to "make sure".
I got there at 9, and I was there alone. At 10, still no one, I started calling Richie, no answer until 10:30. At that time, Richie apologized (he's very good at that), and said "I am on my way to your house now, I will fix it myself if I have to, I "promise" it will be fixed today". 2 hours later, still nothing.
Then I was seriously angry. Again, more apologizes, and this time he told me he was coming by to reimburse me $300, for the damage...guess what...he never showed, never called.
The tree is down, but like the previous reviewer, I am left holding the bag, for the repairs to my house. My mistake, for paying in full, not to mention giving him a tip.
Richie seems very sincere, a likable guy, but don't be fooled, he is a terrible business man, and you cannot trust him.
Save yourself a lot of headaches, and find another tree service.
Update. After waiting 5 weeks, with no contact from Richie, I am taking Champion Tree Service to Small Claims Court, to collect on the damages to my home.