I am shocked that this great business, which was recommended to me in no uncertain terms on my community message board, Maplewoodonline, where I have been a poster as wendy for over 10 years, by posters I know in real life and virtual life, has only one "recommended" review which is so wrong it's laughable. I find it ironic that out of the 10 "not recommended" reviews on even your site, 9 were detailed, helpful and extremely positive. According to your own rules: "We use automated software developed by our engineers to recommend reviews from the Yelp community. The software looks at dozens of different signals, including various measures of quality, reliability, and activity on Yelp. Most of all, however, it's looking for people who are intrinsically motivated to share the wide range of rich and detailed experiences they have every day with local businesses." The detailed experiences shared by people from all over versus a single reviewer who also wrote negatively about a vet experience, also about money/fees, makes me question how this yelp business really works. As far as my own experience, I met John the arborist, a few weeks ago when he came to my house after I made an appointment to have certain trees looked at and to get an estimate on any work. Without making this review too long, John went beyond helpful. He needed to write the estimate in a way to convince my living out of state husband that although trees needed to be removed for safety and aesthetic reasons for future house sale, it wouldn't afffect his privacy concerns that the overgrowth had provided. He even revised the estimate before I emailed it to my husband. I then accepted the estimate and the able crew of three amazing guys and John showed up the next day as planned. The work was exactly as described: removal of two trees all my hand, trimming back of overgrowth and immaculate cleaning up of the site. John even came back the next day to move back a few chairs that I couldn't do and that the workers had omitted to move back. I cannot recommend this great family owned business enough. As someone said in the "not recommended" review, this business is old and new. Meaning they have maintained old school customer service values but use new 21st century ways of communicating, etc. read more

I have used them twice and was very happy each time. Once I used them after a Nor' Easter rain storm bought down a huge tree. The other time was after I'd done some tree cutting in my yard and need a pickup of the trees and branches. I say don't make any other calls, just call Friendly Tree Service and avoid any headaches. They actually answer their phones, which I am finding out is rare in this area for Tree companies. They are a pleasure to work with on the phone and the specialist they send out. Very professional and pleasant and fast. They schedule appointments, communicate with you up through the appointment and are on time. They are also very accommodating, it's a business, but they don't seem like it's all about the money. The second time I used them I had to run out to the bank to get the money. When I returned the trees and branches were already gone as if they were never there. I had called the office to let them know I was back and had the money. The very nice receptionist said she was leaving for the day and would come buy and pick up the money, this was hundreds of dollars. I was very impressed that they did not make a big deal out it and still did the work. I used them before and they know where I live :-) I will not even think of calling another tree company. Prior to being recommended to Friendly tree by another tree service that didn't do my area, I called other tree services. On several occasions I would get calls back for weeks and even a month later asking if I still needed the service. read more

I highly recommend Friendly Tree Service. I called for an estimate to have some trees removed/stumps grinded and John responded right away to set up a walk through. He gave me a comprehensive estimate and immediately could rattle off the types of every tree on our property. We were all having bamboo removed and he had an in depth understanding of that as well. I was able to set up a time for removal pretty quickly. The guys who came for the removal were extremely professional and did a fantastic job cleaning up after the trees were removed. The equipment they used made the whole removal so much quicker than other companies I've used in the past. A day after they were done it was determined by my bamboo guys that more stumps needed to be grinded. I put them in touch with John and they worked out what needed to happen and when. That was very helpful as I didn't have time to relay messages back and forth. John was able to accommodate coming back rather quickly so as to not delay progress with the bamboo removal. Bottom line, I will use Friendly Tree Service for any other needs and highly recommend them. Ps - they are not the cheapest but also not the most expensive. It's worth the cost to deal with someone professional and reliable. read more

We have a very old (probably 80 to 100years old) oak tree in our backyard that borders two other neighboring properties. The neighbors on one side have been hacking away at its branches for some time without our consent (I realize that they can trim branches that overhang their property but I was concerned about the balance of the tree) and we decided that it was time to give this beautiful tree a professional trim to give it a better shape, to cut out the dead branches, and to make it less likely to fall on our house in a storm. We called a few local tree services and decided to go with Friendly Tree Service as they were prompt in coming out to give us an estimate and they sent an arborist who declared the tree to be healthy and not in need to be cut down. The estimate they quoted was very reasonable as was their timeline for completing the task. They cleaned up all the branches that were removed and left my yard in good condition. They were efficient and, yes, friendly as their name implies. I would definitely recommend their work. read more

I had a 100 year old, 90 ft tall pin oak that was 6 ft from my house and 15 ft from my neighbors that I cringed during every storm for 26 years because I was told an exorbitant amount for removal 12 years ago. Finally, I called around after seeing conks on the tree about 30 feet up. Two places never showed up, John's quote was 40, yes 40 % less than one other quote I got. After reading other excellent reviews, I accepted the bid on a Saturday, the following Wednesday, due to a cancellation mind you, it was taken down. They have the equipment, expertise and professional manner to handle any size job in such a manner. I should have gotten it done years ago had I known they were such a great team and at such a great price. I never and I mean NEVER give any 5 star reviews to anyone but in this case, hell yea. My mind is finally at ease and my neighbor is ecstatic at the rapid pace and expertise. One other neighbor even got a bid while they were there. I will recommend this company to anyone I hear who needs this type of service. read more

The Friendly Tree Service is superb. They have a tree expert who provided us with sage advice about a problematic tree. In the end, it made sense to remove it. He identified other trees around the property that had branches either against our house or getting very close. The office is easy to work with - we were able to schedule the work within a week of reaching out to them and they were helpful and adapted the timing when my schedule changed. Finally, the team that came to do the work on the trees around our house were spectacular. They kept me informed about the timing of their visit, they communicated extremely well making clear what they were going to do and when, they did excellent work and left the property spotless (you would never know they had come). The tree they removed was reduced to a small very neat stump. The entire project from the initial email to the work being completed was efficient and, as their name suggests, they were very friendly. read more

I have a number of mature locust trees along the driveway. Some of them fell down during the last storms and I was concerned that they might hit the house next time. While they are not to most priced trees, they look great and the birds love them. I was reluctant to just have them cut down. John responded to my email very quickly and evaluated the trees. He pointed out that the trees are still healthy and that I can keep them if they got pruned. This would buy me a number of years to grow succession-trees. I appreciated his suggestion, especially since he would have made a lot more money by taking them down. While the job was done, it turned out that some black walnut trees had large branches that were at risk of coming down. They supported the biggest branches with cables to preserve them. I really like about this company that they are doing the best for the trees instead of just chopping down trees. read more

I discovered Friendly Tree more than 15 years ago when I was looking for a business to remove a huge pine tree from my front yard. Of the 3 vendors i contacted, Friendly Tree was the most reasonably priced, insured. Since then, I've used them 3 or more times and watched in amazement as they bring down large trees with quickly and efficiently. A tree service was removing a damaged tree from my neighbor's yard and quoted me an unreasonable price to remove one of my trees that might do damage to my neighbor's property. I had called Friendly Tree when I was alerted to the problem. I not only saved a substantial amount, i was informed not to worry given the weather my tree wouldn't likely damage my neighbor's property. The other tree service vendor was amazed that I knew Friendly's phone number by heart when l whipped out my phone and called 973 678 8888. It's easy to remember. read more

This company is one of old and new values. They value their customer like companies did 50 years ago but they communicate with you with 21st century technology. We had a great experience when they removed multiple large trees from my property. They paid attention to our needs, fully outlined what they would be doing and completed the job. They know trees and people. I would highly recommend them to anyone in the Essex Country area. Essex is known for their massive oak trees and small properties. I was not worried for one second about my home or my neighbors home while the large trees and branches were being removed. Most importantly they dug deep divits in my back yard. I advised that I was not happy with that and they took care of it right away. things happen but its how a company handles it that makes all the difference. 5 Stars for Friendly Tree. I used them May 2011 read more

We had Friendly Tree Service remove two trees and trim another 4 trees in our yard. John, the owner, met with me and gave us a quote for the job. His explanations of how they would do the job and why were very clear. On the day of the job, the crew was on time, they did the work well, and they cleaned up very well when they were done. There was a bit of damage to one of my gutters when they were cutting down one of the trees (the yard is small and the tree was in a tight space next to the house). I pointed it out to the crew and called John about it, and it was extremely easy to come to an agreement with him about how to fix it. He was very friendly about it, gave me several options for how he could make it right, and happily followed through with the option I chose. High-quality work and excellent customer service. read more

My positive experiences go back many years with the owners John & Tony of Friendly Tree. Then they came to top off my three aristocat pears. John came by in late July to assess my tree work and while I was concentrating on my 13 holly trees he was eying those pears. He told me they need to come down or be topped. I know John is a horticulturist but I didn't listen. On August 4 Topical Storm Isaias split my pears. Miraculously the substantial damage was only to my property. Tony arrived soon after and made a proposal to take down the trees. They were $600 under the local competitor. As a bonus, John wrote a detailed proposal that was honored by my insurer. Their equipment is top notch as are their tree experts and workers. The office staff are actually Friendly. What more could you ask for? A+++++++++ Geraldine B. L. read more

My son is working on an Eagle Scout Project that involves cleaning up and reviving an old garden at our church. First, we needed wood chips for the paths. We received a response to his email within the hour and everyone I spoke with at the office was very friendly and helpful. They called and delivered a truckload of wood chips before 8am the next day. Even the truck drivers were cheerful! Then the entire project was stopped because an old dead tree was leaning right over the garden. Friendly Tree to the rescue again! They obtained the permits, set a time to cut down the tree, came and took it down, leaving the logs as we requested. Everyone I spoke with from receptionist, to driver to one of the owners, was friendly, cheerful and professional. We are extremely satisfied with Friendly Tree and highly recommend them! read more

I needed quick estimate for work before trees leafed out. And there was a storm approaching. Had to coordinate work with neighbors who were also using Friendly at my suggestion. There was no hassle when I had to change scope of work and the new estimate arrived within minutes of speaking to the company. Workers were masked and courteous. Yard was actually left cleaner than when they arrived as they took yard debris that I had piled up from a recent storm. My trees and my neighbors' trees looked great afterwards. Even the neighbor who was resistant to tree removal was happy after dangerous trees were taken down and/or safety pruned. Would definitely recommend for estimate and work done in a reasonable amount of time. Payment when work is complete. read more

I had several trees trimmed and one large maple removed as it was in poor health. I called Friendly Tree Service, and Mr. John Lang (certified arborist) responded very quickly and visited within a day or two to examine my trees and draft the contract defining the needed work including cost and schedule. Friendly Tree Service arrived just as scheduled and completed the work promptly and professionally without any damage to adjacent trees and structures. All debris was thoroughly removed from the property as per contract. Mr. Lang also helped with preparing the needed information to apply for a tree removal permit from my township. I would use Friendly Tree Service again without any hesitation. read more

Last year, we had a freak wind storm. It blew down a 40 foot tall pine tree onto my garage. My yard is completely fenced in. Friendly Tree Service came with a boom truck and about 5 men. The men cut the tree loose from its roots, and the boom truck picked it up over the garage, over the fence, and laid it on the street. The men then fed it into a huge chipper. After about 30 minutes, the tree was gone. A few weeks later, then came with a stump grinder. They removed one fence panel, drove the grinder in, ground the stump to ground level, replaced the fence panel, and left. The price was reasonable. I have nothing but good things to say about Friendly Tree Service. read more

Friendly Tree Service is an excellent service company. The office staff is informative and efficient. John came by for the estimate on time and was thorough in his suggestions and the estimate was emailed next business day. I was happy with the pricing and contract terms. The team that came by to do the work (led by Hakeem) was right on schedule and very friendly and professional. Hakeem kept me in the loop throughout all of the work being done. I was asked to consult throughout the completion of the job, as trees were being pruned, some trees cut and removed entirely, and dead limbs removed throughout my property. Clean up was taken care of as promised. read more

As the names indicates, Friendly Tree Service, is very friendly. Their team keeps fluid communication with customers, and pays attention to customers' needs in all aspects of tree planting, maintenance, and landscaping. They are extremely professional and knowledgeable, and are able to provide timely quotes and various options for a myriad of services. Their team is certified at various levels, and they also hold different areas of expertise. Their response is prompt, professional, and accurate. My family, neighbors, and I wouldn't go anywhere else when it comes to gardening, landscaping, and taking care of both healthy and sick trees. Great experience!! read more

We first used Friendly tree to remove a large tree in our backyard. They did such a good job and the price was quite fair, I then had them mulch both our front and back yards. Their men cleaned out leaves, twigs, and everything before they placed the mulch. I've also ordered plants and bushes that they planted. I've used them every year since for the mulching and actually look around for spaces they can plant something. John always gives me two or three choices that would work best in each area and we've always been delighted - their always healthy and "grow like weeds". I have no hesitation recommending Friendly Tree. Lynn L. read more