Tree Masters was working across the street from my home last week on 7/7. Our internet fiber wire runs from our house across the street near where they were working on some trees. Around 10:30am, we realized we lost internet. We walked outside just in time to watch another tree limb fall directly onto our internet line. After speaking with one of the crew members we were told that "wasn't their problem" and to "contact our service provider". There was no empathy at all and they just brushed us off as if we didn't matter at all. The line was low enough to be snagged by a delivery truck the following day, creating a huge public safety issue that the fire department had to come and fix. All because they were careless and dropping limbs willy nilly.
Every member of our household either works from home, or attends college remotely - having working internet is incredibly important.
I contacted Tree Masters and spoke to a very nice receptionist, who sent along information regarding the incident and my phone number to the owner, Tom Burke. She told me that they could reimburse us any fees or anything charges we might incur while waiting for our service to be restored. I was told I might have to wait until the next day until Tom contacted me, as he was busy. This was fine by me. However, Tom decided to call me at 10pm. 10pm is not the time to try calling someone, it's incredibly rude and not at all being considerate of our time or the fact that I might be, gee, I don't know... SLEEPING? I did not answer, so he left a message. He left a message LYING THROUGH HIS TEETH, trying to tell me that his crews weren't working my area that day, so it couldn't have been them.
The next day we went across the street to verify the company, and received a copy of Tom's business card, so it was definitely them. We also spoke directly to the landlord that hired them, and he confirmed that he's worked with them in the past, and was appalled at the fact that they could do this and not take ownership of the issue. I called Tom back and left a message, very nicely letting him know that it was his crews that took out our lines, and that I would like to speak with him more regarding the issue. I called the office the following day (Friday), and they said that it might be until Monday until I hear from Tom. It's now been 6 days since that phone call and I've heard NOTHING.
Additionally, the receptionist told us that it's unlikely they will cover the cost of my family having to use mobile hotspots to work and attend school after I was told previously that 'it's the least they could do'. Our ISP still has not restored our service (which I will understand is not Tree Master's fault), HOWEVER, we would not be in the situation had they not been to negligent and irresponsible while working.
So, should you hire Tree Masters for your next job? Well, only if you want them to cause problems with your neighbors, create dangerous situations for pedestrians and cars on the road, call you in the middle of the night, lie to you, and then avoid you when you've got proof of their screw ups. How these people are still in business is beyond me. read more