Affordable Southwest Yard & Tree Service

Reviewed Angie's List for highly rated tree services. Sent an e-mail to Affordable Southwest Yard and Tree Service inquiring about getting an estimate. The owner, Richard, called me within an hour. We set an appointment for 1pm the following day. Richard called about 11am to ask if it'd be okay to come early as they were ahead of schedule. I said okay. Richard and his crew arrived about 15-20 minutes later. He gave me a very reasonable estimate and said they could do the job today if I'd like. That was perfect and I gave the go ahead to get started. The crew went right to work and the job was done within an hour. I was satisfied with their performance and would use them again.

Excellent. Highly recommended to anyone.

We called Affordable Southwest Service after our big palo verde was blown over in a storm. Richard came out within half an hour to give an estimate, and made an appointment to return the following Monday to do the work. (I had told him there was no rush on removing the tree.) They arrived on time, did the work quickly, and cleaned up after themselves. You can hardly tell there had ever been a tree there at all! I definitely recommend this company.

Richard and Freddie were right on time meeting us the first time for the estimate. We were having pack rat problems, and needed to have several nests cleaned out and hauled off (the rats had been trapped) , as well as other areas that could create future problems. They were running late because of a family emergency the morning of the job, but called on time to let us know. When they arrived, they apologized and we got to work. What I really appreciated was that Richard walked the property with me before starting to be sure we were on the same page with what needed to be done. Then the crew got to work - hard! Richard came back when the job was almost done and had me walk the property with him again to be sure everything was done properly, and we both agreed on a couple more things that needed doing to satisfy their customer. And everything was most certainly done to our satisfaction. They even blew off our front entry and walk area, an area they were not even working close to. Not only will I use Richard and his crew again, I have already recommended them to some friends!

We had a tree in our front yard lose a huge branch during a storm. I contacted Richard and he was able to come over on a Saturday morning. He and his co-worker pruned the tree and hauled the branch and other debri away. We then hired him to remove 2 trees and prune 3 others. He completed that task and hauled away the debri. They inadvertently left some branches in my neighbor's yard and although he had a hard time believing that they had left the branches, they came back to remove them the next morning. Richard is very responsive when you call them and if something needs to be corrected, he fixes the situation right away. As with all vendors, be clear up front about expectations.

There are many positives to report in our experience with Affordable Southwest. Unfortunately, there are a few negatives that were significant enough to earn them an overall grade of only a C. I received quotes from five companies, using as the basis for the quotes a list I drew up of all the things I needed done. Richard's quote was, by far, the lowest of the five. His was $900. The other quotes were $1,500; $2,000; $2,100; and $2,500. While I was a little nervous about how much lower Richard's quote was compared to the other companies, and the fact that he said they could get everything done in one day (the other companies all said it would take two days), I decided to give him a shot based on the generally favorable AngiesList.com reviews and the positive impression that he and his foreman, Freddie, made when they came over to scope out the job. So we agreed on the price, start time (7 a.m.) and service date, which was only a few days later. Richard, Freddie and the other two crew members arrived right on time. And Richard even called me shortly before arrival to let me know they would be here soon. I really appreciated the excellent communication from Richard during the entire process leading up the the service date. It was a work day for me, so I spent a few minutes with Richard and Freddie just to make sure they were all set. My wife would be home, but she is disabled and walking around is painful and tiring for her. So I asked Richard to give me a call 20 - 30 minutes before they would be done so I could take off work and drive home to inspect the job and write him a check. I figured it would be sometime in the late afternoon, considering that the other four companies that quoted the job said it would take them two days. But at 10:30 that morning, just 3-1/2 hours after they arrived, Richard called me to say they were wrapping up and would be ready for me to conduct my inspection by the time I got home. I arrived about 25 minutes after Richard called, and it was immediately obvious that they had not blown the leaves, twigs and other debris into piles for collection and hauling away, as was clearly spelled out on the list of things we agreed to. Richard replied that they hadn't started that yet, but would make sure everything was blown and collected. (My wife later told me that Richard had been running a blower for about an hour before I got home to inspect.) Also, they didn't cut down and remove four of the five trees that were on the list. Richard at first acted like he was unaware that the removal of the trees was on the list, but then directed his crew to cut them down. When I asked him about applying some sort of chemical to kill the stumps (as we discussed when he was here to quote the job), he again appeared like he forgot about that part. But then he said he would have his guys and quot;notchand quot; the stumps with a chain saw and for us to dump salt on the notched stumps to kill them off. As it turns out, they only notched one of the five stumps. But back to the blowing and hauling away of leaves, twigs and other debris ... After Richard promised to finish all the blowing and take care of the trees, I had to get back to work and couldn't take off again to re-inspect the job. I told him that when they were done, my wife would give him his check. Not long after I headed back to work, Richard told my wife that they had finished. As I mentioned, my wife can't get around very well, but she was able to walk outside a short distance from the front and back doors and could immediately see that there was still debris in plain sight. When she pointed that out to Richard she could tell that he was annoyed. She also saw a large cut tree limb that was left behind, dirt and leaves on the patio furniture from the blowing, and lots of leaves and debris in the pool, also from the blowing. Later, after they blew some more in the back yard, she checked the patio and saw that there was actually more dirt and debris on it than before. Again, when she pointed it out to Richard, she said he appeared angry,and said he couldn't help it that his crew kept blowing debris into areas where he had already blown, then yelled at his men to get it done correctly. A short time later, Richard showed up at the door and told my wife that everything was taken care of. She replied how important that it was to make sure the blowing was done properly because we have a large property with a lot of trees, and it's a real mess on the patio, the front porch, driveway, in the pool, etc., if leaves and debris aren't collected. Richard said he fully understood and assured her that we would be happy with the job. She gave him the check for payment in full. In fact, we even added $100 and quot;tipand quot; to the amount so that Freddie, in particular, and the other two crew members could get a little extra something. When I got home that evening, I walked around the property and was disappointed in what I saw. Much of the debris from the front yard was blown into an area that lies above a wash adjacent to our property. This area is plainly visible from the front and side of the house, and it's obvious that it's not part of the wash itself. Frankly, the leaves and debris they blew into that area created a real eyesore. Then in the back yard, I saw thorny twigs, branches and leaves from the citrus trees scattered about . There were also leaves and debris on the other side of the house, cut branches left behind that had fallen into the vines that climb our back yard wall, and the pool had not been skimmed out as Richard had said he would do. And, they hadn't removed the tall dead stalks that had emerged from some yucca plants, but I won't hold that against them since I missed that during my original inspection. But I want to finish on a positive note. Richard and his crew did a great job cleaning up our many agave plants, and were able to remove a dying giant agave—roots and all— in a difficult-to-access area. They also were able to remove a couple of large yuccas that were dying, rather than just cutting them down to stumps. And I also want to compliment, in particular, Freddie. I've never seen anyone work so hard, and care so much about his work. If you decide to hire Affordable Southwest, you would be wise to make sure Freddie is part of the crew. All in all, if Affordable Southwest had done a proper job on the blowing and collecting of debris, I would have had no qualms about giving them an and quot;A.and quot; But that part of the work became such a headache for me and my wife, that it affected the other aspects of their grades. A price of $900 would have earned an and quot;Aand quot; for sure, but not if they didn't do the job right. Responsiveness would also have been an and quot;Aand quot; except for the fact they didn't seem to want to meet our expectations on the blowing/collecting part of the job that was so important to us. And Professionalism would also have been an and quot;Aand quot; without the excuses and Richard getting upset about being told the blowing/collecting weren't done properly ... not to mention him yelling at his own crew about it in front of my wife. Maybe you're thinking that I should have given Richard an opportunity to come back and do a proper job of the blowing and gathering of leaves and other debris. But I pointed it out to him during my initial inspection. Then my wife pointed it out to him twice after that. And it still wasn't done correctly. Three chances to do it right should be enough.

Arrived on time and were very personable...provided an estimate and got to work immediately. Richard and his assistant did a first-class job. They are honest, polite and very hard working. They left the area spotless after hauling away a lot of branches and cuttings. I know I will use them again and have already recommended them to neighbors ... I don't think it gets any better than this!!

My yard and pool were left very clean . I also got great lessons in different kinds of palm trees and how they seed themselves. I am very pleased with the work that was done and would recommend Affordable Tree Service to everyone.

Richard and his working partner Freddie were very punctual and professional. They did an outstanding job on every task requested. They were very accommodating if I asked for some additional touchups. In addition, they took initiative to cleaned up some weeds/troublesome plants that bordered my neighbors. They did not hesitate to ask for confirmation of tree trimmings before doing so in order to guarantee satisfaction. They did a wonderful job and had a reasonable price for the job. I would recommend them to my friends and that is something I do not do often.

All work was professionally completed. The price was up front and fair. It's hot in the desert at this time of year, and they worked tirelessly. Excellent work.

I communicated with Affordable Southwest a few times, both via e-mail and phone, to schedule a visit to my second home in Tucson during the week I planned to be there, travelling from my permanent home on the East Coast. On what I believed to be the agreed-upon date and time, they were no-shows. I phoned about an hour after the scheduled appointment, and Richard told me he thought our appointment was for the following week. The date had been coordinated in a phone call. Lesson learned -- make sure you confirm things in writing! In my phone call on the day of the appointment Richard indicated that he couldn't come that day, and would try to come later in the week. An hour or two later I got a call from someone identifying himself as a and quot;business partnerand quot; of Affordable Southwest who would come the same day. He came that day and the following day and did acceptable work. Because of my limited time window, I didn't have much choice but to go with the back-up landscaper. In my dealings with him, it seemed clear that he had no formal relationship with Affordable Southwest, but was an independent operator who Richard had contacted to compensate for the missed appointment. Better than nothing, I guess. But having done my Angie's List research and made arrangements based on Affordable Southwest's record, I was not happy with the outcome. I have engaged the backup landscaper to do regular maintenance, but with more risk than I expected because I have no independent knowledge of his reputation. As a long-distance homeowner, this was a risk I was trying to minimize by relying on Angie's List. I never received any follow-up communication from Richard/Affordable Southwest to find out if things had worked out.

The work was done and we are very happy with results. The crew cleaned all the debris and hauled it away. Richard and his crew deserve an A+. I highly recommend this company without any hesitation.

I selected him based on Angie's list. I don't let one rogue negative report affect my selections. I called and Richard answered personally. He was able to come the next day and brought two other men with him. These three removed quite a few plants from the backyard of a house I had just purchased. The price was fair, the work was done promptly and his workers were affable and communicated well. Toward the end I added a few more trees and cacti to be removed, and the additional price we negotiated was more than fair in my opinion. I did not have them recondition the area afterwards, I only asked them to explant and haul away the vegetation in question. He offered some good advice on the types of tree we might want to plant in the area in question. Richard is very keen to please his customers and good communication up front and throughout the task is important to him. Keeping a personal eye on the work being done - and participating in the work - is another obvious virtue of his. This was not a complex landscaping project by any means - in fact it was a last-minute decision to clear this area and I wanted it done ASAP. I cannot comment on how he would do more complex projects, but I certainly would have no trouble endorsing his team's work ethic and performance of the task we commissioned today.

They were on time, worked hard, left everything clean. I would use them again.

I am very disappointed after hiring Affordable Southwest Yard and Tree Service based on previous reports on Angie's List. Richard Jolley walked with me through the yard and I explained in every area what I wanted done: weeding and cleanup throughout, tree trimming, and a new, raised vegetable bed. He quoted a price, we agreed and he said he would come at 7:00 AM on Tuesday. On Tuesday I received a call that they would stop to get the top soil for the raised bed (without measuring the area), and would arrive at 9:30 AM, but would call again shortly before arriving. There was no call, and they arrived at 8:10 AM. I had gone out to buy edging for the raised vegetable bed. When I told them the bricks, i.e. edging, was in the trunk of my car, it became clear that Richard had not understood what I wanted them to do, and he felt he did not quote high enough for the job at hand. Unfortunately his way to deal with it was to tell me that he did not, "like being had." His tone of voice was beyond unprofessional and when he discovered he did not bring enough top soil said he'd be, "damned" if he'd go back to the materials place to get more. I asked him why he hadn't measured first, as he had said during the first visit he would do. Eventually he did go back and get enough top soil to fill the vegetable beds. Soon after I was told they were about done with the job. When I walked around the house, I saw that the area around the pool had not been weeded or cleaned up, and there was still a lot of debris in the front yard as well. Richard and his crew of two began to rush through the remainder of the job. When they were done, I asked him about the mulch that was supposed to be placed around the citrus trees. He admitted that he had forgotten and would do it either still later today or the next morning. It is now two days later, and there still is no mulch. I paid for it and it is clearly stated on the receipt. There is also an area in the front of the house that was never cleaned, and weeds remain in several areas of the backyard. A corner I use to store extra hoses and such also was not cleaned; instead one of the crew added some dead tomato plants to it. Finally, the day after Richard and his crew left, I discovered that one of my yard waste cans was missing. I called Richard and he is aware of it, but so far he not been back to finish the mulching job or return my property. After reading Richard's response, I can only repeat: get EVERYTHING in writing. He and I spoke about the missing trash can, and he said he probably has it. Now he "can't remember." One of his crew used my shovel, and for some reason I thought it had been my rake (singular). I called to ask them about it, and Richard got excited. He wouldn't even consider looking. I found the rake later, and called back to apologize. More than I can say for any of them. For the record: I don't cuss. Ever. On the mulch, he left here saying, "I will do it today or tomorrow, I promise." Exact words...

They arrived promptly, worked efficiently, did all I asked them to do, cleaned up, and left the front and back yards looking much better. I'd hire them again.

Retunred call promptly, arrived on time, negotiated price, finished quickly, respectful and polite

Owner was very professional , him and crew did a very good job of doing what he said they would do. Price was reasonable for the work done. Would difinetely consider them again.

The experience was positive and they did just what they said they would, and in a very timely manner. They cleaned up completely and made the yard look much better.

Most extraordinary aspect: all done by telephone. I have never "met" Richard, the owner but would know is voice anywhere. He promptly answered my first call. I explained exactly what I wanted. Approx 3 hours later, he called with an estimate. His estimate was spot on what I have paid in the past, so arranged for the work to be done-2 days later! My neighbor said he and his crew pulled up in a very nice truck and trailer and proceeded to work their hearts out. The results were exactly as I expected. Richard did a follow-up call that afternoon to ask if everything was to my liking. Just from start to finish, perfectly professional! Two of my neighbors have asked for and gotten his business card from me. I have added him to my contact list. He is now my "to go to gardener!

Great experience. Richard arrived early and did great work. He took the time to make sure I was satisfied with his work as he worked, which I was. He answered every question I had an was very knowledgable. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone and everyone i know.

Mr. Jolley came to look over the job and give me an estimate on the same day that I called, and with another worker, performed the work the next morning. They went far beyond my expectations, and left the entire yard, front and back, in beautiful shape. Extra effort was made everywhere I looked, beyond the basic job we had agreed on. These people are as conscientious as I would wish everyone to be. I couldn't be more pleased, will recommend this company to everyone I know, and will certainly call them again myself.

Richard Jolley, the company owner, was contacted by phone and came out directly to survey the problem. After a brief bit of bargaining, a mutually satisfactory price was agreed upon and he agreed to come the next morning very early to do the work. He politely phoned ahead before arriving with two workmen, an experienced arborist and a helper. They all worked rapidly as directed by him and by the property owners and did an excellent job. One of the property owners anticipates hiring them again soon to do other tree trimming.

They were terrific. My interaction with them went very well. They were prompt; their price was good; and they did exactly what they had said they would do. I spent about $350 on the job. I was very pleased with them. I will use them again in the future.

Mr. Jolley and his employee arrived on time (6:00 AM) and in short order 4 hours, completed the work. They obviously knew what they were doing, toiled hard and had all the necessary equipment. When the time for the next cleanup and trim comes, I will use this company again.