Solano's Tree Service

Landscaping

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Good experience.

This was the first time that I used them and they did very well. They did a really good job. Their responsiveness was very good. They were right on time. They were totally professional. I did actually call him today so we'll see if he calls back today like he said.

My phone inquiry was returned promptly and Mr. Solano's son came to give an estimate within a day or so. The estimate was lower than the other two I received and I was impressed by favorable reviews, so I scheduled the work two weeks hence. Mike's son and his fellow trimmer worked for two days to complete the job, put plywood on my roof to protect it from falling fronds and were meticulous in cleaning up after themselves.They took care to clean the neighbor's yard as well. Although the team arrived several hours late on the first day, they were very apologetic and accommodating when I asked them to return another day when they could get a full day's work in. They returned in two days and arrived promptly each morning. Although Mike's son is just a young man, his work ethic and character seem exemplary. A great experience.

Solano was the first landscaper I called, based on the reviews from yelp. They came by that same day to give me an estimate, and quoted me $900 for the job. When I heard the amount, I thought it was way too high (side note - I'm a new homeowner, so I had NO idea what something like this should cost if done professionally. one day when i was outside, a guy walking by said he'd weed-whack my hill for $50. He got a 1/4 of the way done, before he came up to my door and said "Too much. Too much. Pay $150." Naturally, I was pretty upset, so I told him to stop, paid him $30 and sent him on his way. It was then I decided to call a professional). So, I decided to call some additional landscapers. I received several other estimates that were substantially higher (although one said he would match my lowest bid), and although they certainly seemed as professional, they didn't seem as knowledgable (he knew the types of trees, the bushes, and even pointed out the smelly ones!). So, I called up Solano, and they came out later that week. It took them two days to do the entire job, which was pretty amazing for the amount of work they completed. AND, they hauled away all of the debris (which must have been a job in itself). My only complaint is that they left some of the dead branches for the chinese elms on the hillside, and didnt get all of the roots (so there is some re-growth), but I'm sure if I called them they would have taken care of it (I can't fault them for my own laziness). I will certainly use them again, and again.

Mike and his crew were 1 of 6 firms that bid on a gigantic old oak we needed to remove due to infectious fungus. We chose him initially on price and later learned his professionalism, skill, ethical workmanship, extensive knowledge, concern for safety, and sensitivity to all parties (including his workers) were easily worth at least twice as much. What was initially thought to be a 3 to 4 day project--rightly conceived as such including the other 5 companies who bid--turned into a two week event which no one could've anticipated because of the particular surprises this tree had in store. A previous owner of the property had poured concrete and gravel down a hollow in the trunk, which wreaked havoc on chainsaws and created a significant hardship to get through an 8 foot stump. Mike's team went through multiple chains, chipped teeth off grinders, blew seals on jacks, and it took 3 days of unceasing manual hard labor to fell the remaining 12' trunk. To compound issues, at one point we foiled his good plans to remove the huge amount of material by demanding to hold onto it for firewood. He warned us that there'd be no way we could keep all the wood on hand, which we foolishly ignored until we came to our senses, a week later, too late for his arrangement. He took that in stride and endeavored to find other takers. It's expensive stuff to just dump. At no point did Mike ever lose his cool, sense of humor or focus. His team worked intensively, every minute of the day, every day, including weekends. They cleaned up after themselves, took initiative with concerned neighbors, and were extremely cooperative with the myriad groups of curious onlookers who'd frequent the spectacle of bringing down a giant. Mike and his team were agreeable, fast, and knowledgeable. Having inherited the firm from his father, he'd gained years of experience participating in taking care of hundreds of trees. He represents the best reasons for hiring family business, that you get a personal relationship with someone who is more than just a tree company. It was nice that on occasion, his wife brought the crew lunch and it was apparent that they are genuinely supportive. We'd contacted other major firms who tried to frighten us into using a much more expensive crane and bucket truck, who trampled our plants during their bid inspection, a few who bitterly complained that we didn't hire them when we go the permit! I'm so glad we didn't and got Mike. We know he did the job at a loss, but never complained about it. We were so grateful for his professional service, we gave him more than he bid. Do yourself a favor and hire Mike. They are not just exceptional at their work, they are also very good trustworthy people. Something money can't buy or as Mike put it: "Money isn't everything, it comes and goes; there are more important things in life."