The Urban Lumberjack

He was very nice but did not service my area so I had to get my money back.

We have one huge palm tree in our yard and he cut off all the old fronds that were weighing the tree down. He did an amazing job. The tree has a life again whereas before it was on its way out.

bought the $199 for $400 deal on Angie's list, i have 4 trees needs to be cut down. after several arrangement, he came and then emailed me an estimate, the total was in the thousands, so I picked out 2 items to do first instead of the whole package, then he stopped replying, I emailed him multiple times and received no response. wasted months of my time, now the coupon is expired.

We have a fully grown podocarpis tree in our backyard. About 10 years ago, as part of a back yard landscaping project, we had the area near the base of the tree converted into a patio adjoining the back of our house. The patio was well constructed on a base of cross-hatched rebar, overlaid with 6-to-8 inches of high-density concrete, and topped off with decorative sotillo tile. Several months ago, we noticed that severe cracking was beginning to appear in the tile. It was clear that roots from the tree were breaking through the concrete base and buckling it. Uncertain as to what to do, we called several tree services. We got widely divergent opinions from them. One provider told us the tree would have to be removed. Another said the tree roots could possibly be trimmed, but the problem would return within a year. Confused by the conflicting opinions, we checked Angie's List and contacted Steve Marshall's firm, the Urban Lumberjack. Mr. Marshall is an arborist. This is an advisory role. He does not perform tree trimming, removal or any of the work associated with tree care. Nevertheless, he provided us with excellent insight, specific instructions, and showed a solid knowledge of his work. Mr. Marshall's professionalism and experience become obvious once you talk with him. He has a warm and pleasant personality. He offered clear and direct guidance and some valuable suggestions. We were hoping to be able to save the tree which has been on the property since before we moved into the house almost 30 years ago. We were relieved to know that would be possible and we could replace our old patio with one of a different construction style that will more readily absorb and respond to natural tree root growth.

Steve provided an estimate for all of the trees that needed trimming. He answered all of my questions, which were many, and even provided a list of the most critical trimming (dead tree) to the least critical so I could tailor the work to my budget. Two men arrived on the appointed day and performed the trimming as agreed upon. They worked in a very professional manner and cleaned up the yard completely before leaving. I am very pleased with the result and will definitely use them again.

I had a difficult time scheduling the initial meeting. The vendor admitted he was not the most organized, nor did he have the best memory. The first meeting was scheduled because he had a class near by. We had to reschedule because he confused the dates and missed the class. He was not available right away, so he requested that I call him if he didn't contact me within a couple of days. I ended having to call him to remind him I was waiting. He also mentioned that he did not get many orders from my area, so he wanted to schedule my work in the same day as one other order in the area. It seems to me if you offer a "Big Deal," you should be aware of this. When we finally decided on a day, he did do a good job and did a good job of cleaning after.

Steve called and we set up a date for the work. I had originally wanted it to be on a Friday or Sat when I am at home from work. While Steve said it was not necessary to be home while he and his crew does the work, I wanted to be. However the date Steve had available was on a Wednesday. Since we had discussed in depth what was needed I said OK. The day before the scheduled trimming we spoke, and made arrangements for payment since i would not be there. He also informed me that he had a mechanical issue and had to take care of it on Wed morning, so might not get there after all. In that case I was advised he definitely would be there Thursday or Friday. On Wed. Steve called me at work and let me know he hadn't made it but would come on Friday morning. YAY! I would be home. Friday morning Steve and his one crewman arrived first thing in the morning 8:45AM (it was heading to be a 100 degree day) and we once again walked through everything. By 10-10:30 they were done and the trees looked great. Cleanup was done completely and the branches taken with them as part of the fee covers the dump/disposal of the refuse. Steve was pleasant to deal with, intelligent, informed, and I learned a lot about my trees and the caretaking of them. He also gave me info on how long it would be before I'd need to trim again which helps a lot. I was extremely happy to find The Urban Lumberjack and would not hesitate to recommend Steve Marshall and his crew.

Athough the tree is still not as full as other trees on the block, it does appear healthier. I am glad that I hired Steve for this job, he was knowledgeable, friendly and a pleasure to deal with.

Perfect. I had a coupon from Angie's List and he gave me a very fair price (considering his professionalism). My house was outside his immediate area, so he asked me to wait until he had a couple jobs in my area, which I was willing to do. He did the work while I was at the office, so I never saw him come and go. In fact, as I drove up the driveway I thought maybe he hadn't been there, because there were no sign that they had been there -- no extra clippings in the driveway or gates left open or anything. What a surprise to walk into my backyard to find the trees beautifully manicured and the yard all cleaned up. They didn't even ask me to hurry home with a check. I just mailed it to him. In the several months since the trees were heavily pruned they have all survived -- in fact they're healthier than ever.

We have always used licensed arborists for our tree trimming, but Steve is head and shoulders above the rest. Our Chinese Elm overhangs our garden with about 100 rose bushes. His crew carefully erected a mesh trampoline above the roses so that none of the branches they cut would fall on the flowers. Aside from protecting our beautiful garden, the crew, headed by Francisco, did an amazing job shaping the trees. It was like the difference between SuperCuts and Jose Eber!There is no question but that we will use the Urban Lumberjack from now on.

Very professional job all around. The services were performed promptly and as agreed upon. The workers were very courteous and cleaned up the yards nicely. We had wanted to pay for a large tree to be trimmed but was told to wait until the winter, the optimum time for trimming this particular pine tree.

He was a little expensive than normally what it would cost but we actually wanted someone who had knowledge of trees and not just someone who come out and axe them. We actually wanted it done the right way instead of just shaping the tree. We wanted to make the tree healthier and make sure that it would keep earning us avocados because we didn’t have any last year and before that we had a lot. He didn’t tell us how much he would charge normally but we didn’t have anything else to do anyways. We looked him up before we brought the deal and saw that he was an arborist and knew what he was talking about. He actually came out to the house before we brought the deal. We knew beforehand that we were overpaying for the job he was doing but we just wanted to be someone who knew what he was doing. The job came out well. It didn’t take it too long. We had a giant windstorm and it was done right after that. There were thousands of trees completely destroyed and some half swept in the neighborhood but we didn’t have anything major. He was really slammed as he was working like before the sun came up till after the sun went down. We had talked to him before the windstorm and he came a week late after the windstorm but I understand that it wasn’t him but his situation that made him late.

They were great and I liked them very much. He was very professional, did a great job and the price was nice. He is very busy so it takes him a little while to return a phone call, but the work was excellent. The price was more than I expected it to be.

He was wonderful. He was punctual and professional and saved me money. I bought an Angie's List Big Deal. He informed me The value would not be worth it and advised me to get someone else out to save money. He was completely right. I really appreciate his honesty. While he was here he saw a problem with a tree and advised me what to treat it with. He gave me professional advice. I would have him back if I had a bigger job. Angie's List refunded my money in timely manner and I appreciate it.

I had got a coupon from Angie’s List for the work done. I was quite satisfied with the work he did. He is fine. It took a little time as there was a big storm here and the big jobs were done first and little jobs kind of just waited but there was no hurry on my part.

They were very professional and came on time. He was very honest and let me know that I could wait another 6 months before having my trees trimmed. I would consider using them in future.

On the most recent date that I worked with him, he removed a tree with invasive roots, and waited at my home for almost 3 hours for the new tree to be delivered so he could plant it. When it finally arrived, I was not happy about it because the tree looked too small and insignificant and Steve agreed and sent it back to the nursery. All of this meant that he would have to return to my home again which would involve a lot of extra time and effort on his part, but he did not flinch. He personally picked up the new tree and told me he thought I would be much more pleased with the new one, which I was! Then after planting it he left me with thorough instructions for the care of the new tree which was much appreciated. I recommend him highly.

I have used Steve and his company before and when I found a coupon for his company of Angie's List, I was thrilled! Steve is always on time and gives free estimates. He does not fudge around about what the job is going to cost, lowballing on the day of the estimate and then jacking it up on the day of the job. The price he quotes is the price he charges. He arrived early with his crew of two guys. My husband went out and explained again how we did not want too much of the tree in the front trimmed away. Steve took the time to explain that it was healthier for the tree, but he would not do anything we did not want to have done! He also went through the backyard with myself and his crew foreman, taking the time to explain everything to his workers what had to be done and to be careful of several things I asked him to watch out for. The job was completed faster than I anticipated and the crew took away all the green trash with them. I am very please with Steve and his company and would use him again, even without a coupon!

We were delighted with the whole process. Steve came out to give a free estimate a few weeks ago, was very professional and knowledgeable. Told us we didn't need to trim our palm tree but the others needed work and the rogue ash tree needed to removed before it damaged our newly installed fence, newly paved front yard and the adjacent driveway. He came out two weeks later as promised and had his guys do the work. They were fantastic. Punctual, quick and thorough. They moved all the garden furniture safely out of the way and back again, and took away all the debris. It couldn't have gone better. We will definitely use Urban Lumberjack again.

I purchased a Big Deal for $199 for $400 value of work. It took a while to schedule the project. It was difficult to get a response for him to come out. Once he arrived and did an inspection of the work, he decided that it was not worth his time and resources to do a such a small job. If I did want on him to do the work, he would need to charge me an additional $500 for his crew to come out due to other business expenses (time, gas, insurance for his crew to make the trip). He recommended that I get my gardener or another business to do the work because he deals primarily with bigger jobs and large trees. To be fair, I'm sure he does great work. He has good reviews. The key here is that I had already told him before I purchased the deal and when I scheduled the appointment that I was a smaller job. I felt like I was being dismissed when I had already paid for the service.

I purchased a Big Deal for tree service, and Steve came out and examined our big tree on a Sunday afternoon (he had previously checked to see if we would be around). After looking at our tree, he recommended that since our tree was in great condition, that we request a refund of our Big Deal. He was very honest and provided an assessment of our tree while we discussed its condition. I would definitely recommend the Urban Lumberjack to other people looking for an honest, informed arborist.

It was very good. He gave me an estimate to trim the trees and I am waiting for him to come out and do the actual work. I really liked the estimate I got so far. The cost included a "big deal coupon" but even without the coupon his fees were reasonable. Steve was knowledgeable about our trees and since they had not been attended to in quite awhile they were in desperate need of attention. He and his crew showed up on time and got right to work. I left for work shortly after they arrived and when I got home all the trees were trimmed and in good shape and everything was neat and clean. Not only would I recommend his services to others but I plan to call on him again next year.

He came out to look at the work I wanted done, he was honest about what I needed and what his company could provide, and we determined that his company wasn't the best one to call to have the work I needed performed. But I appreciated his quick responses to my previous emails and calls, his honesty and his courteous manner.

We are still in shock. We didn't think folks like Steve existed anymore. Incredibly personable, incredibly knowledgable and incredibly generous with his knowledge--lets forget the tree work and just have him over for dinner! After being told by a few gardeners and a so-called tree specialist that we would need to trim back our avocado tree (and, of course, THEY could do it for a couple hundred dollars) I figured tree trimming was on the "to-do" list. It is a wonderful, old avocado tree so I wanted to make sure it got the very best care so we hoped to find an actual arborist and man-oh-man am I glad we waited for Steve. I can only imagine the rough hack-job someone else would have done on our lovely little tree!! Turns out our tree is perfectly fine, doesn't need any trimming and is doing quite well--just a little dead wood trimming that we could handle on our own. He took about 20 minutes and gave us an amazing education on both our avocado tree and our orange tree and then shook our hand and left without charging us a penny! Which was kind of a bummer, because when someone is that smart and that honest you feel GREAT about giving them your hard earned dollars. HIGHLY recommended to anyone lucky enough to have a tree they can actually HIRE Steve for :)

He was efficient and did not harm other plantings in the process of his digging, guided me on how to care for the trees afterwards, and was professional. He delivered exactly as I had asked, and he was well-spoken and knowledgable.