Branch 2 Branch Tree Service

We should have gone with our gut and steered clear. The price was good. We found out why. John J. Stirtout, owner of Branch 2 Branch, made promises he just couldn't keep. Not sure why, but I am guessing based on the booze on his breath when he came to drop off a bill on June 22 from May 17 for 1 of the 3 trees he was supposed to trim/remove, that may be a good start. Early in May, I received a recommendation from a co-worker for this tree guy who did some work for one of her husband's friends. We called and he was responsive. He then proceeded to either not show up or cancel (3x) prior to the time he actually showed up to do a small part of the work. He was told either you come and do some work or we will be finding another trimmer, this is your last opportunity. He said, I can come to remove the pine tree. He did. Estimate was written on a scratch piece of paper, which also show the level of professionalism, we should have taken this as a sign. Repeatedly we had asked him for a copy of his current insurance and liability. So the day he finally decides he is open to work, he arrives while no one is home and calls requesting to start work. He was asked if he had his insurance information with him. He said yes. Well, he did bring it with him but....it had expired...in 2008, if my memory serves me correctly. He was half way done with the job by the time this was realized. He promised tomorrow when he came back to finish the other two trees, he would bring the current one. He said he accidentally grabbed the wrong one. Mmmm makes a whole lot of sense. Two voice mails and two texts later, no call back. Nothing. As we expected he did not come back the next day. He came back 1 month and 5 days later, with a a bill. I informed him I didn't have the money at this time and he would have to wait, as I secured another tree trimmer, who was licensed, bonded, insured and actually did the work. Of course, the new tree trimmer cost me an extra $800. I told him I used my tax return to pay for the tree trim and now it is gone. I told him he would get paid, but I didn't know when. He said, I don't want to have to make a call, if I do, you will pay 3 times the amount you owe me now. I told him to call whoever he needs to call, the I told him how disappointed I was in his professionalism, lack of responsibility. Had he actually come back and provided the insurance, I probably would be writing a different review. Shame on you John J. Sirtout. If you are crazy enough to use this guy, make sure he is not intoxicated and has his insurance/liability up to date.