Specialized Rigging & Tree Care

Jay came to our house to assess a few overgrown trees in our backyard. He was extremely professional both in person and on the phone. He emailed me an estimate for $1,200 for all trees around our property to be pruned. If all work was performed, $100 would be deducted from the total. Ultimately, we found another company that did the work for less.

Could not have gone better. Called Jay on a Friday. He came Saturday to look over the job and emailed us the estimate Saturday afternoon. The work was done Monday and Tuesday. We called several other companies that gave us an estimate a little lower than Jay's but we could never get a response as to when the job would start. Jay was punctual and professional. The crew was very careful of our yard since the tree had to be taken down by hand. Jay told us what to expect regarding our lawn with the large branches being dragged across it. They were very careful and the lawn is already starting to bounce back. I highly recommend Specialized Rigging and Tree Care.

I must say that when I called Jay was very responsive. I left a message at about 2pm on a Friday and at 3pm I got a call from him. He said he was heading to the Cape for the weekend, so was Monday ok for an estimate. Absolutely! He arrived on time Monday and gave took a look. His knowledge was very impressive. I had gotten another quote earlier in the week and they were very abrupt. Jay took his time and explained everything to me. He said the quote would be emailed to me in a couple of days. Five days went by and on Friday I called them back looking for the quote. He said they got busy and I would get it in the next few days. I did get in on Monday of the next week. They were not the cheapest, in fact they were about 20% more than the other quote I got. I emailed Jay and asked them to do something about the price. It was then he offered the 5% Angie's List discount. You need to ask for this or you will not get the discount. I agreed on the price. Scheduling was not a great process. He said that they were 3 weeks out on scheduling. Not a problem I thought, just give me a day and time. He didn't do that. On June 29th I got the following in email "We are a out 3-4 weeks out depending on weather but, may be able to fit your job in with another in the area. I will contact you when we have an opening. Let me know if that works for you." I said that was fine. On July 12th I had not heard a thing from them. I emailed asking for an update and was given the date of the 20th. He said people would be here at 7am on the 20th. The day of the 20th arrives. I wake up early to be sure to be bright eyed and bushy tailed for 7am. 7am comes and goes. About 8:45 a pickup truck shows up with a couple of guys. They explain that they had some emergency work they had to do and apologized for being late. About 9:30 the work began. They were great. The job took a few hours but very well done. They cleaned up the mess including sweeping the roof. All in all great quality work, but communication and scheduling needs to be better.

Investigation with SR&TC's Mike, sent to check out the situation, revealed two dead trees and one live tree one of whose high fully-leafed out branches was leaning their way. Mike proposed a way to keep the live tree's branch from falling (pruning then cabling to its large trunk) and Jay Malouf, owner, emailed an estimate within a day. An estimated service date was given with a chance of something earlier (every wind storm sent a chill or two about getting it done sooner rather than later. The earlier date worked out, the crew completed the task quickly, cleaned up the yard including some bushes requiring cutting but not part of the estimate, and moved on to the next job. We paid after the services had been rendered and were highly satisfied. The extra work was done gratis.

Jay provided a very competitive estimate quite a few weeks prior to me having the work done. He was also very detailed in explaining what areas of the trees he was planning on pruning and also recommended removing of dead branches and pruning the crown of the oak tree in the rear of house. Weeks later, when I finally called to tell Jay I was ready, he was able to fit me into his schedule such that my roofer would not be delayed in starting to replace my old roof. I was not there when Jay and his crew did the work during the day, but I did inspect their work later that evening. The pruning was done exactly as he had stated when I had first met him at the property to give me a quote. Everything turned out perfect. I could not have been any happier and one of the biggest things I noticed was that my yard was cleaner then before he had started. I did not need to rake the yard or pick up any branches. I will definitely recommend this company to others and I plan to use them for any future work that I may have.

We had six or seven companies look at the tree. The diversity of responses was mind numbing - one wanted to save the tree by cabling, one said absolutely not, several said, well, you could, but... One wanted to tear it down with a crane in one neighbor's driveway, one in our other neighbor's driveway, one wanted our fence down, but Specialized said they could do it all through our existing gate with climbers. One said the tree was absolutely not safe to climb. Anyway, we decided to have the tree taken down so that we wouldn't have the nagging safety worries, and we chose Specialized because they were the cheapest and simplest of the bids - no need to trouble our neighbors or to call in our fence guy. They came to us within a few days of our decision, and they did the job exactly as specified.

I have to preface this review by saying "if there's a business operating out there who does the polar opposite of what your expecting, I have either already tried using them, or am still waiting a call back". For example, last year, neighbors on either side of my house had some large trees removed. I too needed some work done. So, I got the number from the neighbors and called. After several weeks of leaving messages, I finally set up an appointment for an estimate; left work early, Nothing. No call, no show (I let this happen twice as I fell for the "I got tied up at another job" line before deciding that this guy clearly doesn't want my business). Clearly, I have not had the best experience with service professionals to date. However, I truly don't want that to cloud the following review by making you think I have nowhere to go but up. I too, work for a business, give it my all, and expect that I'm not the only one who does. I joined Angie's list hoping to stop the cycle of searching for providers of service who end up taking advantage of the fact that you need them. Boy am I glad I did! I made a few tentative calls in from folks listed on Angie's List. Jay Malouf from Specialized Rigging and Tree Care was the first to respond. He was professional, polite, pleasant, and informative. We set up a time for him to come look around to "see" exactly what I was looking for. He showed up, on time, and took as much time with me as needed for us to formulate a plan of action. Though he told me I may have to wait a few days for the estimate, he got it back to me the next day. It was in the range I had expected, so I hired him. He and his crew showed up promptly when they were scheduled and did everything we had agreed on. Even when he had to come back to finish on a separate day due to a vacationing neighbors car being parked directly under one of the trees to be removed, he remained pleasant and professional. When I asked (mid-project) if we could add on a few more small things to his list (that I of course, would pay for), he happily took that on as well (and, might I say, BARELY added on to our original price). Jay and his crew are very professional and do fabulous work in record time. The two large trees I had removed each hung over a neighbors driveway, not a leaf or twig was left in either neighbors yard/drive. My own yard was completely cleaned up after they were done. The only evidence I had of their having been here was the sunshine pouring in from where the overgrown trees had been. Truly a spectacular experience. I will definitely be using Specialized Rigging and Tree Care again for the planting or an ornamental tree (as soon as I make up my mind what I want) and of course any and all tree work I need in the future. I HIGHLY recommend these folks. Jay does exactly what he says, when he says, for the price he says. He's easy to deal with, responsive to phone and email, and above all else, an honest business man.

Jay came with his crew to take down a tree that had been damaged from snow last winter. He also pruned up lower limbs on two other trees and cleaned up grapevine that was strangling another tree.I was very pleased with what he did. We even had a conversation about what I want him to do next year.He is very knowledgeable and is just an overall NICE guy. His crew worked hard and they did a good job cleaning up. Highly recommend him.

We had four very large trees very close to our house (some above or roof ) removed. These trees were also right above our fence, gate, and garden. Not a scratch on anything. We also had three very large trees thinned to reduce windsail, reducing the risk of falling during a rainstorm. Bottom line, if you need special tree services, these guys are the best.

Jay is knowledgeable, honest, professional. He called back quickly. He even spoke to the town conservation mgr for us regarding a bush we wanted him to remove by the water's edge. During the estimate, Jay gave sound advice regarding the job we had for him to do, which was done today. The work is excellent. Jay and his crew took down two trees and uprooted a large bush. When I came home not a twig was left on site. The tree pruning looks wonderful. And, they even took care of an old stump we had not planned on. I recommend this company without any reservation.

They were very quick and remarkably efficient. They did a complicated removal job in a very artful fashion that limited any disturbance to my neighbors. We had a couple of special requests and they really worked with me. We were very pleased. They deserve very high marks.

Specialized Tree Care did a great job. From Jay's prompt call back right away, to calling on the way to the estimate, to showing up promptly to the job. Super responsive and professional. Also, one of the trees was tall enough the the guys had to climb it halfway to cut down half of it before they could take down the rest. The trees were *very* close to both my house and my neighbor's house, but they were able to take them down without getting them near the houses at all. The trees were also surrounded by a lot of other vegetation (forsynthia, etc) and afterwards all of that still looked untouched. I highly recommend Specialized Tree Care. We are even thinking of having them come back just to prune some of the other trees on our property.

Jay and his crew did an outstanding job. They were very professional, friendly, and did a great job cleaning up after all of the trees were down and pruned. It was very hard to tell they were even in the yard at all after the exceptional clean up. I would highly recommend this company and my wife & I plan on using them again for future landscaping projects.

I called for an estimate. Specialized Rigging and Tree Care replied promptly and sent an estimate via e-mail and backed it up with a phone call. Once I hired them, they were wonderful about staying in contact with me and scheduling a date that would work for us. They came exactly when they said they would, were professional and courteous and did the job in no time. The tree was gone without a trace. There was a fence to deal with up against the tree and a shed right beside the tree. They removed the stump way down below the ground and up against the fence with no problem. They cleaned up all the shavings, wood etc. and you would never know there was a tree there. We were thrilled. We would recommend them highly and would hire them again in a minute.

I found this company on Angie's list, and when I called I spoke with one of the owners, Michael Martinez. He came out for an estimate. I also got another estimate, from another highly rated Angie's list company, and that estimate was about $2,000 higher. So I went with Specialized. They showed up on time with a huge crew, did excellent work, and cleaned everything up at the end. I was very impressed. While they were there, I asked Michael what his feeling was about removing three very large bushes that we had not previously discussed. He said he felt it would be wise to remove them, and then did it as a courtesy, no cost. He also helped me remove some ivy from my chimney (which required a taller ladder than i owned), also as a courtesy, asking only that I pass along his name. Which I will gladly do. I have a lot of respect for him and his company. Do yourself a favor and get a quote from these guys before having any trees removed, you'll probably save a lot of money and will get the job done right.

I got them from Angie's List. I would grade him highly all the way down. He was right on time. I will use their services in the future.

Mike and crew came by our place in Boston and removed a 40ft tree from the alleyway behind our place. They came on time and completed the work in the expected time.The cost was reasonable for the work that was done. No hesitation on using them again or suggesting them to a friend.

Mike was very professional and a pleasure to work with. He and his crew came as scheduled and as soon as we went over the work agree upon, he started to remove the gigantic pine tree. I was mesmerized by his expertise and care while removing the tree. I had been concerned, as the gas line ran under the tree, however, Mike took particular care in sending down large limbs and the trunk of the tree. It was truly team work, each knowing what had to be done in order to keep everything moving smoothly and safely. Even though, through no fault of Mike, there was a little glitch, which caused him some inconvenience, he was exceptionally understanding and was able to complete the work without delay. It was amazing to watch and I have a whole new respect for those men who are known as "climbers." All the debris was raked up and disposed of and Mike was so kind as to remove some fallen limbs from the last storm without charging me extra. I highly recommend him and his crew. Anyone hiring this particular company would have no worries as to the quality of work and the pleasant demeanor of him and his crew. His quote was exactly what I paid, and it was truly a positive experience.

Tree fell in tropical storm Irene onto yard. Michael came fairly quick to give us an estimate. He came by before any of the other companies that we called and offered the best deal. Tree was quickly removed, and he and his crew even assisted us with sawing off some other branches in the yard that were problematic. Easy to reach via the phone and by email. Very prompt, friendly, polite and easy to work with.

I called the main number and received a call back from Mike right away - he came over that same day (within a couple of hours) to check out the tree and give me an estimate. While he was here, he took a look at the rest of the yard to check out the condition of the rest of the trees and advise me on their maintenance, as well, which was really helpful. He gave me a verbal estimate, then sent me an email with the information in writing several days later. I was able to get an appointment right away (within the week), and Mike was involved in the job itself, as well (unlike another company I've worked with that didn't have the arborist with them when they were doing the work). The work was done efficiently, neatly, and surprisingly quietly - the tree was right up against a fence, which remained totally unscathed (along with the surrounding ground). I feel really confident in the work that they did, and I will call them again for future work. The quote from Specialized Rigging was slightly higher than another company ($450 vs. $400), but i think it was worth it for the level of expertise and care! When the team was done with the tree removal, Mike even cut off a huge chain for us that was "choking" a tall tree in the yard at no additional charge. Thank you, Mike!

Jay was always professional, timely and informative. He quickly gave us a detailed estimate that allowed for different contingencies (ie. Just trim or take the whole tree down; haul away the trunk or leave onsite). He was not the lowest bid, but gave us the idea to ask our neighbor if we could leave the logs from the tree in their forested land directly next to us. That saved us about 25% on the cost for the removal of the very tall Norway Maple we had to have taken down because of disease. The trees were not reachable by crane and had to be climbed. They definitely know what they are doing. When he was finished he came to the house to make sure everything was to my satisfaction. I would definitely use him again!

They arrived first thing on Friday morning and went over the estimate carefully with me to be sure that everyone was on the same page. They went through and checked all of their equipment carefully and started working. They told me that they would probably need to work a few hours on Saturday to finish up if that was OK. Our neighbor next door asked if three more trees could be taken down that were causing damage to his roof and they accommodated him and worked the entire day on Saturday of the holiday weekend to finish everything up. They left all of the stumps very low to the ground and neat. My husband made out the check incorrectly so that the bank would not cash and Mike was very understanding and drove back to my house so that I could write another check for the work. He was very nice about this problem as well.

Mike and his crew were incredible. My old cedar was right up against my house and the utility pole wires leading to my house, were running right through the middle of the tree branches. Also, the neighbor's driveway was right beside the tree and I had a little tree on the other side of the cedar, so it was surrounded on all sides. Mike did such a masterful job, that he removed the dying cedar tree, and did not even disturb the little tree, my house, the neighbor's cars or the wires that were running through the middle of the tree branches. He removed all of the debris (not a speck was left behind) and cut the tree so flush with the ground, that I don't even have a stump sticking out of the ground. Amazing. Well worth every cent, plus my neighbor is thrilled to finally see the sun through her kitchen window! Thanks Mike

Mike and his crew did a great job. They were professional and courteous, answering all the questions that I had. The arrived when they said they would, removed the trees safely, and left the site neat and clean.

Because of the location (close to the house) and in-between other large oak trees and mature dogwoods a crane was used. The crew arrived at 7:30AM and completed the job in just over 3 hours. The cleanup was impressive. You could not have been able to tell there was ever a tree there. I had asked that they utilize plywood to make sure there would not be indentation in the lawn from the trucks and did not have to remind them on the day of the job. A very professional and well-coordinated effort. You could tell they worked well together. Everyone knew their jobs and worked efficiently. Ground crew always working well guiding the crane operator (protecting my other trees) and cleaning up as they worked. Then came the grinder while the hauling truck loaded the big portions of the tree and finished up. Great company.