Frank & Son Tree and Landscaping

He left a mess with the cut trees all over the yard. Had to hire someone to clean up

Received payment, but did not return to finish job. Shame on me for not using Angie's List and researching this provider with the Better Business Bureau! I am typically one to do research, but got excited with a local Groupon for $300 worth of tree service for $100. I hired Frank & Son Tree and Landscaping to remove a large hardwood tree, a scrubby evergreen and do some general trimming of branches. I hired Frank and Son Tree and Landscaping to remove 3 trees, and trim branches. He accepted payment, but will not return to remove tree limbs, branches and debris. He also took it upon himself to "limb" up a specimen magnolia tree that was not to be trimmed. Frank and Son Tree and Landscaping arrived about 4 pm on Thursday April 5, 2012 and cut down large oak and evergreen trees, and trimmed lower branches around yard, removed some dead limbs. The week prior, he supplied a written estimate to remove and trim trees, haul debris and fertilize. We walked the yard together and specified which trees to be trimmed. On the day of arrival, we walked the yard again to confirm which trees to be cut and trimmed. They did haul away logs from large tree per the agreement (I assume because they had some value to sell), but never returned to remove the limbs, branches and debris. The owner committed to return with his son the following day, Friday April 6, to remove the last small tree, finish the trimming and remove debris. They did not return, nor did they call. I called several times and left messages through the weekend. Frankie did call back Monday April 9 and said his wife was to have called to tell me they had a problem with their truck Friday. I did not receive a call or message. He committed to return Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning to remove the debris and finish. Through the week of April 9, I left several phone messages and sent text messages. At one time, the "son" of Frankie and Son answered and said his dad was sick on Wednesday. I did receive a text Wednesday night saying "Promise you i will finish.very sick today". I received another text saying Friday saying "Im sorry about the delay, we will be there this weekend for sure..." More than 10 days later, and two weekends later, I still have piles of debris all over my yard. Frankie took it upon himself to "limb" up my Bracken Brown Beauty Magnolia, which is a speciman tree in my front yard. This had branches down to the ground, and was in perfect health. We had not discussed this tree being trimmed. It was the nicest tree on my lot, with a lovely shape and no dead branches. This type of magnolia is meant to have branches down to the ground, not be "limbed" up. He cut all the branches off in the bottom 4 feet. The tree is about 16 feet tall. He acknowledged that we hadn't talked about this tree and apologized for cutting it, saying he thought it looked nice. I've since done research and learned that this tree is not to be shaped this way, and is not to have more than one major limb cut off at one time. He said he would fertilize the tree and seal the cuts, but has not done so. This tree has been in for 6-8 years. A new, smaller tree 10-12 feet is at least $400-600 (not installed) Installed one similar would be significantly more. At this point, I can't see taking out this tree, but am just sick about it being trimmed like this. I'm hoping it survives. I'm not even sure how I'd go about putting a new one in given the location and roots. I've had neighbors remark on "why in the world" I would have trimmed my focal point tree in this way and commented about the cuts not being sealed. I've also received complaints about the branches littering my front yard now for 10+ days. The branches and debris are littering both sides of my front yard, and throughout the back. Now that the leaves have died on the branches, it is causing even more mess - and also has damaged the grass. I will need to hire someone else to haul this away and cut the remaining tree. It looks like a tornado hit my yard with piles of debris everywhere. Also,there is a broken limb on my plum tree in front I will have to remove myself - damaged by this company. I had asked to have some of the new growth at the top trimmed, and the tree shaped. Instead he "limbed" this up too, making it look even taller. We discussed the fast growth of this tree and how I liked it to shade a certain room. Now all of the bottom branches are off - and the tree looks bad. He also "topped" off another decorative tree and I now suspect that was a mistake. I also paid company $25 to clean gutters (not done). In addition to a $100 Groupon for $300 worth of services, I have paid $625 to this company. I should have better researched this company to read the complaints, and not paid until the work was done. I am embarrassed to even admit that I paid him before the work was finished. The owner seemed like such a great guy -- was just all over calling me to confirm when he'd be here for the estimate, etc....now, he won't return calls has left me with this mess. The "son" of Frankie and Son did answer one of my calls, committed to personally call me back the next day to confirm a time.........nothing. My first clue should have been the check cashing company that called me within 30 minutes of the person leaving my house - to confirm the amount of my check.. He was quick to cash the check, but is no nowhere to be found. I'm left with damaged trees, piles of debris all over killing my grass and other plants. The provider's phone mail box is full, and I'm out of luck.