MC KINNEY TREE HUGGERS

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We reluctantly agreed to top two tree that were blocking our new neighbors view even though we knew this was not good for the trees. We had topped one of these trees many years prior for the previous owner of this home. So I had an expectation of what the tree would look like. I spoke personally with Mr. McKinney about my expectations regarding the topping of these two trees. These trees provide considerable shade for our house which is an old farm house and does not have air conditioning. I agreed that they could top the trees but all the lower branches that provided our shade needed to remain intact. He agreed to my request. When I came home the day they completed this service, I was devastated. All that remained of these beautiful trees were two tall stumps with not a branch or leaf in sight. They did this in July which put considerable stress on the trees. Our house instantly was so hot on that side we had to keep all the windows covered until cool weather arrived. I conferred with the county extension agent to determine whether the trees would even survive. They did not give me much hope but said to give it a few years, although for sure we have shortened the life of these two beautiful trees - a black walnut and an oak. The trees have come back this spring - we now have two tall trunks with leaves but no branches. It will be many, many years before the trees will grow branches again. I will never top a tree again and I advise anyone who wishes to trim a tree to be sure to work with an Arborist who know what is best for a tree and not just concerned with chopping it down. I tried to talk to Mr. McKinney several times to see why he did not honor what we agreed to, but he would never call me back. Our neighbors paid for this part of the service and we paid for the felling of several dead hemlocks on our property. I learned a hard lesson - I will never agree to top a tree again and if I ever need a tree taken down I will not use this service as they clearly do not honor the wishes of their clients.