Rogue Tree Surgeons / Gardeners on Watchdog now

[Andy Collins]

What a lot of fuss over nothing, storm in a teacup. So this character is ripping people off, or is he? He is charging a rate which he has quoted for. He hasn't forced them to have the work done, they could have got quotes elsewhere, I mean tree specialists are ten a penny these days. People on here moan about being under cut, he isn't under cutting anyone.

So his work is deplorable, but I have seen "pro" companies do little better for the same money, but that's ok cos theyre "pros".

Instead of pointing the finger, surely it's better to go out and prove that your work is better, by being seen to be better, but that doesn't make good TV does it. Even the chinless wonder expert wouldn't show himself, or stand up and be counted when they challenged "Walter", what message does that send?

Ask yourself when on site, "how do I look to the client" and how can you look better in the clients eyes than that man.

let's not forget, programmes such as Watchdog are there to sensationalise and grab our attention, just for a second, put yourself in that set-up, and ask yourself, do I stand up to such scrutiny?

[pleasant]

I agree.

 

For those that missed it I'm sure you can all work out the scenario without the necessity to see it as this type of "reporting" has been done to death over many many years, it's predictable and the same old story.

 

Next week it will be gas fitters, then plumbers, then double glazing, then car salesman yada yada yada.

 

Absolutely no excuse nowadays for the public not to be aware of what they are getting themselves into IMO and more fool them if they do- hence these type of "traders" will continue.

[Pedroski]

Andy, you're quite right. But I think the main problem apart from the rubbish job was the pressure sale bit - one bloke giving misleading advice and saying what needed doing and that they'll do it for an extra £850, then the other bloke going in and saying "we can do it today while we're here if you like, and you can pay next week". That's like Anglian Windows and countless other double glazing firms who want you to sign up there and then.

 

What really gets me is the whole problem of Watchdog sensationalising stuff. I remember a while back some expert on there (Bob I think) saying that some paving work was over-priced and nobody should pay anywhere near £300 for what had been done, when in reality it was half a day for two blokes, plus materials, and wasn't overpriced at all. The job wasn't that good, but it certainly wasn't expensive. That sort of thing makes it hard for us when customers quibble about prices. You end up explaining that the experts on Watchdog are talking borrocks, and have to go to greater lengths to justify prices. You don't see Watchdog complaining about the amounts executives are paid, and underground train drivers - they just always pick on manual workers who work like stink for cashews.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

An accident looking for somewhere to happen. Time local councils and the HSE started closing down firms like this for breaking laws.

 

Problem with all those signs on the vehicles makes them look like a decent business to the public.

 

In 20+ years I have never seen someone oiling a chainsaw like that!!

[Andy Collins]

I've seen old boys in the woods oiling the bar just like that, with waste hydraulic oil poured on it, nothing new there.

[Rich2484]

Just read the write up on it.

 

So they do the work set for them and apart from the stumps it was a takedown.

 

The other work was refused at first but they called them back. They argued about the work but they left with nothing else said?

 

They dropped branches into a neighbours garden? Who hasn't done that?

 

Ok so they look like cowboys and prob are.

 

I live in the Dover area and I have never heard of them? Maybe I should get out more, but then I only hear about bad tradesmen when we have to clean up there mess.

 

Just another company that has been caught on camera and shown to the public, another blow for good companies that do a good job, people will be carefull but will still get caught out.

[volvo]

I've seen old boys in the woods oiling the bar just like that, with waste hydraulic oil poured on it, nothing new there.

 

Thats an old trick to pour oil on the bar when you do a top up . Im glad you mentioned it because i was going to but didn't in case i got shot down in flames..Just don't do it on lockblock etc.

[roseyweb]

It was very over hyped,

 

They getting lawson and leyland mixed up is easily done and I usually call lawson or thuja leylandii because that's what the customer knows.

 

I always widdle in the garden, who wants a dirty horrible tree surgeon treding mud and sawdust into there pristine bathroom.

 

He called a Sorbus a ash well sometimes I get fuddled if its a rare ornamental.

 

Also wheres the how to spot rogue? Advice

[Pedroski]

How to spot a rogue advice is probably pretty hard to give.... considering I know plenty of rogues who happily fork out £600/year for a Checkatrade listing, and there's always advice dished out by the council and other organisations telling Joe Public to make sure they use tradespeople listed in Checkatrade. Flicking farce it is, to be sure!

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

I've seen old boys in the woods oiling the bar just like that, with waste hydraulic oil poured on it, nothing new there.

 

I soak new chains overnight in a plastic box but never seen that with pouring oil and pointless as goes straight onto the ground and lawns.

 

Wax on bowsaw blades I have seen to keep sap off.