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jess2132000
Harleysville, PA
(Zone 6a)
April 19, 2008
9:07 PM Post #4833328
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We are having a new roof put on the house and the roofer was throwing shingles from the roof and split our Japenese maple tree. It is pretty bad looking as many big branches are broken off and not sure if it can be saved.. we questioned him on the damage to the tree and he said he was aware of it and he would get us a nice new tree.. I told him the tree was at least 15 years old as we planted it and our landscaper 3 years ago quoted it as a $1500 tree if bought brand new at a nursery. I think he thought I was joking but he said oh really?? He backed it up by saying well we can get you a nice new little tree there or something.. I said very nicely this was not a standard shrub that you buy for $50 at a nursery. This was a 15 year old Japenese maple.. Big difference.. I loved the tree.. I am kinda sick to my stomach thinking we might not be able to safe this tree. ( I know i must sound weird but really love this tree!) It looks bad and since this guy is a old neighbor friend that is doing the roofing job i want to keep piece with him also but want him to realize this is not just any old shrub. What is the best way to handle this issue?? We paid him $3000 towards the $5000 new roof so far. He is to get the other $2000 tomorrow when the job is finished..How should we deal with the tree issue?? |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
April 19, 2008
9:21 PM Post #4833388
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I'm not sure exactly how contractors' insurance coverage works, but I'm assuming they must have insurance to cover damage that they do to people's property. I'd also look at your contract and see if it says anything in there that would apply to this situation.
I think the best thing to do is get some tree experts to give you some written estimates of what it would cost to replace your tree with something equivalent, that way you've got something to show the guy. Since he's most likely not a gardening expert, it's hard to understand why JM's are so expensive, and having some info from an expert will show him that you're not just trying to rip him off.
Also, you might see if you can get a professional opinion on the condition of the tree--if it'll likely recover but just look a little unsightly for a while, then I think he still owes you something but not nearly as much as if he killed the tree. (you could post a pic here on the Trees & Shrubs or JM forums and get some preliminary opinions from people here) |
jess2132000
Harleysville, PA
(Zone 6a)
April 19, 2008
9:27 PM Post #4833422
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Thing is this is his own company as he works during the week for a roofing compnay but does his own side jobs on weekends but it is under his own company name. He plans to go out on his own by next year. So I am not sure what insurance he carries for this weekend side business he has under his own company name.. He seems very honest type so I like the idea of getting a few opinions on this trees condition from others..
thanks I will try to get a photo of it tomorrow once the tarps are removed completely..
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 9:33 PM |
claypa
West Pottsgrove, PA
(Zone 6b)
April 19, 2008
9:33 PM Post #4833439
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Maybe you could get an arborist to try to save it, and get the roofer to pay for that. And maybe see if he has insurance for his work. Anyway, I would let him finish the roof, then start dickering with him about the damage he caused. You have the leverage if the job is done. He may be a neighbor friend, but it doesn't sound like he's cutting you any major price break that I can see.
Take pictures of the tree! You may need them.
edit: wow, two posts while I was typing...!
This message was edited Apr 19, 2008 9:37 PM |
jess2132000
Harleysville, PA
(Zone 6a)
April 20, 2008
7:42 AM Post #4834747
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Well hope he is done today with the roof. i will take photos and post it here once he is done. We have a wonderful guy that is a arborits that does all our trees here. He saved if 3 years ago from canker issues. I wish it was the golden glob arbervity in that flower bed as they are cheep to replace but the Jap maple is pricey.. I really don't think he realizes the cost of those trees...We ae trying to stay nice about all this.. hope it ends in a nice happy medium.. I don't want to get nasty over this. the roof is looking great!! |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
April 25, 2008
9:53 AM Post #4861920
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Sorry about your tree.
When we had our house re-roofed, the contractor placed plywood sheets over all our garden beds, so then anything dropped would not wind up there, but slide to the outside where the crew could easily and quickly remove it. They even ran magnetic nail pickip devices over the yard to remove any random pieces to prevent lawnmowing accidents. |
jess2132000
Harleysville, PA
(Zone 6a)
April 25, 2008
4:40 PM Post #4863623
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Well he gave us a magnetic thing to walk around the yrd with. My kids found that kinda fun to do!! He has not come back to pick it up yet as he left it with us for a week just so we could keep checking from time to time. Amazing how many nails there are.. We did clean up after the dumpster also as he was so busy he has not come back to do that yet. He called today to let us know he'd be here tomorrow to finish cleaning up but I told him we did it already as we wanted to get the cars in the driveway. He said he was sorry but was busy with his fulltime job and I can understand but wonder if service would have been better going with a company instead of him. Well he is kinda a friend so I am somewhat understanding of this issue.. |
profroofer
chicago
(United States)
May 7, 2008
4:24 AM Post #4917894
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Hi.I'm new here.This site is very informative.Think I'm goin to stick in here..Hope I can help in any ways..And I'm looking forward to know all you guys. |
Bubba_MoCity
Missouri City, TX
May 7, 2008
8:56 AM Post #4918377
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Welcome aboard - always great to have experienced professionals to help with our projects. |
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