Bad Customer Service Among Tree Companies in Minnesota

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How often have you been told: “I’ll be there at 3”

Then 3 o’clock rolls around and nothing…..so you call…..and nothing.

Never fails. The cable guy gets most of the bad rap for this, but let’s be honest; your local tree company is just as guilty. You will set up a time for an estimate and they won’t show. You will call and they won’t answer. You will leave a message, and they won’t call you back. When you do finally get a hold of them, DAYS LATER, they will tell you: “Sorry we have been really busy.” That’s about as legitimate as telling your teacher your dog ate your homework.

Come on!!!! Give me a Break!!!

They might tell you it’s not a big deal, its only tree removal or tree trimming appointment.

But what if the scenerio is this: you live in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the reason you are calling is in regard to Emerald Ash Borer Treatment? If this is the case then time is of the essence and you can’t afford to be jerked around. You are not just calling to get your tree trimmed but rather you are calling because you are concerned about the most dangerous pest facing our trees in the Twin Cities. With Emerald Ash Borer treatment, the sooner you get your tree treated, the better. So the sooner your tree care company calls you back the better!!!

I have a news flash for all you tree companies out there: Customers are Good for Business so Treat them that way!!!

Act like your company values its customers. There are three simple ways to achieve this.

1) Be courteous

2) Be respectful

3) Honor your commitments

It’s simple really.

  • When you make an appointment, show up on time. If you can’t, call in advance and reschedule.
  • If a customer calls and leaves you a message, call them back. You are never too busy to make a 2 minute phone call to acknowledge that someone is trying to give you business.
  • When there is agreed time to complete the job, honor that agreement.

These simple steps will show your customer base that you value them and appreciate their business. Don’t take them for granted, there are plenty of other companies they could go to.

And remember: Good customer service is good business practice….and it’s the right thing to do.

Emerald Ash Borer: The Pest and The Problem

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Emerald Ash Borer is an emerging problem and isn’t going away any time soon. Since its discovery in St. Paul in 2009 many cities throughout the Twin Cities metro have put in place Emerald Ash Borer management strategies and various counties have quarantines in place to slow the spread of this pest.

Many home owners are left wondering: what is Emerald Ash Borer and what can I do to save my tree?

Let’s start with: What is Emerald Ash Borer???

  • Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a nonnative invasive insect that infects and kills ash trees.
  • Originating in Asia, EAB was first discovered in the US in 2002 and in Minnesota in 2009
  • Emerald Ash Borer Beetles only attack Ash Trees
  • Adult Beetles are metallic green and about 1/2-inch long. The adult beetles damage your tree by feeding on leaves. This will decrease the beauty of your tree but will have little effect on the health and longevity of your trees life span.
  • The Emerald Ash Borer Larvae are the destructive stage of the pest. The larva feed on the inner bark of the tree leaving S-Shaped tunnels. These S-Shaped tunnels damage the vascular system of the tree and disrupt the transportation of nutrients throughout the tree. This disruption ultimately leads to the death of your tree.

What Can I do to save my Tree??

First identify if your tree has Emerald Ash Borer. The four main symptoms include:

  1. Excessive wood pecker activity; as they feed on the larva living inside your tree
  2. Canopy die back
  3. Sprouts growing at the base of an Ash Tree; known as Epicormic sprouts
  4. 1/8 inch D shaped exit holes in the bark of your tree.

A tree care professional can assist you in determining if your Ash Tree is infected with Emerald Ash Borer.

Once it has been determined your tree is infested it is imperative that you take action immediately as an infested Ash Tree can die within 2-3 years. YES – an infected tree can still be saved, but only with prompt insecticide treatment.

Contact a Certified Pesticide Applicator to discuss your treatment options.

Emerald Ash Borer infestation found in Dakota County

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It certainly wasn’t a very Merry Christmas for the city of Eagan. During a routine inspection in Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan on December 23, 2014, the first discovery of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Beetle (EAB) was made in Dakota County, Minnesota.

An entomologist with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has since verified the infestation and Dakota County now joins Hennepin, Ramsey, Olmsted, Houston, and Winona counties under state and federal quarantine to help protect against the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.

Why is containing the spread of Emerald Ash Borer important?

  • Since its discovery in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle has killed millions of trees in North America
  • The State of Minnesota has over 1 billion ash trees; all of which could potentially be at risk of infection and eventual death
  • The continued spread of this devastating pest could have a severe financial and visual effect on the state of Minnesota

What can I do to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer?

  • Don’t transport firewood!! Buy firewood locally, and burn it where you buy it!!
  • Be aware of the various quarantine restrictions on the various Minnesota Counties.
  • Watch your trees for Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Symptoms include: Excessive wood pecker activity, as they feed on the larva living inside your tree; Canopy die back; Sprouts growing at the base of an Ash Tree, known as Epicormic sprouts; and 1/8 inch D shaped exit holes in the bark of your tree.

If you think your Ash Tree may be infected with Emerald Ash Borer contact a tree care professional immediately. Early detection and treatment can be the difference between life and death for your tree. Early detection can also help contain the spread of this devastating pest.

For further information regarding Emerald Ash Borer in the Minnesota Twin Cities Metropolitan area, including the risks and treatment options, visit www.sltreeservice.com to arrange a free consultation.