Twin Cities Emerald Ash Borer Spread Continues

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The spread of the devastating Emerald Ash Borer Beetle across the Twin Cities Metro continues. On March 25, 2015 the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Anoka County. The discovery of the Ash Borer Beetle was made on private property in the City of Ham Lake. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture website states that the infested tree was found through the “Arrest the Pest” hotline.

Due to the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle in Ham Lake, Anoka County is now being placed under emergency quarantine and will eventually be placed on a state and federal quarantine to help contain the further spread of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. Anoka County now becomes the seventh county in the State of Minnesota to become infested with Emerald Ash Borer.

It is important to remember that with the quarantine comes responsibilities from residents. Now that Anoka county is under an emergency Emerald Ash Borer quarantine it is prohibited to move Ash trees, Ash tree limbs, and all hardwood firewood out of the county. Doing so will come with stiff financial consequences to the offending party and is strongly discouraged.

It is also time for Anoka county residents to begin to develop an Emerald Ash Borer treatment plan to help protect their trees from becoming infested with this invasive pest. The time is now to start thinking of your options for the following reasons:

  1. the rule of thumb is that if your tree is within 15 miles of a infestation point, you are at risk
  2. in the spring, when the tree is fully leaved out, is the best time to perform preventative Emerald Ash Borer treatment
  3. the spread of Emerald Ash Borer is continuing and you don’t want your tree to become infested

Emerald Ash Borer treatment and prevention plans vary across the Twin Cities. Contact Sweet Leaf Tree Service today to set up a free consultation to discuss the various Emerald Ash Borer treatment options that will work best for you.

For more information on the latest discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle in Anoka County, please visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

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.