Massive Difference in Quote for a Tree Pruning Service

tebbybabes on 03/08/2020 - 17:04

Just wanted to ask for some input from the community. The neighbouring bushland property has a rather large tree overhanging my fence and it's starting to show signs of some of it's branches dying off.

Anyway, I've contacted several tree services for quotes and a couple have already been over to have a look see.

What is a bit of a concern for me is the huge discrepancy with their quotes. One gentleman wants $500 for the job. And the other wants $1650. While I admit the fellow quoting me $1650 seemed a tiny bit more professional, the other fellow was just fine as well and did not seem dodgy at all. Also both of them have really professional websites with numerous testimonials regarding their professionalism and quality of work.

Any thoughts as to why there might be such a huge spread between their quotes? I mean they looked at the exact same tree.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2020 - 17:09
    +3

    It is a line of work where the quote is based on the individual's assesment of time required (and difficulty, potential complications, etc.)

    There is no "book of fees".

    One of them has either grossly overestimated or underestimated the job.

    • tebbybabes on 03/08/2020 - 17:13

      I'm waiting on a few other providers to get back to me to get a better idea as well.

  • Amaris on 03/08/2020 - 17:11
    +1

    Shouldn't your neighbour organise and pay for it if the tree is in their property?

    • Archi on 03/08/2020 - 17:14
      +2

      neighbour probably said… i like tree the way it is, but if you feel the need to trim branches on your side of the fence, be my guest. but if you kill the tree, i will seek compensation.

    • tebbybabes on 03/08/2020 - 17:18
      +4

      Nah, I don't actually want to cut the tree down. Just trim the sizable stock that is now overhanging the fence. Plus I actually like the tree. I'm told it's a wattle and I quite like it's leaves. (The ones on the healthy branches)

      Also, we've never really been able to contact the owners of the land. The registry has the mailing address of the owners somewhere in Sydney. The property itself is just undeveloped bush.

      And they'd really only be on the hook for the cost if they themselves wanted the tree down. If it's a concern like mine, where it's overhanging, it's actually on me… unless the owner wants to do a goodwill thing but it's not his responsibility.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2020 - 17:29
        +12

        My browser kept crashing.

        There is a conflict - viewing OzBargain and it contained "it's actually on me…".

        Dangerous comment.

      • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2020 - 20:02

        they'd really only be on the hook for the cost if they themselves wanted the tree down

        Might depend on where you are, in QLD the 'tree-keeper' is responsible for trimming as well (whoever owns the land the majority of the tree is on). They could of course decide to remove the whole thing at any point if it's not protected though so that's a risk in pressing them to pay for it…

        • tebbybabes on 04/08/2020 - 19:08

          ah, that's interesting. I didn't realise the regional difference in regulations in this case.

          • ozbjunkie on 05/08/2020 - 14:31

            @tebbybabes: Check me on this, but my understanding is that if the tree needs pruning on your side and the owner won't do it, and you advise them in writing, you could get a reasonable quote and chase them for the money in small claims.

            Shouldn't have to come to that, but my understanding is that it's viable. I'm by no means an authority though.

      • owli on 03/08/2020 - 21:08

        Most wattles don't live very long, you sure its not on it's way out?

        I think most won't take heavy pruning very well, you may kill it.

        • azonki on 04/08/2020 - 09:38

          Yes to this. Wattles are short-lived and do not like to be lopped. A haircut is usually OK, but if it is dying, it will need to come out before it falls over and lands on someone's head.

  • Euphemistic on 03/08/2020 - 17:19
    +4

    They price it to make them money, not on how much it will cost. The high price might be padded out so it’s worth doing as an overtime shift, or with extra guys to do it quick, maybe he has more shipment for the job such as a cherry picker. The other guy might have only priced two people and very little gear, possibly just climbing ropes.

    Dumping fees also make a big difference. If they have somewhere to use the wood it’s a lot cheaper than taking it to a licenced waste facility.

    It is a bit random, just be aware of the fly by night guys that typically price low and only take cash. Often teams of islanders who cold call at your front door and then stand over you to get payment even if the job isn’t done properly.

  • Dlw on 03/08/2020 - 17:29
    +6

    Sometimes people grossly over-quote because they’re busy and don’t necessarily need or want the work. Then if you say no, it’s no big deal and if you say yes, it’s a worthwhile job for the bonus.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/08/2020 - 17:40

    Know someone who had a massive pine cut down for $700ish, was A+ work

    Its one of those jobs where it all depends on how you feelin that day

  • Ocker on 03/08/2020 - 17:47
    +3

    In Eastern suburbs of Melbourne got one quote from a local of $1,450 and a quote form an "out of towner" for $700. It's called postcode quoting

  • 87percent on 03/08/2020 - 18:13

    Is one getting rid of the waste, whereas one leaves (pun intended) it for you to deal with?

  • Make it so on 03/08/2020 - 18:32

    Interesting - I have had a similar experience. One company provided the multi-page colour-photo quotation, with a quote of several thousands. Another quoted a few hundred dollars for the exact same thing, with a small surcharge for removing the stump. We gave the money to the latter. They showed up at 7am, within half an hour they removed the trees, and later that day a gentleman came to remove the stump.

    I think some people really try to take you for a ride. Same reason for why a plumber quoted me 200% of the going rate for replacing my hot water system: he was hoping I was an idiot.

  • JimmyF on 03/08/2020 - 19:11
    -1

    the other fellow was just fine as well and did not seem dodgy at all.

    Until they drop a tree limb on your house and you find out they don't have insurance……… and you then find out your insurance doesn't cover people trimming trees that fall on the house either…..

  • Mechz on 03/08/2020 - 20:31
    +3

    What sort of ute did they each drive? That will give you a good indication of where your money is going.

    • tebbybabes on 04/08/2020 - 19:10

      To be honest, I didn't see either of their vehicles…

      I've got another gent coming in tomorrow. This time I know exactly what his ute looks like because the reason I found him was because I took a photo of his ute signage while he was on a job a couple of streets away.

  • Roddi on 03/08/2020 - 22:14
    +4

    A rule of thumb rather than specific advice: don't go with the tradie with a really crappy ute, or a really expensive ute.

  • Traveller107 on 03/08/2020 - 22:46
    +1

    I've had tree removal quotes for the same Job ranging from $900 to $12000!!!
    In the end the guy who quoted me 8k did it for $700 When another job fell through for him and he was already in my suburb with his blokes. Took them the whole day to remove 9 trees and did a fabulous job. Registered, insured, experienced and only $700!
    Just make sure whoever you pick is insured.
    These people make huge profits so don't be afraid to haggle. Even the cut trees are sold as mulch so pretty profitable gig for these guys. Cheers!

  • kale chips suck on 04/08/2020 - 09:38
    +1

    I have family who were in the field for decades, and I know several arborists.

    Generally, what they charge is a reflection of how busy they are and how much they think you will pay - and how much they think others will be quoting.

    It's the exact same thing with roofing work, from what I've seen.

  • Ozpit on 04/08/2020 - 09:39

    About 4 years ago I paid $500 for a single large tree limb removed that was hanging over the roof of my house in the front yard. The ‘tree surgeon’ spotted the tree while driving past and he knocked on my front door. He proposed $5,000 to cut down the whole tree, so I thought the agreed price for one limb was reasonable, even though I had to dispose of the cut wood.
    It took two guys (yeah, Islanders) less than an hour to cut down the limb and cut it up to manageable lengths. It took me about two months to dispose of it in my weekly curbside garbage collection :-)
    But it must have been a good earner for them because every six months since he knocks on my door asking if I want the tree trimmed or cut down.
    In retrospect, it was a job I could have done myself on a Sunday afternoon with a couple of mates.

    • PissLUR on 04/08/2020 - 10:06

      500 or 5000?

    • Euphemistic on 04/08/2020 - 10:24

      You got scammed. $500/hr is pretty good money and the $5k is just to scare you into getting the little job done.

      • Ozpit on 04/08/2020 - 21:34

        Actually, I suggested just the one limb as it had been of concern for a while. It was a big limb and would have caused serious damage if it fell onto the roof. But yes, in retrospect it was costly and I copped a bit of flak from a few people afterwards for paying so much. I didn’t realise they could do it so quickly. They were clearly professionals and worked fast. Nevertheless, it was a job I could never have managed on my own, and with a couple of mates would have taken a few hours. But a lesson was learned.

  • OzHunterNSW on 04/08/2020 - 10:08

    The 500 guy may not be a professional… it could result in further costs… to you.

    Get more quotes… you only have two

    • tebbybabes on 04/08/2020 - 19:15

      I've got a few more quotes lined over the next few days.

      Anyway, re: the $500 guy, that was one of the things that crossed my mind, but I did a cursory web search and they have a decent looking website with testimonials as well a facebook page with a good number of posts and testimonials too. I've also seen their flyers for at least two years.

      Fingers crossed that I'll have a better picture of this whole thing in the near future.

  • tebbybabes on 04/08/2020 - 19:15

    Thanks for everyone's input! Much obliged and very useful indeed.

  • jimdotpud on 04/08/2020 - 21:37
    +1

    I've had heaps of trees cut down at different times. I've gotten multiple quotes each time and there was always a huge variance.
    i keep going back to the same guy as he is the best price and does the work properly no problems
    I had one quoted recently, for a massive massive tree. for giggles i thought i would get some other recommendations from my local area and see whether the comparison still held. i had guys come out and quote me 8-10k to cut the tree to ground level.
    my normal guy quoted me $3.5k

    i once asked him why is he so cheap compared to others. he said he had the right tools for it (main advantage was his mobile elevated platform) so he kind of forgets that those tools allow him to work quick and efficient.

  • tebbybabes on 10/08/2020 - 15:08

    So I've got all my quotes in, and yes, the $1650 was definitely the outlier.

    Quote A - 350 to 500 depending on if the timber will be chipped and taken away.
    Quote B - 1650 debris taken away
    Quote C - 770 debris left in bush
    Quote D - 500 to 700 depending on if the timber will be chipped and taken away.
    Quote E - 660 debris left in bush
    Quote F - 650 debris taken away

    Just wanted to share the results of my multiple quotes. At this point, I think I will be going with the 2nd most competitive price point, on the basis that the young man seemed very earnest and confidence inspiring.

  • tryagain on 11/08/2020 - 08:33

    The $1650 was probably his minimum charge $1500+GST. He might have a bigger crew, multiple workers, vehicles and a chipper etc, and that's just what it costs for him and his crew too show up.

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