Complaints

This profile includes complaints for The Davey Tree Expert Company's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  The Davey Tree Expert Company

  1500 N Mantua St Kent, OH 44240-2372

  
• 

  Davey Tree Expert Company

  18840 Woodfield Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20879

• 

  Davey

  24175 Boerne Stage Rd San Antonio, TX 78255

• 

  Davey Tree Expert Company

  133 12th Street Bettendorf, IA 52722-4811

• 

  Davey

  7625 Bond St Solon, OH 44139

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/29/2024

  Type:Billing Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  We called Davey to schedule a pine tree to be taken down. No haul away and no stump grinding. We just needed the tree down. They said it would be 250 an hour. This was on April 2. We received a bill for 1000 Dollars! When they were here for only one hour. Thia is unacceptable and feel we are being taken advantage of. We would like to request an adjustment to what it's fair for the job they did. They never indicated that the driving time would be subject to payment too and even so, it doesn't take 3 hours round trip to get to our house. Max would be 1 hour. But again, they don't tell customers they are also paying for the driving time.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/04/2024

  [[BBB transcription via email; see attachment]]

   

  It looks like a credit memo was issued to the client on 4.29.24. See attached credit memo ********* for $267.50. Reason for credit memo- It took less time to complete the work than originally proposed. This credit memo will bring the balance to $802.50 on invoice *********. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 06/04/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:

  They are still charging us for more time that it should be. Additionally, they were never clear or indicated when we asked for a quote that we would be charged for travel time. And it doesn't take two hours to drive back and forth between Delaware and Columbus. We are willing to pay what is fair, even the travel time despite them not being upfront regarding that. But 800 is still not fair at all. 

  
  
  

  
  

  

  Business Response

  Date: 06/18/2024

  Received the below response from our manager on 6-17-24.

   

  I spoke with ******* *******, the sales arborist.  He said that they agreed to $750 + tax.  Unfortunately, it was over the phone. 
  
  Best,
  
  **** ******* |District Manager

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/18/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On Monday 4-15-2024 the Davey Tree Service came onto our property, climbed a tree on our property and started to butcher it with a chain saw.This work was done because the individual living next door to us, who signed the contract with the Davey Tree Service told the employees to do so. Davey Tree Service did not call us prior to this work to inform us that they were going to be on our property 4-15-2024, nor did they come to our front door and knock. No explanation was given.By the time I got outside to confront the workers. One had already climbed the tree and the other was working from the ground. They told me, they were doing what they were told to do. Daveys Arborist was not present at this job site.In conclusion, the damage has been done to our tree. Our view of nature has been profoundly distorted and what remains is a tree that most likely will not survive and we as property owners look out at Daveys butchered job.We will never hire or recommend this company.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/09/2024

  I met with them before I left the country, offered them options to resolve. I am in ****** with no phone service. We can remove the tree and replace with a smaller desirable tree. Will this resolve the complaint?
  
  ******************* | District Manager
  The Davey Tree Expert Company
  ISA Cert Number: WI-0758A

   

  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/13/2024

  Update:

  We are currently in talks and working with *** and ******************************* to resolve this issue/complaint that was filled with the BBB.  My regional manager ********************* and I had a meeting with the Gruennerts on Tuesday, May 7th, and are currently waiting to hear back from them to see how they would like to proceed.  I will be reaching back out to the Gruennerts on Monday, May 13th, if we have not heard from by then.
  
  Thank You,
  
  ************************* |Assistant District Manager
  ISA Certified Arborist **-115A
  The Davey Tree Expert Company |SW **************** 134231
  P: ************ | F: ************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/14/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:   

  The current offer as stated does not resolve the complaint.  Daveys representatives have been to our property and discussed the situation with us.  As of this time, the negotiations are continuing between Daveys and us.  We request more time to resolve this complaint with the Davey Tree Expert Company.

  Thank you,

   

  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/17/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Davey Tree service was contracted by Tampa Electric to trim back tree limbs from power lines. They butchered my tree so bad, it looks like they split the branches down the middle. All the branches left on my tree are close to my home. If we get a bad storm with high winds or God forbid, a hurricane, my tree may end up falling on my house. I’ve contacted them directly with my concern and They sent a Representative to my home. When I asked if he would want a tree shaped like this in his yard he replied “no” and laughed. I asked him if they were going to reshape my tree and he said no. I sent an email complaint to the company and got a response from ***** *********. ***** and I played phone tag for a week or so but we never actual spoke. When I would return his calls and get his voicemail, I’d ask him the call my spouse if I was not available but he never did. He has stopped responding to me.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/20/2024

  I called this Customer yesterday afternoon and set an appointment with her for this morning. I meet with the customer to discuss her concerns. The customer was asking if we could trim the other side of the tree that was facing her house. I explained to the customer that we do not trim for aesthetics and that would be something she would have to take up with her local power company. I explained to her that we are only allowed to trim for the safety and clearance of the power lines. She said she would get in contact with the power company.
  
  We also discussed the root system being what holds the tree in place and that it was surrounded by sidewalks and driveways. This will cause the tree to not be able to grow to its full potential. We discussed some cuts that were made by the homeowner (Not us) that were unhealthy for the tree.
  
  
  ***** ********
  Production Manager, Tampa Electric 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/29/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This complaint is about the Davey Tree branch at *** *** ***** **** ******* ******* ** ***** Salesperson *** ***** told me my tree pruning quote was based on either 2 people working 4-4.5 hours or 3 people working 2.5 hours. Davey's truck containing 2-person crew arrived at 8:30 am on 2/15/24 and they began working shortly before 9 am. Of the two men, one spent a fair amount of time not working and appeared to be leisurely doing something on his cell phone. Even so, they were finished in less than 2 hours. I contact*** *** shortly after the crew left to voice my concerns. He danced around my concerns telling me that we were under contact (Note: I didn't sign any contract) and that he wouldn't know how to amend a contract, followed that up with the job wasn't quo*** time and material, followed by I was responsible for the time from the moment the men arrive at work at 7 am readying the truck up to when they arrive at the job after mine! *** confirmed that his crew arrived at the job after mine around 11 am. I did request that *** have a conversation with *****, who appeared to be the lead arborist, as I mentioned the time disparity to him, prior to ***** leaving. *** said he would review the time sheet for the job. When I received the invoice yesterday, there was no adjustment to the quo*** amount, despite the work time being half of what *** estimate*** the job would take. I didn't even receive the 10% winter discount *** promised. I contact*** the Webster office manager **** ********, who seemed to not care as much as ***. *** advised me that they were in business to make money. I think most businesses are. I also contact*** ***** in customer service with the corporate office in OH. That yielded no considerate resolution, either. I can't imagine it took an hour to prepare the truck for my small job, assuming there was a max half hour travel time from the office to my home. Also, I shouldn't be responsible for the travel time to the job after mine. Thank you.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/04/2024

  I have put the internal case number mentioned below on this email. A new invoice has been made with the discount the customer was requesting. This was all done last week. Let me know if there is anything else needed!

  ****************

   

  *** ******* * ******** ******* *** ***** **** ****** ******* * **** *** ***** ****** *** *** ***** **** ******* ******* ** ***** ** ************ ***** 

   

   

   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/05/2024

  I am rejecting this response because:

  I haven't seen the new invoice - how did they send it?

  I suspect all the 'new' invoice contains is the 10% off winter discount originally offered, NOT a reduction to their original invoice when the job took half the amount of time the salesperson said it would. 

   

  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/28/2024

  Hello,

  I did receive the updated invoice from Davey which, as I suspected, only included the initially-promised winter discount (10%). There was no adjustment made for the job taking half the amount of time I was told by the arborist/sales representative it would take. Davey needs to do the right thing and offer at least a discount of 1/3 the adjusted amount due of $864, thus total due, that I feel would be agreeable, would be $579.00. This isn't half the amount for half the time, but I am taking the high road and feel this compromise would very fairly compensate Davey.

  Thank you.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/02/2024

  Unfortunately, the client is only interes*** in a reduced invoice for a job that was never sold to her on a time and materials basis. We provided the desired service with no issues on the job that was performed on her property.

  *** ******* * ******** ******* *** ***** **** ****** ******* * **** *** ***** ****** *** *** ***** **** ******* ******* ** ***** ** ************ ***** 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/03/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  The client is interest*** in a what the sales person (*** *****) told her she would receive: 3 guys working 2.5 hours OR 2 guys working 4-4.5 hours. What I received was a 2-person crew with one guy working short of 2 hours and the second man leisurely on his phone for 25% of the time he was here. If the service didn't require the time the sales person said it would, the price should be adjust*** similarly. My seeking a third off is more than fair as their time wasn't even half of what I was told it would be. As their sales person bids these jobs all the time, it is reasonable for him to approximate time needed to perform the service more accurately. I seek to be treat*** honestly and fairly. A reduced invoice is the most appropriate remedy in this situation.
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/18/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I met with ********************* in January 2023 to get a care plan estimate for my 23 newly planted evergreen trees. We decided on a plan of care, starting with an early spring treatment of Liquid Humate. On May 23, I sent an email to Mr. ***** asking about the status of my Humate treatment. He said a tech would be in touch. No one ever contacted me or performed any treatments. On 6/20/2023 I sent an email to Mr. ***** asking about the status of my treatment. He told me that they had not been able to come out earlier in the season due to "restricted applications for diseases that must be applied in the earlier parts of the spring." Due to my experience with Davey Tree several years ago when they did not provide any service to me due to their busy schedule, I told Mr. ***** to cancel my contract. I have ADT cameras located around my home and I saw a Davey Tree truck pull into my driveway on 6/20/2023. The driver exited his vehicle and walked away, not opening any doors or taking any equipment with him. Seven minutes later he returned to his vehicle (after walking toward my front door) and drove away. I never received any invoices for any treatments. ********************* called me sometime in January **** and asked me about payment for services, and that Headquarters was on his back about it. I told him I never received anything from Davey, and I also told him about the video. I received a collection letter from Davey one week ago. Davey Tree needs to read my email communication with Mr. *****. The largest evergreen tree (out of the 23 newly planted trees) died. I specifically had asked for a treatment plan for that tree.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/22/2024

  I just sent *************** an email stating that after looking into the situation of their service last year, I learned that they had canceled their treatment so we should have not went to their property to treat their trees. I told her that the invoice would be canceled and she would receive no further communications about it.
  Thank you,
  ****
  
  ********************* | District Manager
  The Davey Tree Expert Company
  ISA Certified Arborist OH-0451A
  O: **************

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/26/2024

   Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/09/2024

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In July 2023 I hired Davey tree to diagnose and treat a white pine. It was diagnosed by *** as having aphids and I was sold a topical spray treatment and a root fertilizer, as well as branch trimming. When the tech arrived to treat, he said I also needed to address root girdling, which I also agreed to. The tree was quickly dying, and I was having a frustrating time communicating with Davey Tree, but finally cancelled the root girdling treatment, as it was clearly too far gone. To this day, the communication issues continue. It is very unprofessional. Anyway the tree was 100% dead a short time later (please see my attached letter for details). After withholding payment I finally received a call from Davey Tree and a manager came to visit (****** ********) who advised me that *** and the tech had mis-diagnosed the tree and it should never have been treated because it could not be saved. He advised me that they would cut down the tree and grind the stump at no additional charge. I agreed, and paid the bill. When they cut down the tree, the LEFT THE STUMP TO BE GROUND OUT at a later date, either in the Fall or Spring, when we would plant a new tree to replace it. I was told I would be contacted in the Fall to pick a new tree, but heard nothing. I then received a proposed invoice for Spring services, which incredibly, included spraying the tree that they cut down! I advised I do NOT want the spray services and that I no longer want to plant a replacement tree. I only want them to FINISH THE JOB AND GRIND THE STUMP OF THE TREE THEY TOOK DOWN 6 MONTHS AGO and for which I have ALREADY PAID. It has been extremely frustrating dealing with this company. I have withheld posting about my experience and filing any kind of complaint, but I have no choice at this point.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 02/14/2024

  The tree removal was done at gratis, as well as the grinding, due to the tree continue to decline.

  Stump was ground today, I will follow up with client to make sure she is satisfied.
  
  
  **** ********

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/15/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in refe***ce to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:12/05/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  THIS COMPANY DOES SERVICE YOU DO NOT ASK FOR. Davey in ****** was contacted to determine why my pine trees were experiencing dead branches. It was determined that one tree had severe pine needle scale, and the other very little. I asked to have both large trees treated. I completed an agreement, which authorized two treatments. Davey ****** came out with treatment 1. Shortly after, treatment two. After reading what service was performed, I see it is a treatment I did not want! I called and was told I still needed one more treatment. The third treatment, a winter oil, was the treatment I felt would “cure” my trees. After the second treatment, I contacted corporate office to complain that the ****** office did a service I did not ask for. Corporate sent me an email, along with the ****** office, to contact me before they come to my house again. They did not. I received another treatment without any notice. I will end up spending over $200 on a treatment I did not want. Be cautious if you use the ****** Davey company.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/18/2023

  I have received a phone call from the ****** office and they have provided me with an account credit dated 12/8/23.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 12/21/2023

  Client met with **.  She agreed to the Arbor Green two-step process then the fall dormant oil.  I'm not sure what happened in between that conversation and service.  She called in and said she did not agree to the service.  We cancelled the outstanding invoice.  Jr called and let her know that she would not owe that invoice.

   

  Thanks

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/18/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  This company auto-enrolled me in a program I did not agree to, and subsequently came onto my property and treated a tree without my permission. They are now trying to charge me for this service I did not request.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/25/2023

  Hello,
  
  
  Davey Tree, striving to provide the highest level of customer ********************** to our clients, offer two levels of tree care fertilization programs. The first level of service is called the Evergreen program; this program is for clients who are busy and wish to have their trees taken care of with only a notification of their future service date. The second level of service is called the Never-green program; this program is for clients to would like to have their trees taken care of , but would like to speak to a Davey Tree representative to confirm approval prior to any services provided. In this situation, the Davey Arborist Arborist, failed to correctly enter the client into the correct Never-green program. Davey Tree has a long history of guaranteeing their work quality and would never charge anyone for services not approved; In this case the work order was canceled and the client is not be asked to pay for services provided.

   

   

  *********************
  ****/District Manager
  Davey Tree Expert Company ******************
  I.S.A.Certified Arborist **-3266A

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/25/2023

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Issued check for services not yet performed by Davey Tree Company over 2 months ago and check was cashed before any work was performed. I keep reaching out to company without a response as to when they would schedule the work. They originally committed to scheduling withing 2 weeks but that date has long past. I just want the $1050 I paid for work that was not performed. When I inquired about why check was cashed without work being performed yet my question was ignored.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/12/2023

  His refund is in process and the sales rep communicated that to him on Friday of last week.  I would expect the refund to be back to him shortly.
  
  ***** ********* | District Manager
  *** Certified Arborist® ** *****
  The Davey Tree Expert Company | **** ***** ******
  ** * *** ******* **** **** ****** ** *****
  ** ************ **** **** * ** ************
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/23/2023

  I have received the check last week this can be closed now.

  ***

• Initial Complaint

  Date:09/24/2023

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On September 1, 2023 Davey Tree trimmed the tree in our front yard to get the branches out of the electrical wires. I know that this needs to be done, but the problem is that they left 2 branches below the lines and took all other branches all the way to the top of the tree. This has left the tree very top heavy toward our house and we don't feel it is safe now. They also busted up my garden, and took a garden ornament that was important to me. I called the company on September 1st and filed a complaint. No one called me back, so I called again on September 5th and was told by the ******************** that that wasn't right and she was going to call the Supervisor on that job and have him call me back. I'm still waiting! If we have a bad storm and the tree falls on my house, who is responsible? We don't feel that we have any recourse but to have the tree taken out. If they would at least call me back to discuss the matter, I would appreciate it.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 10/19/2023

   

  We spoke with the homeowner and this complaint is resolved. 
  
  Thank you, 
  *********************;| Production Manager Utility Services
  The Davey Tree Expert Company | ****************************************************