Refused Trimming Gi-normous Red-tips

[crewchiefracer]

My husband has been doing lawn maintenance for a woman beginning this year. She has red-tips (photinias) that are 30 front long, over 12 foot high and are about 8 foot deep. We sheared the sides of them so the stray branches weren't sticking out but she is expecting us to severly trim the tops of them back as she says that they are "too much" for her and husband to take care of. I imagine so since they are so gi-normous!!!! Our company DOES have liability insurance but I don't want my husband to risk his safety to trim these beasts! He is supposed to do a lawn maintenance for her on Tuesday and I suggested that he give her the name of 2 different tree trimming companies, who are also arborist, that can handle that for her and cover our butts by telling her that our insurance/liability insur co. would not allow such work. Would you agree with my position? Just want some reassurance.

Thanks for any input.

Crewchiefracerswife

[Scaper-S2k]

Nah, figure your man hours, and bill accordingly. Use a chainsaw if needed and get them down to 4' tall. You might want to go rent a chipper that pulls behind the truck. It will make very quick work of those things.

[MES]

I take on a lot of odd jobs, unless I am not comfortable with it. If that is the case here, then I say refer her elsewhere. If your husband is ok then follow Scaper's advice. Remember to figure those hours high enough that you have a cushion. It sounds like that is one of those jobs that could bite you if it isn't estimated high enough.

It all comes down to the comfort factor.

[Woody]

Another alternative... Sub one of the arborists. Make a deal with them up front, have them visit the property, give you a price, add a little padding on top, and submit it. If anyone asks, say "We call in a specialist to make sure the job is done right. He's someone we can trust."

Subbing work out is a 2 way street. If you hook up with some decent people, work will flow back to you.

[MES]

I like Woody's idea. My problem is finding those decent ones to work with.

[Brian@Greenleaflawn]

I like Woody's idea. My problem is finding those decent ones to work with.

I'm with Woody on this one.As far as finding the decent ones look in the papers and boards that you advertise on. Then be sure to check on their insurance and licenses if applicable. Don't hire some dipsh-ts cause their cheap or it will turn around and bite you in the hiney if something happens on the job.

[likestomow]

I'll gladly take that job.