mdvaden
Treehouser
- Joined
- May 4, 2007
- Messages
- 1,471
If you ever dealt with similar ... feel free to share a few things you did to forget about it, or move on. I will add that part later in reply
About 2 years ago, a couple asked me to look at their trees. About 450. Some w/ twine left on. Long story short, they canned their landscaper, and that was a good decision for crystal clear signs like twine left on trunks starting, girdling, and a few other things.
I did not want that kind of weekly commitment work and tried to get someone else in there I knew, but they didn't hire, and one day I decided to offer my help. The monthly fee for the 1 acre landscape and care of trees on over 8 acres was appealing. But I took it mainly because they were nice people and had a long term vision to develop habitat, groves of trees and the landscaping.
Over the two years, they said I was more than a friend, trusted me, and even referred to a like family. Effort was made to prepare meals or snacks weekly if not twice a week, and after being asked to watch their house once, I was offered key and access to the home if needed.
To shorten that part of the story ... now jump ahead to a month ago.
The wife got sick (husband already has a serious health matter) ... and truly sick. One of their older children started taking over some responsibilities, and sent me notes not to send any emails or call the parents. (note ... I got emails up to two or three a night from the parents, especially the mom, who has the greater interest in the plant and tree care, plus about 15 bluebirds and the habitat)
In few days, the daughter asks for a copy of the landscape contract to learn about what details I cover. But her other questions denoted she was digging her nose in beyond that.
About a week ago, the daughter sent a letter of termination, mentioned that there was fear among her parents toward me.
I requested a letter from her parents since she cannot stop our contract legally. Then she started flipping-out. I suggested that the other option was for me to write and cancel the agreement, and I could send copies of her emails to document the basis for my letter. The daughter then said not to send any mail, otherwise they would contact the parents attorneys, stating they specialize in "elder abuse".
So ...
They don't know ... and I would not be bothered if they found out ... but I drove a couple miles, took the elevator up 5 floors, and went into the law office of their attorneys. I brought a book .. the book that the family made their wealth from. And opened to the signed page with a personal note indicating the family-like relationship we used to have, up to 4 weeks ago.
I did not make accusations. But just relayed the story of how our friendship developed. And suggested it may be worth them knowing about someday. Not for me ... but for them in case something pops up in an ugly manner someday.
In the meantime, I sold several thousand dollars worth of mowers and equipment, at a loss, that I purchase for that property, and that property only.
It is a sizable chunk of income missing at the moment. On the other hand, I'm sure I can make a transition and find ways to make up for it. But it would have been nice to have at least the courtesy of a month's notice, if not two months, about them switching services.
Personally, I don't buy the quality of service notes I was getting the last few days, because the message didn't add up.
About 2 years ago, a couple asked me to look at their trees. About 450. Some w/ twine left on. Long story short, they canned their landscaper, and that was a good decision for crystal clear signs like twine left on trunks starting, girdling, and a few other things.
I did not want that kind of weekly commitment work and tried to get someone else in there I knew, but they didn't hire, and one day I decided to offer my help. The monthly fee for the 1 acre landscape and care of trees on over 8 acres was appealing. But I took it mainly because they were nice people and had a long term vision to develop habitat, groves of trees and the landscaping.
Over the two years, they said I was more than a friend, trusted me, and even referred to a like family. Effort was made to prepare meals or snacks weekly if not twice a week, and after being asked to watch their house once, I was offered key and access to the home if needed.
To shorten that part of the story ... now jump ahead to a month ago.
The wife got sick (husband already has a serious health matter) ... and truly sick. One of their older children started taking over some responsibilities, and sent me notes not to send any emails or call the parents. (note ... I got emails up to two or three a night from the parents, especially the mom, who has the greater interest in the plant and tree care, plus about 15 bluebirds and the habitat)
In few days, the daughter asks for a copy of the landscape contract to learn about what details I cover. But her other questions denoted she was digging her nose in beyond that.
About a week ago, the daughter sent a letter of termination, mentioned that there was fear among her parents toward me.
I requested a letter from her parents since she cannot stop our contract legally. Then she started flipping-out. I suggested that the other option was for me to write and cancel the agreement, and I could send copies of her emails to document the basis for my letter. The daughter then said not to send any mail, otherwise they would contact the parents attorneys, stating they specialize in "elder abuse".
So ...
They don't know ... and I would not be bothered if they found out ... but I drove a couple miles, took the elevator up 5 floors, and went into the law office of their attorneys. I brought a book .. the book that the family made their wealth from. And opened to the signed page with a personal note indicating the family-like relationship we used to have, up to 4 weeks ago.
I did not make accusations. But just relayed the story of how our friendship developed. And suggested it may be worth them knowing about someday. Not for me ... but for them in case something pops up in an ugly manner someday.
In the meantime, I sold several thousand dollars worth of mowers and equipment, at a loss, that I purchase for that property, and that property only.
It is a sizable chunk of income missing at the moment. On the other hand, I'm sure I can make a transition and find ways to make up for it. But it would have been nice to have at least the courtesy of a month's notice, if not two months, about them switching services.
Personally, I don't buy the quality of service notes I was getting the last few days, because the message didn't add up.