C & C TREE SVC

I had used C&C Tree Services a few years ago and was pleased at both the cost and quality of work, so I asked them for a quote to trim a 15-foot-tall Japanese maple in my yard to make the crown more even from every angle, thin some of the top branches to reduce the weight and make the tree more compact (reduce the spread).  This was the same tree C&C had previously trimmed.  I got a quote from another tree trimmer with whom I had never worked, but C&C agreed to match the quote, which they did over the telephone when I described what I wanted.  However, because I live in SLO and C&C works mostly North County, they agreed to make an appointment to come out and look at the tree when their crew was scheduled in SLO for other work to avoid extra transportation costs.  That didn't work out for them, so C&C called and cancelled.  They then scheduled another appointment, which C&C also cancelled.  Finally, they set a date they could be in SLO for other work and could trim my tree, but unfortunately, I was scheduled to be out of state that entire week (I accommodated them each time, not visa versa).  Because of so many rescheduling dates, I opted to have them trim the tree even though I wasn't going to be there.  Instead, I sent several photographs of the tree from every angle and PhotoShopped in directions and arc lines to show what I expected.  Receipt of the photographs were not acknowledged until I called C&C, but I was reassured that the photographs would be given to the crew for reference. At no time did C&C say they could not do what I asked for the price quoted.  When I returned, the tree was crowned so the height is more uniform (I am happy with that), but the branches were not thinned as directed and expected, which results in an overly broad spread and not the more compact shape I had hoped for (I am not happy with that).  My biggest complaint, however, was the lack of responsiveness.  Appointments were rescheduled by them for their convenience and to meet their other commitments (I agreed to this), emails were not acknowledged and even my mild "disappointment" comments were not followed up.  They can definitely do a better job on customer service.