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JACKSTRAW INC

Tree Service, Lawn and Yard Work, Mulch and Topsoil,

About us

Jackstraw owner/operator Robert Appelbaum has over 40 years of experience in the tree care industry. He is the recipient of the Montgomery Village Association Award for community service. He also teaches a class for the City of Gaithersburg and the Montgomery Village Foundation for homeowners who want to learn the correct and easiest ways to take care of their own lawn and landscape. He named the class, "Tricks of the Trade." Robert is the author of a book, Tricks of the Trade, still in the writing stages, about landscaping, tree care, and a multitude of ways, means and methods for weeding, mulching, and easy to understand directions on exactly how, why and when to do these things as well as prune ornamental trees and shrubs. While the subject matter in and of itself is very informative and useful it is enhanced with words of wit and wisdom that makes the book both a memorable and enjoyable reading experience. When it comes to pruning, for example, he writes, "he who pays the mortgage shouldn't have to duck to mow his lawn or step off the sidewalk to get to the front door!"

Business highlights

55 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

We offer a wide array of services, including: > Residential and commercial landscape services > Pruning of ornamental trees and shrubs > Weeding, edging and mulching > Mowing, seeding, aerating and dethatching > Leaf removal > Spring and Fall clean up > Pruning and removal of large trees > Stump grinding > Gutter cleaning > Residential snow removal > Bulk trash removal and light hauling > ASK ABOUT OUR NEW YEARLY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM!

Services we don't offer

Ask for details.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes
Warranties
Yes
Senior Discount

10%

Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

Check
MasterCard
Visa

Reviews

4.945 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
87%
4
7%
3
4%
2
2%
1
0%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.8
value
4.8
professionalism
4.8
responsiveness
4.8
punctuality
4.9
Showing 26-45 of 45 reviews

Alan G.
06/2016
3.0
tree service
  + -1 more
unknown

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
2.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
3.0


LILLIE W.
10/2015
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro

Jamie R.
06/2014
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
unknown

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Daniel C. J.
06/2014
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: After providing an estimate to remove a tree growing into my backyard fence line, Jimmy, Ryan, and the remaining two crew members made an earlier-than-expected appointment to remove the tree. The cost was lower than any other estimate that I received, plus, the 10% senior discount made it even better. I had contracted for them to drop the tree only, since I was able and willing to cut it up myself for firewood. Not only did they dispose of the limbs and foliage, but they cut up the 40" tall forked trunk into manageable pieces for me. They removed and replaced several fence sections to avoid falling limb damage, cleaned up the site nicely, and left everything in excellent order. Jimmy even used his personal truck and a length of chain to pull out a large red bud tree stump that I had almost dug up on the side yard, when he came for the initial estimate. Chris, wife of the company owner, and office contact for scheduling, was a delight to work with also. She explained the senior discount, processed my payment over the phone, and followed up to make sure everything was done to my complete satisfaction. This family-owned and operated business is one of those rare finds in which every aspect of their operation is superb. I would recommend them without reservation.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$630

Nancy O.
05/2014
4.0
tree service
  + -1 more
See above.
Description of Work: I did not use their service as I found a better deal cost-wise elsewhere. However when I originally contacted them, they were the first to respond and it was the same day! Quick! There rates were reasonable and I would use them in the future.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$525

Charles M.
07/2012
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
wonderful.
Description of Work: The guys from Jackstraw showed up early and on time, wasted no time getting busy. They demonstrated professional skills and workmanship and I have to admit, they accomplished the agreed-upon tasks in record time. They cleaned up after themselves and departed quietely leaving me with the sense of satisfaction and gratification. I would and expect to use their services again in the future and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to friends and family.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Rebecca B.
07/2012
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Bob and his team are terrific. After a recent major storm i was left with a large tree with dangling dangerous branches over a road. Bob responded right away even though he was inundanted with calls and requests. He scheduled a time to take care of the damage and his team was prompt, professional and extremely thorough. Honestly I am not sure I can adequately describe how fabulous Bob and his crew are. I have used them before, and will use them again for any and all tree related concerns.
Description of Work: Removal of a Bradford Pear which fell during the most recent storm. Services included removal of hanging branches dangling over the road as well as cutting down remaining tree and removal of debris.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000

Gene B.
04/2012
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Very easy to work with....did a great job!
Description of Work: Removed several pine trees, trimmed back very large Leland Cypress trees.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$600

Rizwan A.
03/2012
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
The process was very quick and after agreeing to the quote he and his crew came out two days later. By the time I got home from work the work was completed and work-site was cleared and pristine.
Description of Work: Bob Appelbaum and his company did a great job. After some severe storms, two of my trees came down. His crew removed the two dead trees and pruned the compromised trees in my wooded area. While he was there, he also removed all of the old fallen tree branches that were on the ground. The work was done in one visit while I was at work. Bob also provided the best prices in an a la carte fashion. I had received quotes from four other providers prior to calling Jackstraw.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Thomas F.
12/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
They were very good and we liked them. They were quick. They came when they said that they would. They removed everything and they were fine. Their price was not unreasonable for the kind of tree that we were asking for but they were a little pricey. However, they did a very good job.
Description of Work: We used the services of Jackstraw Incorporated a few months ago near the end of the summer to remove a tree and a stump.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$500

Richard J.
10/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Four men arrived and immediately went to work . There were two trees, each about 60-80 feet tall and about a foot in diameter. They cut off the remaining portions of the trunks above ground as the trees had sheared off 5-10 feet above ground. They then removed all of the branches from the trees and carried them to the shredder. They cut up the trunk into fireplace length pieces and neatly stacked them as agreed. They raked up the debris from where the trees had fallen. They left the area clear and were finished in about two hours.
Description of Work: Cut up and removal of two large trees that had fallen in a storm.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$750

Geoffrey K.
10/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
He was very knowledge and he had one of the lower bids.
Description of Work: He removed a tree limb that was broken and leading against the house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Catherine G.
07/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
This was a very smooth procedure. Most of the work was done over the phone and, in fact, I was not home when the actual pruning took place. Except for the neatened trees, I'd never know anyone had been here. Mr. Applebaum was very responsive and returned calls promptly.
Description of Work: R. Applebaum called me to discuss the jobs, then came over and walked around the property. He called again to discuss what needed to be done and gave me prices. When I okayed the work, he scheduled a crew to come. The work, mostly elevating and pruning some mid-size trees, was neatly done and greatly improves the look of the greenery.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$275

Thomas B.
04/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Bob is wonderful to talk to -- extremely knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge with the customer. I understand he teaches classes on pruning locally although I have not had the opportunity to attend yet. The work was performed at the price and in the manner that he originally described. The first time Jackstraw did work at our house they pruned back several large trees (maple, hemlock, etc.). The trees that Jackstraw pruned not only looked awesome afterward, but they are essentially the only trees in my yard that were not uprooted during a terrible storm last year. I should have paid Jackstraw to prune everything as they recommended. I had Jackstraw back for more work this year and could not be happier. I think the prices are extremely reasonable for what they do. Get them to prune your trees when young so that they'll grow into a beautiful shape.
Description of Work: Jackstraw pruned small (redbud) and large (hemlock) trees and pruned overgrown hedges and bushes to recover (japanese holly and burning bushes). This was the second time we hired them for such services. Both times Bob Applebaum gave detailed estimates over the phone and discussed all aspects of what work would be done and how the plants would look and should be cared for afterward.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$490

Lucy P.
04/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Went very well. See above
Description of Work: On 4/5/11 a large maple limb broke off, fell into street. Company responded immediately, cleared limb and debris away. We're in Old Towne Gaithersburg, with large, old trees and have had Bob and Jack Straw cleaning up our trees, responding to emergencies for a few years. Cannot recomment this company too highly. We will continue using Jack Straw.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$300

Robert B.
03/2011
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
He evaluated the trees and called me back with a detailed itemized list. For the time for the job to start, he expected five days or less, which seemed great to me because many trees in the area needed work. The results look excellent.
Description of Work: Trimmed trees damaged in winter storms and cleaned up debris. Also replaced a fence rail that broke when a tree limb fell on it.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$600

Maryann S.
01/2011
4.0
tree service
  + -1 more
The experience went fairly well. The technician arrived promptly and completed the work in a timely manner, however, once the work was completed, the tree looked a little over-pruned. He gave the tree an ornamental look, which my neighbors thought looked good, but in my opinion, it seems to be too thinned out. He seemed to know the trees pretty well & was sincere.
Description of Work: Tree trimming.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0


Andrea U.
12/2010
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
Their price was the lowest overall of several bids I got. They did a good job cutting down a very tall, unhealthy tree. It is a little scary to see it come crashing down. But it landed right where they planned. Regarding the pruning, I believe they did a good job, though time will tell in terms of the quality as I watch the trees continue to grow. They cleaned up the debris very well, leaving the yard and driveway looking better than when they started. The foreman was very professional and helpful. My only complaint was that I would have liked to have been home when the owner, Bob Applebaum, came to estimate the job. I'm usually home and would have preferred that he had arranged with me in advance to meet him. He gave me the price over the phone--no written estimate. However, he kept to that price, so there was no problem. I appreciate the information he gave me on the trees in my yard. He recommended cutting down one tree, but admitted that he was not the one to do it. It would require a crane. And he gave me recommendation for someone else. I would use Jackstraw again.
Description of Work: Jackstraw, Inc. cut down one tree and pruned about 6-7 other trees for me.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000

Jeffrey B.
01/2010
5.0
lawn service, tree service
  + 0 more
This must be the 4th year that Jackstraw has prepped my landscaping for winter. The trees and crepe mrytles are always thinned, shaped and will look great come spring. The nandinas are pruned to promote new growth and looked great during the winter months. The grasses generate alot of refuse and its better than filling up lots and lots of recycling bags. Jackstraw always rakes the garden beds at the end of the job so that the landscaping looks absolutley great. Jackstraw does in a few hours what it would take me several weekends to do if I were doing the task.
Description of Work: Once I made the call, an on-site review was peformed and a proposal with costs was left for me to review. The proposal include the pruning of 3 trees, 3 crepe mrytles, several nandinas and 10 grasses. The propsal also include the removal of the trimmings and other debris.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$415

MARGE T.
11/2008
5.0
tree service
  + -1 more
It was 100 percent positive. I have had him do work for me before. He charged me less than what it should have for this last job and I feel that he is honest. He knows trees and he is very qualified. He has a good crew and I would highly recommend him.
Description of Work: He came to my home and took a fallen pine tree off the roof and cut it up.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,835
    • 1
    • 2(current)

Contact information

8921 WATKINS RD, Gaithersburg, MD 20882

http://www.jackstrawinc.com

Service hours

Monday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Licensing

Insured
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Tree Service,
Lawn and Yard Work,
Mulch and Topsoil,
Landscaping

FAQ

JACKSTRAW INC is currently rated 4.9 overall out of 5.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

JACKSTRAW INC accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, JACKSTRAW INC offers free project estimates.
No, JACKSTRAW INC does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
Yes, JACKSTRAW INC offers a 10% senior discount.
Yes, JACKSTRAW INC offers emergency services.
Yes, JACKSTRAW INC offers warranties.
JACKSTRAW INC offers the following services: We offer a wide array of services, including: > Residential and commercial landscape services > Pruning of ornamental trees and shrubs > Weeding, edging and mulching > Mowing, seeding, aerating and dethatching > Leaf removal > Spring and Fall clean up > Pruning and removal of large trees > Stump grinding > Gutter cleaning > Residential snow removal > Bulk trash removal and light hauling > ASK ABOUT OUR NEW YEARLY MAINTENANCE PROGRAM!
Ask for details.

Contact information

8921 WATKINS RD, Gaithersburg, MD 20882

http://www.jackstrawinc.com

Service hours

Monday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM