Kevin Milne - Dodgy tree workers | Now to Love

A man knocked on my door recently, asking if I wanted any “tree work” done. As it happened, I did. I wanted a tree on my front lawn cut down. He said he would be back in four weeks with a gang of workers, but left no card or quote. My family has since advised me not to employ them, because they’ve seen dodgy gangs of tree workers on Fair Go. What should I do? Am I obliged to let them do the work now?

I wouldn’t advise anyone to use tree gangs that tout for work by knocking on doors. There are too many dodgy ones around. They are hard to track down if things go wrong or there is a dispute over money. If you need work done on trees, go to your phone book and look for an established local firm.

Your council may be able to advise you. No doubt this man and his team will be back to do your work. I recommend you tell them immediately that you no longer require their services, but were unable to make contact because they’d left no details. If you are concerned how they might react, get neighbours over when they arrive. Should things cut up rough, call the police immediately.

They may well try to get money off you for what they will argue is breach of contract and “travel money”. But you don’t owe them anything.