Whitstable Tree Surgery and Landscaping Ltd

Positive: Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Apr 21st, 2022

[Edited to add: I have now received a letter of apology accepting that on this occasion they did not meet the standards they usually aim for.] While some of their work was good quality it was poorly supervised and over ran dramatically ending up with a rush job in the week before Christmas. The invoice for the extras was way higher than could be justified - when I queried it and asked for more info on how they had reached it they knocked 800 off a 3k bill without a quibble. Clearly they knew it was not justifiable. I asked them to come back to rectify a small problem, they said they would but one month on and after my chasing them they haven't been back. I rarely bother with poor reviews, and usually manage to sort problems myself, but not this time
Nov 19th, 2021

Whitstable TS designed and built a large patio and decking area with a gazebo - and overall, they did a a cracking job! While it's still early days (so I can't comment on longevity or ability to rectify issues), each area of construction has been built to a very high standard - Colin and his guys clearly know what they're doing when it comes to construction, and in terms of installation and build quality - as yet - I have zero complaints. I would happily use them again, and recommend them in this regard. They even managed to build a custom fence to fit a very oddly shaped area, and move and cut down a shed - and they did both way beyond expectations. They arrived about 7:30 each day, and left around 3-3:30 depending on the work - It would usually be Paul, Aaron and Colin, but contractors were used for plumbing, electrics and roofing. The work took roughly the estimated time, though it did go over by a week or so - but no issue. There was a disagreement half way through the project, but to their credit, this was communicated & resolved swiftly, and this is an underrated skill in this trade. Where I would be a little more cautious is around Pricing and Contracts - as I would argue the Contract was not sufficient for the works undertaken. I can not stress enough the importance of a proper contract template, drawn up from a solicitor, and highly urge WTS to obtain one. I received an editable 3 page word doc via email, that lacked definitions of terms, a drawing of the proposed works, and vague terms. What about Illness from either party? What guarantees are there? Confidentially? What happens If I am never happy with the works? It serves to protect client and WTS, so I assure them it would be money well spent. Pricing. While I believe the costs to be fair (hence why I accepted the quote) I never received any form of *itemised* quote or invoice beyond VAT and a blanket material cost - which made me quite uncomfortable - as I have no real idea on the value I received (good or bad). If I were to use WTS again (and I do plan to), I would not proceed without a more detailed and itemised list of costings. However, I am genuinely very happy with the works completed, and based on prior experience with Tradesman, I'd put Colin and team down as the good guys. They do their job extremely well, are very polite and friendly (good with my dog too), and have left me with an amazing garden. Just ensure you have a proper contract in place, and that you see all the detailed costs before you proceed - but this applies to ALL trades! Thanks WTS! 4.5 Stars Services: Garden design, Landscaping design, Yard landscaping
Jul 17th, 2022

Positive: Professionalism, Quality
Oct 23rd, 2021

My wife and I wanted our rear garden redesigned from a muddy, sloping and slipping away embarrassment to a garden we could use and enjoy all year round. There is always some apprehension when selecting a contractor to do work for you, and of the five companies I contacted for a quote the WTSL were the last. Right from the first contact Colin gave a professional and calm reassurance that gave me confidence in his company. When discussing my requirements he suggested some really useful alternatives and improvements to my original ideas, and he came over as a person who was on my wavelength and that he had the answers to my problems. He and his team, Dave and Aaron, worked hard in some very difficult weather conditions and they worked with a cheerful disposition. They were always polite and respectful to my wife and me and also to my neighbours which is an important aspect often forgotten. Despite the weather conditions the work was finished on schedule and in budget and the standard of work was of the highest. My wife and I now have a garden to be proud of. I have no hesitation in recommending Whitstable Tree Surgery and Landscaping Ltd.
Oct 17th, 2021