Is it normal for crews to leave big logs behind even after you pay for cleanup? I got quoted $250 for “full removal” after a storm, but they still left some heavy stuff by the curb and said that wasn’t included unless I paid more. Does everyone just end up hauling the last bits themselves, or am I getting ripped off? Also, anyone ever have luck splitting costs with neighbors if you’re all hit at once?
That “full removal” thing is kinda shady if they’re leaving big logs behind, honestly. I’ve seen crews do that—say it’s all included, then leave the heavy stuff for you or the city. Did you get anything in writing about what was covered? I’ve tried splitting with neighbors after a tornado once, but coordinating was a pain. Curious, did your insurance cover any of it, or was this all out of pocket?
I get what you’re saying about crews leaving stuff behind, but I’ve actually had the opposite happen once. After a big windstorm last year, the company I hired took care of everything—even the gnarly trunk pieces. They charged a bit more, but it saved my back and a ton of hassle. I guess it really depends on the crew and what’s in the contract. Insurance barely chipped in for me, so most of it was out of pocket. Honestly, sometimes paying a little extra upfront is worth it if it means you’re not stuck with a mess.
That’s been my experience too—sometimes the higher quote is actually the better deal in the long run. I’ve seen crews cut corners or leave debris, and then you’re either chasing them down or paying someone else to finish the job. The fine print in contracts matters more than folks realize. Insurance rarely covers as much as people expect, especially for “cleanup.” It’s frustrating, but I’d rather pay a bit extra upfront than deal with surprise headaches later.
Can’t argue with that—cheaper isn’t always better, especially after a storm. I’ve learned to go step-by-step: First, check references, then make sure the contract spells out *exactly* what cleanup means. I had a crew years ago who left nails everywhere... not fun with kids around. Also, don’t just trust “insured”—ask for proof and see what’s actually covered. Sometimes I’ll pay more just to avoid the hassle, but I still double-check the warranty details. It’s all in the details, really.
