Got a call yesterday from a customer whose roof I cleaned on July 10th complaining her birch tree and rhododendron are not doing well. Leaves are falling off. Of course I assured here everything is over-watered to protect yada yada...
Today I come home to a message on my machine from their homeowners ins regarding a $1200 claim. I got home late so I haven't spoken to the ins co. yet.
The tree had a sprinkler parked on it for at least twenty min. before and probably an hour afterward so I no that's a bullChit claim.
The rhododendron again over watered, but maybe the gutter downspout got it. it was at the base. Or their Chitty clogged guaranteed to never clog gutter system that you can't even get your hands into to clean decided to due its job and finally drained directly onto the bush.
Not looking forward to speaking with the ins. co. that's for sure or having a black mark on my reputation.
Is there anything I can put on that will help the plants survive?
Great week first I can't get anymore SH and now I'm a tree killer. Ugh
Opie,
Assuming the gutter is your problem you might try seeding it with pelletized gypsum. Also sprinkle (liberally) at ground level below and around your downspout. Gypsum pellets will neutralize the saltiness of our mix. This may not save you now but could prove helpful in the future. Sorry about your problem... good luck.
I know you are trying to stop your reputation from being tarnished and as such you are willing to take the neccessary steps to prevent the loss of the plant material. However, the homeowners and their insurance company may see this act as an admission of guilt. Before you take these steps check with your insurance to see if this is covered. It might be in everyone's best interest to have the insurance companies communicate directly with each other.
There are two types of miracle grow. The one you want is designed for the various evergreens(rhodies)which are native to our area. They love acid rich soil.
Serving the Pocono and Lehigh Valley(Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties), PA community as well as both Warren and Sussex Counties of New Jersey
Well it seems I got myself all worked up over the ins.co. call. I spoke with them today and my customer was trying to blame Sandy for there roof being dirty/algae ridden and tried to get their homeowners to cover the cost of cleaning. Cheap bastards.
I still am worried about their claim I hurt the tree and bush ,but on Hanks advice that there are two different kinds of Miracle grow I plan to go feed the bush and tree and see for myself any damages.
Also a big thanks to Hank for his input on my Sh problem. Univar will be coming in a couple weeks to make regular delivery's.
I do have a question on another post about using gypsum pellets and miracle grow. If the gyp. is supposed to weaken the salt concentration therefore removing phosphates isn't the Miracle grow gonna put the phosphates right back?
Well I inspected the plants and as I thought it was their one piece guaranteed to never clog, Chitty gutters that were the culprit.
Upon detailed inspection with a flashlight the accumulation of debri in the gutter caused a damning effect and slowly released the love directly onto the Rhota. I explained it all to the lady and she is satisfied it wasn't my fault.
I put Miracle grow spikes everywhere to try and save the bush and gypsum pellets at the downspouts. So I guess time will tell.
The tree is fine, but I spiked and pelleted it anyhow to put her mind at ease.
One thing I have learned is check for gutter guards at the time of the estimate and charge accordingly.
I'm glad to hear it has worked out to some degree. Again, I was up your way yesterday in Lake Mohawk(West Shore Trail). We had a roof and house wash to do before those afternoon rains. I hate those speed bumps on that road. We have more work scheduled up there later this month. Perhaps we can get together.
Serving the Pocono and Lehigh Valley(Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties), PA community as well as both Warren and Sussex Counties of New Jersey