Bernal’s Tree Service & Outdoor Home Improvements

I’ve been using Bernal’s Tree and Landscaping services for about a year. I’ve had them out for 2 calls, one late summer 2015 and another late winter/​early spring 2016. While here they also sold, negotiated, and provided tree service for 2 of my neighbors. They were referred to me from a highly satisfied customer. Their work was complete, cost-​effective, and met my expectations.
Where their communication gaps? Yes.
There were a few times I would need to remind them of things we discussed or refocus their efforts but in the end, the work requested was done as expected at a price point less than some of the «big box» landscaping companies in Northern Virginia. I will continue to use them as a go to resource for my home and anytime I have any tree concerns they are my 1^st call.
Side note: if you’re having tree and landscaping services provided those are completed by Martin Bernal and his son. Home improvement or other services are outsourced to his network. Also, if I could rate them 4 ½ stars opposed to 4 or 5 stars I would. I reserve 5 star ratings for someone exceeding my expectations, providing services at a significantly lower cost than the competition, and me feeling like I stole something. The fact that I use this company as a «go to» resource states that I think they are the «best of the best» providing a better value and service than the competition at a better rate than a competition.

Poor quality and unfinished work. This company contracted with me to remove a tree and stump as well as to replace a concrete walkway with a concrete base and pavers.
The walkway — estimate was 3 days but the work took 8 days. Concrete forms put in place for the new concrete base had to be reset because they were not square to the angle of the house. Pavers laid on the porch and steps had to be redone three times because they did not understand how to create the herringbone pattern. Step on the porch had to be redone twice to fix the leveling of the step. Concrete was left in bits on top of the pavers and inter-​stone sand washed out.
The tree removal — stump removal was delayed by THREE WEEKS. When the guy finally came he asked for more money. When I refused to pay more he said OK, then when I was in the house he packed up and left the job. Totally unprofessional — I found a different contractor to finish this job and do all future work for me.