Yer really testing me with this one dan, lol. Around here most tree services don't plant trees, its just a new venture for me because I have a tractor/backhoe and I advertize "replacement plantings available". But the trees are in with the cage intact and they look awesome too. I cleared about 1100 on that job with one guy and the tractor so I'm happy- I just hope they live because its all crappy fill, rocks and pavement, right way to do it in retrospect would have been to dig the hole twice as big and put in topsoil + stake them, but I did'nt know that crap was under there and the guy would'nt have been able to afford that kind of job anyway, I was surprized he went for this. I did add some topsoil I had next door at the shop here and there because they wanted them just right on this slope so the root ball was exposed on the backside some where the front was just right. And yes dan I am in it for the money! you betcha!!
Oh that's bad buddy, real bad. You have exposed root balls on a slope? The whole job sounds like it was done by someone who never worked with trees or even a tractor. I mean: don't you know hat you are going to find before you dig? Did you even call utilities?
hey don't get me wrong, you went with what the customer could pay and wanted to pay. As long as he knows what's up your OK, I guess. I know, I know, you do what you can. Strick follower of that law I am.
I would at least dump something on those exposed balls real quick to help them out. Actually, I would have stopped when I saw the crappy fill and went to get some good stuff. If you cleared 1100 in one day( after materials only) like that you could afford to. Its not much work, but it is work.
I am not saying that every tree serivice should offer planting but they should at least know how. you are all acting like you don't and expect someone to tell you just because you want to know for yourself and profit from it. get a book, I didn't really ask any questions until my 15 year.