Complaint Regarding Unfulfilled Tree Replacement and Breach of Warranty – Treemart Projects / Hendry Bahlmann

Subject: Complaint Regarding Unfulfilled Tree Replacement and Breach of Warranty – Treemart Projects / Hendry Bahlmann

I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding an extremely disappointing and unresolved experience with Treemart Projects, owned by Mr Hendry Bahlmann.

In July 2024, we contracted with Treemart Projects to supply and plant six Buddleja Saligna Large trees in our garden at a total cost of R36,000. According to the signed agreement, the trees came with a communal warranty of 6 months from the date of planting.

On 11 October 2024, we first contacted Mr Bahlmann expressing our concern that the trees were not growing as expected. From that point onward, we maintained regular communication with Mr Bahlmann. He visited the site twice to inspect the trees. In December 2024, he acknowledged the issue and committed to replacing the trees in January 2025, promising to reach out during the second week of January. However, we were subsequently informed the company was closed until 20 January 2025.

Following that, we continued to contact Mr Bahlmann frequently, with him consistently assuring us that the trees would be replaced “next week”—a promise that was never fulfilled. On 28 April 2025, we informed him that we intended to redesign our garden and that the tree issue needed to be resolved before proceeding.

Approximately four weeks later, his team arrived with replacement trees about 1.5m high, already wilting and clearly unfit for planting. The original trees were 4m high, and we could not risk accepting more unhealthy trees. As a result, we refused the delivery.

To proceed with our landscaping, we had no choice but to source and plant new trees at our own cost. We then requested a 50% refund in accordance with the communal warranty, which would equate to R18,000. Mr Bahlmann offered R15,000 during a call on 28 May 2025, with a promise to make payment by 15 June 2025. As of today, 20 June 2025, we have received no payment, and Mr Bahlmann has since become uncooperative and aggressive in communication.

This has been one of the most frustrating and unprofessional client experiences I have ever had. The lack of accountability, repeated broken promises, and substandard customer service is unacceptable.

I am submitting this complaint in the hope that it will alert other consumers and prompt appropriate corrective action. We expect Treemart Projects to honor their warranty and refund the agreed amount without further delay.