Seems that truthfulness has gone the way of all the old virtues. In the rush to give an answer, a cure, fix a problem or just to make a buck, lying or not being completely truthful has become the standard. Today I looked at a tree, from the car window I could tell there was a big problem. Top showed signs of decline, at the base a massive girdling root and surface roots chipped and scalped with visible decay. The most troubling sign was two yellow signs signifying a pesticide application and numerous holes filled with an unknown substance which I think was fertilizer.
I poked around and decided to ring the bell and speak with the homeowner, she opened a window and leaned out to engage me in a brief conversation. Her gardener treated the tree and assured her it would live, trying not to laugh I told her the truth and she realized that the treatment was a waste of money and told me of the steady decline in her tree. After thanking me for my honesty she disappeared inside to continue getting ready for work. So she can enjoy another spring with her tree before it needs to be removed and not waste any more time and money on a fools errand. Telling the truth even if it's bad news means more today, the quick buck artist eventually wise up or go out of business.
No comments:
Post a Comment