Get an Expert (a.k.a. “Don’t DIY & Avoid the Scammers”)
Two things today: Don’t fall victim to an awaiting tree catastrophe and to a scam artist. Learn how to protect your property from potential damage before a big thunderstorm comes rumbling through town and then from the scam artists that “try” to clean your yard afterward.
Take care of your Trees & Call an Expert
Do It Yourself (DIY) websites and books are popular, but trust us on this one. When it comes to tree work, you really do need an expert. You need professional equipment and a lot of experience, whether you are taking down a simple branch, or a limb hanging over your house.
The Wall Street Journal reported that a lot of accidents, including deadly ones, could have been avoided if homeowners had been proactive and removed the dangerous tree or limb.
“Crashing trees are even a common theme on YouTube.com, which has more than 6,700 videos of trees falling on houses and 1,250 of trees falling on cars [...] many homeowners don’t give enough thought to what hazards their biggest and oldest trees may pose to people,” said June Fletcher of the Wall Street Journal.
Who are YOU again?
Now on to the scammers… especially when a big storm or a tornado go through town…don’t trust just any Joe going house-to-house and carrying a chain saw.
“[The scam artist] did three or four branches with a saw, said he’d come back and never came back,” said Lt. Joseph Macaluso, from a Police Department in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“We should’ve solicited bids. We should’ve asked for more details. We should’ve gotten a second opinion from a certified arborist. Instead, we went for the neighborhood discount,” reported the Green Girls from the Star Tribune. “They said, ’since we’re in the neighborhood, we can take care of that tree for you. It will be cheaper in the long run.’ [...] We were left with a big pile of wood, a half ground stump and a bill of inflated charges.”
Make sure you call a legitimate tree company that is licensed by the Department of Natural Resources and is insured. The Better Business Bureau* also has some tips on How to Avoid Scams.
But it all boils down to playing it smart and doing your research. Talk to friends and family. There are many great companies and in the end, the tree may be on your lawn for a few extra days while you shop around, but when you settle on a qualified expert you can rest assured that the stump will be ground and there will be no surprises on your bill.
Need more help? Give your local tree expert a call! A Year Round Tree Expert Company has proudly served Baltimore for 28 years! AYRTE can be reached at 410-335-8675.
*BBB accredited businesses pay a fee for accreditation; businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation. By checking with the BBB you are inquiring as to whether a company has had legitimate complaints filed.
Sources:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124723900564523889.html
http://www.local12.com/news/local/story/Tree-Trimming-Scam-Linked-To-More-Communities/xkP7cG5WhEKvvRMC1MsZaw.cspx
http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/08/storm_means_its.php
http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10934062
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/55023697.html
http://www.bbb.org/us/Business-Accreditation/
We’ve said it before – we love Maryland! Support your state and enjoy quality time with your family at the 128th Maryland State Fair. It offers livestock shows, rides and lots of entertainment! Eight dollars for adults and six for kids. Thanks