FOREST HILLS, Tenn. (WKRN) — After last week’s ice storm, the damage in Forest Hills and nearby communities was evident: broken trees, drooped branches and exposed yards. Even harder to detect are the risks that follow, state officials say.
The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office issued a consumer alert this week warning homeowners to be wary of tree removal scams targeting storm-damaged areas. There has been an increase in complaints about door-to-door workers asking for cash, immediately cleaning up, and then failing to deliver any work.
For homeowners eager to remove dangerous trees, the pressure to take action can be intense.
A Nashville homeowner told News 2 he paid a company called Certified Tree Care LLC more than $6,000 for tree removal services that were never performed. The homeowner asked not to be identified but said she tried multiple times to contact the company but received no response.
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Concerns about the company also surfaced publicly online.
in shared posts Tree Climbers Facebook PageNashville resident Bailey Brandon is warning others not to use certified tree care, describing his own experience following an ice storm and urging homeowners to use caution before hiring anyone to clean up. The post drew dozens of comments from others with similar concerns and frustrations.
News 2 also attempted to contact the company directly. The call was directed to an automated voicemail system but no response was received.
The Better Business Bureau currently gives Certified Tree Care LLC an F rating, citing unresolved complaints.
“Most reputable companies may ask for a deposit, but they should never charge the full amount up front,” said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee. “Anything over 50 percent should be a red flag.”
At the height of the storm, about 230,000 customers in Middle Tennessee were without power. Many residents quickly sought help clearing fallen trees that blocked driveways, threatened homes or rested on power lines.
The homeowner who contacted News 2 believes he is not alone and claims dozens of others may have had similar experiences since the storm. The figure has not been independently verified.
Trevor Cochran, a partner at Tree Job, a local licensed and insured tree removal company, said stress is often the first warning sign.
“A pushy sales rep is always something to be wary of,” says Cochrane. “If someone rushes you or singles you out, there’s usually a reason, but this is not a good reason.”
Homeowners should always insist on providing a written estimate that clearly states the total cost before any work begins, Cochran said.
“If they can’t give you a final price in writing, walk away,” he said. “Once you sign something without details, you lose control of the situation.”
The Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General’s Office advise homeowners to look for certifications such as Certified Arborist, which requires training through the International Society of Arboriculture. Officials also recommend choosing a company that is affiliated with an organization such as the Tree Care Industry Association or the American Society of Consulting Arborists.
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Homeowners are advised to ask what cleanup work is included, verify proof of insurance, and never begin work without a signed contract outlining the cost, scope of work, and start and completion dates.
Officials warn of insurance issues. If an uninsured worker is injured while performing tree work on private property, the homeowner may be held financially responsible.
“Your greatest asset is patience,” Householder said. “Taking the time to verify who you’re hiring can save you a lot of money and headaches later on.”
After the storm, speed seems to be the answer. State officials say going slower may best protect homeowners when it comes to tree removal.
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