Tips for hiring a tree trimmer

By Amanda Taylor, NEWS 9

Now that it's all said and done Kelly Clark has a 100 foot tree lying in his backyard.  Like so many others, he now has to figure out how to get rid of it.

"Are you going to be able to do this all on your own?  No, unless I take a couple of months and buy a bigger chain saw," Said Oklahoma City Resident Kelly Clark.

If you're in the same boat and need to hire a company, the Consumer Watch Team wants to make sure you're not scammed in the process.

Because of all the national news coverage, local law enforcement expects people from across the U.S. to come here for work.  And they warn some of those people could be criminals who will take your money and run. Even if you're using local workers you still need to be careful.

Just because they have an ad in the phone book, it doesn't mean they have all their licenses. Not all cities require tree trimmers to be licensed, including Oklahoma City.

Larry Oberlechner is one of Oklahoma City's tree removal specialists. He says to make sure your tree trimmer has insurance and workman's compensation. If they don't and they get hurt on your property, they could turn around and hold you responsible.

So ask to see their insurance policy number and then call the insurance company just to make sure they're in fact covered.

The Better Business Bureau says ask the tree trimmer what they're going to do with the tree once its cut up.  Are they going to haul it off or are they going to leave it for you? And get that answer in writing. Also, keep all your receipts.

If there's something Amanda Taylor and the Consumer Watch team can help you with call
841-9921.