A word of warning as folks in towns like Purcell and Lexington start to clean up from the recent ice storm. Don’t just hire the first tree trimmer or contractor who knocks on your front door. The City of Purcell has been receiving complaints about some tree trimmers going door to door and using false information to solicit new business. Of course they call themselves tree trimmers, but come on now…in the words of Purcell’s Emergency Management Director…”Just because you have a chainsaw, that doesn’t make you a tree trimmer.”
Just be cautious…watch out for the shady contractors who demand you pay them up front or try to pressure or scare you into doing business with them. Be thorough…do your homework! Get multiple written estimates and try to deal locally with someone you know and trust. Most municipalities like Purcell require tree trimmers to have a permit, but because workers in Purcell and neighboring towns are so overwhelmed right now, many towns are temporarily waving any costs associated with obtaining permits.
The City of Lexington is even providing free tree trimming for anyone who lives within their city limits.
If your only option is hiring out the work on your own dime…ask to see the tree trimmer’s license. If they don’t have one or if they’re not insured or bonded, it’s in your best interest to go with someone else who is.
One more thing…the ice also knocked out power in many areas…some homes had their weather head’s damaged (that’s the steel pole mounted on a home to which the incoming overhead electrical supply is attached). Make sure to hire a reputable electrician. Electricians must be licensed…check with Oklahoma’s Construction Industries Board (http://www.ok.gov/cib/) to see whether or not contractors residing in Oklahoma are licensed.
I’m Scott Hines…In Your Corner!
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