STAFF REPORT
According to a study conducted by the Texas Forest Service, “an estimated 5.6 million trees that once shaded homes, streets and parks in communities across Texas now are dead as a result of last year’s unrelenting drought.”
That study found most of the dead shade trees are located in populated areas and pose a safety hazard.
In the Aug. 8 issue of the Hays Free Press, the article “Drought-killed tress could become liability issue for landowners” (Page 1C), warned homeowners to remove dead trees before they fall into a neighbor’s yard or a road and cause damage.
The Better Business Bureau recommends hiring a professional tree removal service, as well as these tips for finding the right company:
Ask for an onsite inspection and risk assessment. The inspection should include the entire tree. The risk assessment will help determine which trees are in higher-risk areas, therefore needing immediate attention.
Get the estimate in writing. An estimate should be given only after an onsite inspection. Make sure it includes all labor, clean-up and disposal charges.
Carefully read through your contract. A contract should clearly state services to be rendered, expected completion date, payment terms and conditions, contact information for the company and any refund or cancellation policy.
Verify insurance coverage. Tree care can be dangerous if not done by properly trained experts. Confirm that company has insurance that covers worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability.
