CONSUMER ALERT: Watch Out for Tree Trimming & Removal Scams

CONSUMER ALERT: Watch Out for Tree Trimming & Removal Scams

The recent ice storms have caused major damage to trees across the state. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office urges consumers to use caution when selecting a business to provide tree trimming or removal services. The Tennessee Attorney General's Office offers the following tips for consumers in search of tree services.

HIRING CONTRACTORS
Contractors engaging in most storm-related repair work, such as tree trimmers, are typically required to obtain a contractor's license before engaging in the repair work. In response to the recent ice storm, however, Governor Lee has suspended licensing requirements until March 7, 2026 for those engaging in storm damage cleanup resulting from the recent severe weather. Even so, consumers should remain vigilant to avoid falling victim to a repair work scam.

Governor Lee's Executive Order still requires that those engaging in repair work have "sufficient experience and knowledge in the field," and consumers should verify someone offering tree services is experienced and knowledgeable before hiring them. Though the license requirement is suspended, consumers may still explore whether a contractor is properly licensed to work in Tennessee by visiting verify.tn.gov. Get references from people you trust and look up reviews and complaints for the business on independent platforms such as the Better Business Bureau's website. The more platforms you check, the better. Consumers should also ask for proof that the business is insured and that the insurance policy covers tree services, regardless of whether the contractor is licensed or not. Governor Lee's Executive Orders do not provide contractors or other professionals with the appropriate insurance.

Take your time. Major weather events can be scary, and consumers understandably want to address damage quickly. However, not taking time to properly vet companies offering services and consider your options can lead to falling victim to a scam. Don't simply go with the first service you come across. Get estimates from multiple companies, ask for each estimate in writing, and do your research on each company.

Keep an eye out for these red flags:

• Door-to-door sales: Be wary of businesses selling tree clean-up door-to-door.
• High-pressure sales tactics: Avoid those who pressure you to make a quick decision by telling you the offer won't be available later or using scare tactics.
• Demand of full payment upfront: Be wary of contractors demanding full payment, or a substantial payment, before any work is done.
• Insistence on cash-only payment: Never pay with cash. Use forms of payment that can be traced, preferably options with fraud protection such as a credit card.
• Refusal to set out terms in writing: Contractors that don't offer written estimates or don't provide a contract should be avoided. Contracts should include details such as the start and completion dates, payment terms, installation costs allowances, materials, labor, change orders, and warranty information. Consumers should retain a copy of the contract.
  
  

AVOIDING SCAMS
While many seek to help in times of disaster, others seek to take advantage. Those running tree service scams often come out of the woodwork after a major weather event leaves numerous damaged trees. Watch out for:

• Demands for upfront payments. Scammers will often demand full or substantial payment up front then leave the job unfinished or simply never come back to do the job at all. Scammers will often also demand cash-only payments.
• Unsolicited text or phone call offers. If you did not initiate contact, it is safest to ignore or block the number and contact a company directly after doing thorough research.
• Tree services claiming to be affiliated with your insurance company or government agencies. Always verify by independently contacting your insurance company or the relevant agency directly.
• Tree services claiming your insurance company will pay 100% of the costs of a service. A common scam has services promising everything will be paid for by insurance before you've even contacted your insurance carrier. However, these scammers bill insurance many times more than the invoice shown to the consumer and the consumer ends up stuck with a huge bill when insurance doesn't actually cover it all.
• Salesmen using tablets or other electronic devices and only showing you where to sign. Never give a signature without reviewing the full document you are signing. Ask for copies of everything you have signed.

FREE BRUSH REMOVAL SERVICES

Some cities and counties provide free brush pick up for their citizens. Consumers simply needing disposal of tree limbs or other brush should check with their local governments to see if brush pick up may be provided, what the schedule is, and what the requirements are to take part.

REPORT MISCONDUCT
To file a complaint with the Attorney General's Office Division of Consumer Affairs about deceptive business practices, visit www.tn.gov/consumer. To report misconduct by a licensed contractor, file a complaint with the Department of Commerce and Insurance at www.tn.gov/commerce.