Video: Tree Contractor Scams

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- It has been over a year and the Columbus Public Works continues to deal with issues with trees and large limbs being left on the side of the road by contractors.

A city ordinance requires workers who cut down trees to haul off the debris as well.

However, the city’s public works director, Casey Bush said often times, that doesn’t happen.

Bush said the bootleg contractors come in from out of town, promising homeowners they can cut down their trees for a low price.

“They tell the homeowner that the city will pick them up,” said Bush.

But Once the tree is down, the contractor hauls out of town leaving the lumber on city streets.

“The city will not pick up any contractor trees that they done cut, reason being because the contractor knows that they’re suppose to haul the trees away,” said Bush.

But Bush said these incidents happen more than you might think, and he said it’s a scam.

“That’s what’s been happening for the past year or so, we’ve been getting a lot home owners calling saying , well you know your guys are riding by and not picking up the tree that’s been cut in front of my house,” said Bush.

Bush said he then goes to the homeowner’s house to investigate the situation.

“I will even go around the homeowner of the house, probably even on a Saturday or Sunday and ask who cut the tree and most people that you ask, they’re gonna be honest right off the bat, and they’ll tell you, oh yea, I let so and so cut my tree,” he said.

Bush said this is the time of year when more people are hit by the scammers, and they usually target the elderly.

“The contractor that cut the tree down, for the most part, the home owner can not catch up with that person, they’ll call and that person won’t return,” he said.

Bush said with these phony contractors running these scams, it makes it difficult for licensed contractors to find work in the area.

“Yea it’s a disadvantage for us if we get people that don’t abide by the rule which is to haul off the stuff that you cut,” said licensed contractor Jim Bourland.

Bourland has been a licensed contractor for 30 years, and has few tips  homeowners should know before the chainsaw is cranked.

“Don’t give up the money up front, and if you do you better make sure it’s in writing,” said Bourland.

These rules apply only when a contractor is hired.

If a homeowner cuts down their own tree, the city will remove it for a fee.

Bush said if a contractor leaves debris in your yard and won’t pick it up, then it’s up to you to have it removed.

To find out if you are working with a licensed contractor call the city’s inspection department.