Though arborists and tree removal services are in high demand as Portland recovers from the series of storms, beware of scammers.
PORTLAND, Ore. — After a series of storms hit the Portland metro area, many homeowners are dealing with downed trees. Some massive, aged evergreens tumbled down into homes, businesses and cars.
Now, arborists and tree removal services are booked for days on end.
“It was absolute mayhem,” said Pete Botke, an arborist with Buds Expert Tree Care.
Botke has worked in Portland as an arborist since the 1990s and told KGW that every few years, his crews work overtime cleaning up after a storm.
This week is one of the busy ones.
“Huge logs going right through people’s houses, and they’re having to wait six, eight days for us to get out there,” Botke said.
But high demand for services presents a big opportunity for scammers, warned Dale Dixon, Chief Innovation Officer for the Better Business Bureau.
He said it can start with a simple knock on your front door, then, a script like this: “‘We’re in the neighborhood; we’ve done work for your neighbors, and since we’re here, we can offer you a cut rate-deal or a real low price on this. But we just need you to pay right now, and then, we promise we’ll come back later.’
“Massive red flags should be going off for you right now,” Dixon said.
Dixon added it’s important to do your own research and take some time to think before making a payment.
“Go and do some price checking, research the company, make sure it is appropriately licensed and registered with the state,” Dixon added.
Oregon law requires all tree service companies to be licensed with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Homeowners can search the name of the company on the Oregon CCB website.
“[CCB will] tell you if they’re bonded, insured and there’s a whole history on the company,” Botke said.
Another website to determine certification is the International Society of Arboriculture.
With so many trees down, and contractors booked out, some people might be tempted to cut down a tree without any help. But Portland Parks and Recreation said it can be dangerous without the proper knowledge.
“Chainsaws are potent and hazardous tools. Their use leads to serious injuries or even fatalities each year, particularly when operating on downed or hung-up trees. These trees can be unstable or under stress, posing a risk of striking or crushing the operator. It’s crucial to use chainsaws only with the proper personal protective equipment and sufficient experience. Additionally, ensure that there are no power lines nearby when using a chainsaw,” Portland Parks and Recreation said in a statement.
Botke agreed, noting it’s particularly dangerous if that tree is resting on a power line.
“Don’t touch a tree that might have power lines in it,” Botke warned. “It’s terrible because the electricity can go right through the tree as a path to ground.”
For more information, Oregon Department of Justice offers tips on how to spot scammers and what to do if someone falls for one. You can also contact the Oregon Department of Justice at 877-877-9392 for the Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline, as well as the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at 888-877-4894.
www.kgw.com
https://www.kgw.com/article/weather/severe-weather/fallen-trees-scams-winter-storm/283-ae6d0935-76aa-4b3e-a0b5-b04591ac4a49
