A windfall for tree removers

While most people were running for cover during Sunday's violent windstorm, Todd Gammon and his crew were out hauling off tree limbs as they fell down.

Gammon, who owns Gammon Tree Service, got his first call shortly after noon on Sunday - just as the wind began to gust.

"As soon as it [the storm] hit, my phone started ringing," he said. "And we worked right through that storm."

Since Sunday, Gammon and his crew of six have been putting in 13-hour days - working from dawn till dusk - and will likely stay at this pace for at least two more weeks.

Before the storm Gammon said work was steady.

Now, it's overwhelming. And Gammon isn't the only busy because of the storm.

Around the community several signs have been popping up advertising tree-removal services. At these cottage industries and at the established companies the workflow is already backed up.

To help the public with the clean up, Shelbyville Public Works employees spent Thursday morning hauling off the debris had been stacked up around town.

Workers said the city would haul off all tree limbs that are stacked near the road.

While the service makes it easy for citizens to dispose of the limbs that have fallen, it doesn't help with the trees that are still standing, even though they've been split in half.

That's where companies like Gammon's come in.

Right now tree-service companies are doing mostly clean-up and removal, but many of the trees that were hit will have to be brought down for safety.

Gammon said that after the debris is cleared, he expects to see an increase in people wanting to take preventive steps to keep trees from damaging property in the future.

He said residents should inspect the tree near their houses to see if there is any sign that they have a disease or that they are dead.

Gammon, who has did tree removal in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, said sick trees were no match for the 70-plus-mph winds that the storm brought.

A few warning signs include early loss of leaves and some branches producing green leaves while others do not.

"Some people want to hang on to a tree long past the time that they know that it need to be cut down," he said. "Those are the trees that can be dangerous."

Gammon said winter is a good time for homeowners to think about having the trees trimmed because of the reduced amount of sap in the trees and cooler temperatures.

Repair tips from Better Business Bureau

Deal only with licensed and insured contractors. Verify the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor you're thinking of hiring. Ask for a list of recent customers and call them.

Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers, insurance agents or claims adjusters. Also check with the local Better Business Bureau and Home Builders Association to see if complaints have been lodged against any contractor you're considering.

Take your time signing a contract. Get a written estimate that includes any oral promises the contractor made. But remember to ask if there's a charge for an estimate before allowing anyone into your home. Ask for explanations for price variations, and don't automatically choose the lowest bidder. Get a copy of the final, signed contract before the job begins.

Resist dealing with any contractor who asks you to pay for the entire job up-front. A deposit of one-third of the total price is standard procedure. Pay only by check or credit card - and pay the final amount only after the work is completed to your satisfaction. Don't pay cash.

Be skeptical of contractors who encourage you to spend a lot of money on temporary repairs. Make sure there's enough money for permanent repairs.

Ask a knowledgeable friend, relative or attorney to review a home-repair contract before you sign. If you get a loan to pay for the work, be cautious about using your home as security: If you don't repay the loan as agreed, you could lose your home. Consider asking an attorney to review the loan documents, as well.