{"id":20411,"date":"2018-03-08T07:09:57","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T12:09:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=20411"},"modified":"2018-03-08T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2018-03-08T14:00:00","slug":"homeowners-should-check-tree-contractors-credentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2018\/03\/08\/homeowners-should-check-tree-contractors-credentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Homeowners Should Check Tree Contractors’ Credentials"},"content":{"rendered":"

Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts Should be Hired<\/em><\/p>\n

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After the recent late winter storms and high winds, property owners across Maryland are learning the extent of damage to their property.<\/p>\n

In cases where the cleanup requires a professional to handle the work, the\u00a0Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/a>\u00a0has a few important suggestions homeowners should follow before bringing in a contractor to clear tree branches, limbs and other debris.<\/p>\n

Only\u00a0Maryland Licensed Tree Experts<\/a>\u00a0should be hired to trim branches and remove damaged and downed trees \u2013 they are the only<\/strong> tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland.<\/p>\n

Before a contractor begins work, homeowners can verify the company has a licensed tree expert on staff by asking to see their license. The department\u2019s website<\/a> also allows anyone to check for the license number.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Licensed Tree Experts are required to carry insurance that covers tree care work. A company that states it is\u00a0\u201cbonded and insured\u201d but isn\u2019t licensed is not only violating the law, it may not have the proper coverage.<\/p>\n

Other important recommendations include:<\/p>\n