On Your Side: Where you can get help with tree, debris removal

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Cleanup continues in the CSRA after the storm left behind a path of destruction.

Tree companies from as far as Atlanta are helping with cleanup efforts.

But what does it cost you to pay for these cleanup crews?

To name a few, Stallions Tree Professionals says it can cost you anywhere from a couple thousand to $10,000 depending on the type of tree, how many and the equipment needed for removal.

Craigs Tree Service and Graniteville Tree Services also hover around the $4,000 to $7,000 range.

Homeowners are scrambling to overcome these unexpected expenses.

Teresa Waters is one of the many impacted and she says it has left a lasting impression on her home.

“You can see it kind of crushed, I mean, really not, not terrible, but it crushed that,” says Waters. “And there are holes in the roof.”

Waters says she’s fortunate outside help is bringing resources to Augusta to aid in cleaning up the mess.

“The first three, four, five days it felt like the world didn’t know what was going on here, and you just couldn’t get anything,” says Waters. “And the power was out. But then it’s like all these people have descended on Augusta to help us.”

Tree removal companies say the need is growing and it will be a while until the look of the Garden City is back under control.

“We’ll probably be here one crew until December, maybe longer, says Morgan Jones, Vice President of Don’s Tree Service. “There’s a lot of trees down.“

John King, The Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, says with all the outside help coming in it’s as important as ever to protect yourself from scammers.

“Deal with somebody locally, somebody you know, somebody that you knowtheir reputation, that they’re going to finish the job and they’re going to do exactly what you hire them to do,” says King.

Waters says she knows it’s just the beginning of clean-up, but she’s confident Augusta will stay strong.

“The people support each other, and because of that, we’re going to come back better than ever,” says Waters.

The Georgia Department of Insurance and Safety Fire is also urging people not to let contractors directly negotiate with insurance companies.

They say many people take advantage and leave nothing left for you to claim on your policy.

You can reach out to the office if you feel fraudulent activity is being done.

Here is the link you can use to report fraudulent insurance activity by contractors: https://oci.georgia.gov/

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