Video of tree crashing into power lines in Cedar Rapids goes viral
Video of a Cedar Rapids tree crashing into powerlines goes viral this week. The tree remover can be seen cutting down a tree before running away as it begins to fall.
Especially after the derecho, it raises the question how can someone make sure something like this doesn't happen to their property.
Frank Orr owns Frank's Tree Service in Marion. A business he has helped operate and own for 23 years.
He said he won't let his crews work in temperatures 10 degrees and below. But he says the cold is the least concern aspect of how this unidentified contractor approached cutting a 75-foot tree, at least, in a residential area.
"Some companies are trying to get a quick buck, get in and get out and I'm not saying that's what he was doing but he was hurrying and that's how people get hurt," Orr said.
"Well the potential danger is a car could have come through and the tree could have smashed into it, a home owner could have come out."
"Had that hung up on the power lines, that would have electrocuted that guy. That completes the circuit," Crewman Devin Coyle said.
Orr said he is seriously scared a lot of people have started trimming trees with a lack experience.
"You know when the derecho hit everyone stopped doing what they were doing, went and bough equipment, bucket trucks which I'm not mad about but be safe," Orr said.
The Cedar Rapids Building Services Department states on its website, "All contractors are required to be licensed and registered through the State of Iowa. Contractors should carry insurance. Residents are encouraged to get more than one quote for repairs, and to check Iowa Courts Online to see if a contractor has been sued by unsatisfied customers."
"You want someone who has workers comp," Orr explained. "Someone who has good reliability, and then you want a good credible name."
Anyone in need of a contractor can call their city building services department for verification of a contractor. Keep in mind that's not a referral service.
Residents can find information on the permit process and links to search for reputable contractors on the City’s website.
