BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Willie Parker watched as a tree trimmer standing on the ground went to work trimming a huge tree in his backyard, but when the tree fell, it destroyed his property.

“We are very frustrated because not only our shed but also our neighbor’s yard was damaged,” Parker said.

It also landed on items in his shed, including Christmas decorations and several tools and equipment he needs for his job.

“It affects my additional income because one job is simply no longer enough,” Parker said.

He filed an insurance claim with the tree service company he hired and paid cash for the tree removal, he says. But Parker had no written contract, no proof of insurance and no receipt for the work performed.

The insurance company Hiscox rejected his claim. The rejection letter states: “The policy excludes cover for tree felling.”

Hiscox told FOX 2 that the company’s policies do not cover tree removal.

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When we called the owner of the tree service company, he declined to be interviewed on camera but said he will not pay for the damage. He says the insurance claim is still being disputed.

But then comes an unexpected twist: The owner of the tree service company claims he didn’t touch the tree until after it fell and says someone named Jerry cut the tree down. The owner gave FOX 2 Jerry’s number but declined to identify him as an employee. When we called, the person who answered said we had the wrong number.

According to an online ad, the number is linked to a certain Jerry, who offers tree care services and claims to have a bond and insurance. However, the company did not provide an address.

The chaos in Parker’s garden has now lasted for almost a month.

“It’s still in the shed. My neighbors screwed up. We’re ruined and they got away,” he said.

While Parker waits and FOX 2 looks for Jerry, remember one important lesson: Make sure you have a contract for tree work and a copy of the insurance policy coverage amount.

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