BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Willie Parker watched as a tree trimmer standing on the ground got to work on a massive tree in his backyard. But when it came down, the tree smashed his property.

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

It also landed on the items inside his shed, including Christmas ornaments, along with several tools and equipment he relies on for work.

“It’s affecting extra income that I had because one job just doesn’t do it anymore,” Parker said.

He submitted an insurance claim to the tree company, which he hired and paid cash for what he says was tree removal. But Parker had no written contract, proof of insurance or receipt for the work done.

The insurance company, Hiscox, denied his claim. The denial letter reads, “The policy excludes coverage for tree removal.”

Hiscox told FOX 2 that its policies never cover tree removal.

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When we called the tree company’s owner, he declined an on-camera interview but said he would not pay for the damage. He says the insurance claim is still being disputed.

But then there’s a twist: the tree company owner claims he never touched the tree until after it fell, saying someone named Jerry cut the tree. The owner gave FOX 2 Jerry’s number but would not call him an employee. When we called, the person who answered said we had the wrong number.

According to an ad online, the number is associated with someone by the name of Jerry offering tree services, claiming to be bonded and insured. But the business gave no address.

Meanwhile, the mess in Parker’s yard has been there for nearly a month.

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

While Parker waits and FOX 2 looks for Jerry, an important lesson to remember is to make sure you have a contract for tree work and that you have a copy of what their insurance policy covers.

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