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Volunteers help KCK family after Facebook tree-trimmer felled tree onto home

KCK tree onto home Thursday-1
KCK tree onto home Thursday-2
KCK tree onto home Thursday-3
KCK tree on home
Posted at 4:21 PM, Jul 04, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-04 18:23:43-04

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A Kansas City, Kansas, family was forced from their home Wednesday when a tree-trimmer felled a tree onto their house.

"I just thought my whole life ended right then and there," said AJ Reese, who's owned the home in the 3300 block of Webster Avenue for about a year.

Reese said he hired Charles the Tree Man, who he found on Facebook, after receiving a letter from Wyandotte County code enforcement which said some branches and limbs needed to be removed from a large tree.

Reese said he gave the tree-trimmer in three payments.

Two men showed up at Reese's home around 7 p.m. Wednesday to begin the work. Reese said he protested about how they were cutting the tree down, but the men continued and eventually dropped the tree onto one of his four sons’ bedrooms.

"I said 'Don't cut it down like that. Start from the top.' And he's telling me I don't know what I'm doing, I'm not the professional," Reese said.

There were no injuries, but the damage to the home was extensive, including cracks along the walls in several rooms and a gaping hole in the roof.

"I think a couple of high school kids could have done a better job than what these guys have done," said Tim Powell, owner of Powell Roofing.

Reese said the tree-trimmer was not bonded or insured and fled after the tree fell onto his home.

"They said they were going to be back today and that's what I was waiting for, for them to be back today," Reese said.

The people responsible never showed up Thursday, but people who saw Reese's story on 41 Action News did.

"Just down here to help him. I mean unfortunately, he had a couple guys that were definitely inexperienced in cutting trees," Powell said.

"They're going to bring their big truck, he's going to latch onto it and we'll cut pieces off and just pull it off. As we get it pulled off, back it up and once everything is off, we'll just pick it up and haul it away," Kirk Mata, owner of Turner Tree, described the process.

Without hesitation, volunteers got to work removing the tree from the home and placing a tarp over the holes in the roof.

Parts of the home will need to be rebuilt or fixed. A family friend has started a GoFundMe to help with repair costs.

Reese told 41 Action News he'd welcome assistance from any volunteers who wanted to lend a hand with plywood or drywall.