State Senator Gayle S. Slossberg (D-Milford) today issued a reminder for residents of hard-hit shoreline communities to use caution in their selection of contractors and others to be hired for clean-up and repair after Tropical Storm Irene. Senator Slossberg said it’s particularly important in the wake of this episode because so much damage was done and so much work is now required.

“If homeowners are intent on saving a damaged tree they are wise to engage a state-licensed arborist suitably trained to, ‘improve the condition of fruit, shade or ornamental trees by feeding or fertilizing, or by pruning, trimming, bracing” (them), improving tree conditions, or protecting trees from damage,’ according to state statute,” Senator Slossberg said. “Beyond that the outright removal of trees does not rise to the level requiring a licensed arborist, but any and all contractors ought to have sufficient insurance to cover any potential damage, injury, or other liability.”

Senator Slossberg said a roster of state-licensed arborists in Connecticut can be accessed at two different Web sites: www.kellysolutions.com/ct/index.htm or www.ctpa.org, the address for the CT Tree Protective Association.

“The same suggestion applies for those residents whose homes sustained damaged when Irene stormed through: home improvement contractors ought to be licensed by the state Department of Consumer Protection and ought to be insured,” Senator Slossberg said. “In fact, the state has published a guide called “The Connecticut Home Improvement Contractor” and copies are available to residents by calling the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6110 or 800-842-2649, or at its Web site: www.ct.gov/dcp.”