After weeks of downed limbs on power lines, homeowner contacts abc13 for help

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A north Houston resident will ring in the New Year with some peace of mind, thanks to abc13 Eyewitness News.

Glenn Marks said on the morning of December 13, he walked outside and saw a massive tree toppled over on his home. He believes strong winds from a storm the night before caused the tree to come crashing down.

The large limbs rested on power lines and Glenn was afraid the house may not be able to support the tree's weight for long.

"If that tree falls and that wire comes loose, I could be in the bathtub and get shocked," said Glenn Marks.

Knowing the risk, Glenn said he called his electric company, Centerpoint. He says days later Centerpoint sent out a tree trimming company. Marks said a crew with the tree company, Trees, Inc., said they needed the power company to assist, due to dangers posed by the power lines. At the time Trees, Inc. had Marks sign a Tree Removal Permit.

13 Eyewitness News obtained a copy of the a Tree Removal Permit dated December 15. It states, "Professional tree trimmers under contract to the electric & power company will be in your neighborhood to clear obstructions form the electric lines. This clearing will be done at the power company's expense."

After weeks of waiting for the power company to fix the problem, he contacted 13 Eyewitness News.

"If you don't get results happening, you call Channel 13 and you'll get somebody out to get it done," said Marks.

We called Centerpoint on New Year's Eve and hours later, the tree trimming company and Centerpoint were out taking care of the tree.

"After investigating the history of this request further, it appears there was a breakdown in communication. We sincerely regret the delay in completing this request and have been in touch with the customer to apologize and provide guidance on the next steps needed," said Centerpoint spokesperson Olivia Ross.