May 30, 2026
An Ohio woman had the shock of her life when a routine tree-cutting service came crashing down: a crane flipped straight up into the air, damaging two homes.
The company involved, Down to Earth Tree Service, told News 5 Cleveland that the ground gave way beneath the crane's stabilizers.
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But Julia Sciarappa, whose Bay Village home sustained the most damage, believes the crane was overloaded. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration is now investigating the incident. Sciarappa said that the crane's stabilizer arms slammed into the front of her house, causing part of the building to buckle inward.
She shared that her living room has had to be reinforced with support beams until repairs can begin. The damage also extended to the driveway, sidewalk, and a neighboring home, local news reported. Crews spent hours cutting the crane free from a utility pole, lowering it safely and repairing the downed power lines. No one was seriously injured.
A cut above the rest?
Sciarappa said she hopes the OSHA inspection will provide answers about how the accident happened, who is at fault and who will ultimately pay for the damage.
"You just hope that OSHA can bring all these safety precautions to the forefront of their mind to prevent this from ever happening again," she said.
How federal investigators classify the case will determine whether it results in enforcement actions, mandated procedural changes or written safety recommendations to Hoodline.
According to the company's website, Down to Earth Tree Service describes itself as a local, fully insured business that operates a company-owned crane. It also highlights its Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and training by a certified arborist.
Moneywise reached out to Down to Earth Tree Service, but did not hear back.
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Protecting your property
Homeowners can reduce their risk by requesting proof of insurance from a contractor before hiring them. That includes general liability, umbrella liability and workers’ compensation coverage. It’s also important to review policy limits and understand any insurance requirements specific to your state.
Before work begins, contact your insurance provider to verify what your homeowner’s policy covers.
For example, Progressive's homeowners' insurance policies may cover accidental damage caused by contractors. However, coverage often excludes damage resulting from negligence or poor workmanship.
Homeowners should also take before-and-after photos of any project, keep detailed records and review footage from security cameras, if they have them.
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Amanda Smith is an Australian freelance journalist and writer based in the New York City area who reports on culture/society, technology, and health.
