ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland's Department of Natural Resources is reminding homeowners to make sure they hire licensed tree professionals to trim or remove trees damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

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Department officials say state law requires anyone who treats, trims, or removes trees to be licensed and insured.

And they say homeowners can verify whether someone is licensed on the department's website.

Homeowners are also advised to never pay the full amount before work is completed, obtain a contract stating what will be done and how much it will cost, and ask for references.