A weak or unhealthy tree can fail suddenly, often as a result of severe weather. Wind and the weight of snow and ice can snap tree trunks and branches. If the ground is saturated from heavy or sustained rainfall, trees are especially vulnerable to failure, especially when coupled with high winds.
As we’ve all experienced, major weather events can cause many fallen trees and limbs all across a region. While we give first priority to our current customers, we will do everything possible to get you the help you need in an emergency situation. Once your home and property has been made safe, our crew will clean up and remove debris.
What is Emergency Tree Removal?
Emergency tree removal is needed when there is an urgent need to remove a tree or tree branches that pose an immediate threat to life, property, or infrastructure, like power lines. Emergency situations are obviously prompted by unforeseen events such as storms, high winds, lightning strikes, or other natural disasters that create hazardous trees. Emergency removal can mitigate the risks inherent with damaged or fallen trees and to make sure everyone in the surrounding area is safe.
What is a Tree Emergency?
There are several different circumstances that can lead to an emergency tree situation where removal is the best course of action. These are some of the most common circumstances where emergency tree removal may be necessary:
- Storm Damage. Severe storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes can cause severe tree damage or uprooting. Fallen trees or large fallen branches blocking roads, driveways, or other access points may need to be removed immediately to restore safety and accessibility.
- Hazardous Conditions. Trees that have become structurally compromised due to disease, pest infestation, or decay may pose a risk of falling without warning. If you have significantly leaning tree, a tree with large cracks or splits, a tree that exhibits other signs of instability, or a dead tree, it may need to be removed immediately to prevent property damage or injury.
- Utility Interference. Trees or broken branches that have fallen onto power lines, utility poles, or other infrastructure can disrupt essential services such as electricity, phone, or internet. Emergency tree removal may be necessary to clear the obstruction and restore service to the surrounding area as quickly as possible.
- Immediate Safety Concerns. If a tree or large branch falls onto a building, vehicle, or other structure, it can pose an immediate threat to occupants or bystanders. Emergency removal may be required to eliminate the danger and prevent further damage or injury.
- Impeding Rescue Operations. Fallen trees or debris blocking access routes can hinder first responder efforts during disasters or accidents. Prompt removal of obstacles like fallen trees and large branches allows emergency personnel to reach affected areas and provide assistance effectively.
How Do I Know What Tree Service to Hire When There’s an Emergency?
The best course of action after a storm that has damaged your trees is to hire a qualified tree service company to assess the situation and perform any storm damage cleanup services necessary. Often times after a severe storm, less credible tree services will come through a storm-damaged neighborhood to try and take advantage of a bad situation and vulnerable homeowners. Knowing how to hire a reputable arborist can protect homeowners from being victimized. Here are some questions you should ask any tree service that comes knocking at your door after a storm:
- Can they provide a copy of their license and insurance? If the tree service company isn’t willing to show you these, it should be an immediate red flag and you should hang up the phone or ask them to leave. All tree removal companies should have both of these documents to show they’re state licensed, that they protect their team in case of injury, and protect the homeowners’ property in case of damage. Just having an ISA certified arborist on staff isn’t enough in New Jersey, tree care services must be licensed by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts.Taylor Expert Arborists are Licensed Tree Experts by the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts and are fully insured.
- Do they have a list of references? Even if you found them online or they just knocked on your door, ask for references. Knowing they did a good job on other people’s homes will give you peace of mind and reinforce that they’re a professional tree service.Taylor Expert Arborists is always willing to provide references upon request.
- Will they be able to give you an estimate? Every tree service company you call or that approaches you should be able to give you a free quote in writing with details of the tree removal cost based on what you tell them. You will also need to ask them how much stump removal will cost, and whether it’s included with the cost of the tree being taken down or at an additional cost. Be wary of tree service companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others, as this could indicate a lack of experience, insurance, or proper equipment.Taylor Expert Arborists always provides free quotes in writing and includes the cost of stump removal and debris clean up in the cost of the tree removal.
- What kind of equipment will they use to remove the tree? Any reputable tree service should be bringing out equipment like a woodchipper, stump grinder, chainsaws, safety equipment, trucks and so on. Removal of large trees may also require the use of a crane. Listen for items like that to be listed off when you ask the question. If it sounds like they’re missing important equipment, then you should reconsider using that tree removal service.Taylor Expert Arborists has a wide range of tree removal equipment and safety equipment to properly perform any tree removal services necessary and we always take into account accessibility and property preservation when bringing in equipment.
- Will they provide you with a contract for the work? In addition to a written estimate, a tree removal company should provide a written contract that includes details such as the scope of work, pricing, payment terms, and any guarantees or warranties the tree service company provides. Avoid any tree service company that does not give you a written contract for the work they intend to perform.Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree removal service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
How Do I Get an Estimate for an Emergency Tree Removal?
Contact Taylor Expert Arborists at the phone number, email, or the link below to request an estimate. Taylor Expert Arborists always provides free quotes in writing and includes the cost of an emergency tree removal, debris clean up, stump removal, if necessary, and waste disposal. We have a wide range of equipment to remove tree debris and safety equipment to properly perform any yard cleanup services necessary, and we always take into account accessibility and property preservation when bringing in equipment. Taylor Expert Arborists has a quick response time for all emergency situations.
Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
I’ve Hired Taylor Expert Arborists, Now What?
So, you’ve made the smart decision to hire Taylor Expert Arborists to perform your emergency tree removal services, now how do you prepare for a yard cleanup?
- Have Underground Utilities Marked. If your tree removal service might interfere with underground utilities, call New Jersey Once Source at 811 so the utility companies can identify and mark the locations of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. Taylor Expert Arborists can also schedule a mark-out for you if necessary. This information will help avoid accidentally damaging utility lines during excavation or stump removal.
- Communicate with Your Neighbors: If the debris cleanup may impact neighboring homeowners or if there are shared boundaries, inform your neighbors about the upcoming work. Discuss any concerns they may have and arrange access to their property if necessary.
- Clear the Work Area: Remove any obstacles or obstructions near the fallen tree, tree branches, or tree limbs, such as vehicles, outdoor furniture, or garden decorations. Clearing the area around the tree will give the tree removal company ample space to work and maneuver equipment safely.
- Be Available for Communication: Ensure that you or another responsible person will be available on your property during the emergency tree removal process to answer any questions, provide access to the property, and address any unexpected issues that may arise with the tree service company.
- Keep Pets and Children Inside: Keep pets and children indoors or away from the work area during emergency tree removal to ensure their safety. Loud noises and heavy equipment can be frightening or dangerous for animals and young children.
- Follow the Safety Guidelines: Follow any safety guidelines or instructions provided by the tree removal company to ensure the safety of everyone involved. You must stay clear of the work area! If you want to watch the tree removal service, you may be required to wear the appropriate safety gear and following any temporary access or traffic control measures.
All homeowners having emergency tree removal services performed should take these steps to prepare their property for cleanup. Doing so can help facilitate a smooth and successful process while minimizing risks to property and tree service company personnel.
Taylor Expert Arborists are hard-working tree care experts with years of experience, and we prune and trim trees in the safest way possible. We are family-owned and offer residential, commercial, and municipal tree trimming and pruning services, tree removal services, tree maintenance, stump grinding and stump removal, cabling and bracing services, tree health assessments, tree risk assessments, and emergency tree removal services. Taylor Expert Arborists are members of the New Jersey ISA and the New Jersey Society of Licensed Tree Experts.
Contact Us
We provide FREE consultations to all our clients! Taylor Expert Arborists always provides its customers with an easy-to-read written contract that protects the homeowner and tree service, spelling out pricing, payment terms, and everything that is included with the work.
