The wind has died down and the rain has stopped. A major storm has just rolled through the area and you take a look outside for any property damage. Fallen branches are all over your yard, there’s a downed tree in your neighbor’s yard that crashed into your fence, and your driveway is covered in leaves and twigs. What do you do? First, don’t panic! Contact Taylor Expert Arborists to take care of the storm damage cleanup in your yard. Second, make sure you’re staying safe. Check for downed power lines and gas leaks. Also, check for wildlife or pets that may have taken refuge in the post-storm debris. Once you’ve make sure the surrounding area is safe, you may want to begin cleaning up some of the easier to manage debris.
What Happens to Trees in a Storm?
Trees are lost every year from severe weather and storm-related damage. Major damage to parts of a tree or even the entire tree can occur from high winds, snow, and ice. Trees provide value to your landscape and the community and can become financial, social, and aesthetic losses in storms. In addition to physical damage to a tree, risk and potential liability can become a concern to you and homeowners in your surrounding area. Summer storms can cause serious damage to trees depending on the timing and intensity of the storm.
Typical weather patterns are not an issue for trees. Over time, trees that sway in the wind develop extra strength to account for the force of the wind. Trees are biologically engineered to adjust to external forces, like wind, under normal conditions. But, in high winds or severe storms trees can get injured. Heavy ice and snow can also cause damage to tree branches because of the excessive weight.
There are a few different types of tree damage that occur from severe weather. During a post-storm assessment, all part of the tree should be inspected for damage. Some common types of tree damage include:
- Wind Throw. Wind throw is when the entire tree is “pushed over” by high winds. This is more commonly known as uprooting. Trees are more prone to wind throw if they have previous construction damage, were improperly maintained, or had a pest infestation.
- Stem Failure. Trees generally fail at their weakest point. Normally, failure is caused by the combination of a defect or injury and an external force, like strong winds. Old injuries or wounds are common on tree trunks and can lead to tree failure in severe weather conditions. Trunks can snap or buckle if the tree is unable to withstand the force of the winds.
- Crown Twist. The canopy of a tree contains an array of leaves, twigs, and branches that make up the crown of the tree. If the crown is uneven due to poor tree pruning or competing trees, high winds can spell trouble. Uneven wind forces on the lopsided crown can produce a damaging twist on major branches and the tree stem. The twisting causes stress and can result in splits and cracking.
- Root Failure. Stable, anchored root systems keep a tree upright. The root system creates an effective network of strength to withstand high winds. The root system of large trees are increasing stressed as the tree matures. Roots that are restricted, diseased, or damaged can cause trees to lean and fall.
- Branch Failure. Tree branches are easy victims of external forces, such as strong winds, snow, or ice. Because branches can sometimes be poorly attached to the main tree trunk, they can be easily injured. However, tree branches can also be flexible and disposable so they will easily fall in times of stress to help lessen the impact of wind and minimize damage to the larger, structural tree branches.
How Do I Know What Tree Service to Hire After a Storm?
The best thing you can do 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 Storm Damage 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 tree debris removal, yard waste removal, debris clean up, 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 is always available if emergency services are needed.
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 remove your storm damaged trees and other storm debris, now how do you prepare for the removal?
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- Mark Underground Utilities: Identify and mark the locations of underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, and electrical cables. This information will help the tree removal company avoid accidentally damaging utility lines during excavation or stump removal.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Be Available for Communication: Ensure that you or another responsible person will be available on your property during the 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.
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- Keep Pets and Children Inside: Keep pets and children indoors or away from the work area during tree debris 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 storm damage cleanup 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 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.
