Storm-damaged tree removal in Asbury Park
Asbury Park Tree Service · Updated
A nor’easter rolls through, and in the morning there’s a limb on the roof, a tree across the driveway, or a big split down the middle of the oak in the backyard.
Storm-damaged trees are some of the most dangerous trees to work on, and the first few hours after a storm are when people get hurt. Here’s what to do, what not to do, and when to call for help.
First, stay safe
Stay away from downed power lines. Assume every wire is live, even if the power is out. If a tree or branch is touching a line, keep everyone away and call your utility company.
Don’t walk under damaged trees. Broken branches can stay hung up in the canopy for days and drop without warning. Tree workers call them “hangers,” and they’re one of the biggest dangers after a storm.
If a tree is on your house, get everyone out of that part of the house and check for structural damage before going back in.
Don’t start cutting. Storm-damaged trees are under strange tension. A trunk or limb that’s bent or pinned can spring back hard the moment it’s cut.
Document the damage
Before anything gets moved or cut, take photos and video of the tree, the damage, and anything it hit. Then call your homeowner’s insurance company. They’ll want to see the damage, and some policies cover tree removal when a tree hits a covered structure.
Signs of storm damage
Some damage is obvious. Some isn’t. Look for:
- Broken or hanging branches
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or main limbs
- Bark stripped or peeling off
- Roots pulling out of the ground, or soil heaving at the base
- A new lean
- Broken cables or bracing
- A tree that’s down, snapped, or uprooted
A tree that looks fine from the ground can have cracks you won’t see until it’s too late. If a big tree near your house took a beating, have it looked at.
Can a storm-damaged tree be saved?
Sometimes. A healthy tree that lost a few branches can usually recover with some cleanup pruning.
Removal is usually the safer choice if:
- The trunk is split or cracked
- A large share of the canopy is gone
- The roots have pulled up or the tree is leaning
- The tree was already weak or decaying before the storm
Why storm cleanup is a job for professionals
Storm cleanup is where homeowners get hurt. Trees and limbs are twisted, pinned, and under tension, and they often land on top of houses, cars, and fences, where a wrong cut makes the damage worse.
A professional crew will:
- Assess the damage, including what’s hung up in the canopy and what’s under tension.
- Make the site safe, starting with anything hanging over the house or where people walk.
- Remove the damaged tree or limbs, often in sections, so nothing drops onto your property.
- Clean up the branches and debris, and grind the stump if you want.
Watch out for storm chasers
After a big storm, out-of-town crews often go door to door offering cheap, fast cleanup. Before you hire anyone, ask for their New Jersey tree care license and proof of insurance, and get a written estimate.
Storm-damaged tree removal in Asbury Park
Asbury Park Tree Service handles tree removal, tree cutting, and stump grinding for storm-damaged trees in Asbury Park and nearby towns.
Call 848-217-5320 to get a crew out to look at the damage.
FAQs
Should I remove a storm-damaged tree myself?
No, not if it’s large, near the house, or near power lines. Storm-damaged trees are under tension and can move unpredictably when cut.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover storm-damaged tree removal?
It depends on your policy. Many cover removal when a tree falls on a covered structure, like your house or garage. Take photos and call your insurer before cleanup starts.
What if a tree is touching a power line?
Stay away from it and call your utility company. Don’t let anyone, including a tree crew, touch it until the utility says it’s safe.
Can a split tree be saved?
Usually not, if the split runs through the main trunk. Smaller splits in limbs can sometimes be pruned out. Have it looked at before deciding.