What does emergency tree service involve?
Emergency tree service is urgent work to remove a fallen or failing tree that's causing damage or blocking access. The crew first looks at how the tree is resting and where the tension is in the wood. A tree lying on a roof is often holding itself up on the roof framing, so cutting it the wrong way can drop more weight into the house. We rig the pieces and lift them off in a planned order, then clear the driveway so you can get in and out.
When do you need emergency tree service?
You need emergency tree service when a tree or large limb has landed on your house, garage, car, or fence, when it's blocking the only way in or out of your property, or when a tree is cracked and leaning toward something it could hit. A limb hung up in the canopy over a walkway counts too. If it can fall on a person, it's an emergency.
Why do trees fall during Long Island storms?
Trees fall during Long Island storms because wind, water, and weight all hit them at once. Tropical storms arrive in late summer when trees are in full leaf. Nor'easters soak the sandy soil for days before the strongest gusts come, so roots lose their grip. Heavy wet snow and ice snap the tops out of white pines and spruces. Trees with hidden rot, a weak fork, or roots cut by old construction are usually the first to go.
What should you do right after a tree falls?
Right after a tree falls, get everyone out of any room where the tree came through and stay at least 30 feet from any downed wire. Assume every wire is live and call PSEG Long Island if lines are involved. Take photos of the tree and the damage for your insurance company before anything gets moved. Then call us, and don't try to cut a loaded tree with a chainsaw yourself.
What affects the cost of emergency tree service?
Emergency tree service cost depends on how the tree is lying, what it's resting on, the size of the wood, and the time of day. A tree tangled in a roof needs more rigging and a slower pace than one across the lawn. Night and weekend calls cost more than scheduled work. Homeowners insurance often covers tree removal from a damaged structure, so keep your photos and our invoice together.
Should the rest of the tree be saved after storm damage?
Whether a storm-damaged tree can be saved depends on what broke. Losing a few limbs usually isn't fatal, and corrective pruning can clean up torn stubs so the tree heals. A split trunk, a root plate lifted out of the soil, or a lost top on a large tree generally means the rest should come down. In those cases we clear the emergency first and set up a planned removal of what's left on a normal schedule.
Emergency tree service questions homeowners ask
How fast can you get here after a storm?
After a storm, trees on houses and blocked driveways come first. We sort calls by danger, so a tree through a roof gets a crew before a limb across the lawn. Call as soon as it's safe and we'll give you an honest arrival window.
Will my insurance pay for emergency tree removal?
Homeowners insurance often pays for emergency tree removal when the tree damaged a covered structure like the house or a garage. Trees that fall in the yard without hitting anything are often not covered. Check with your insurer and keep photos of the damage.
Can you grind the stump when you remove the fallen tree?
Yes. Once the emergency is handled and the wood is cleared, we can come back to grind what's left of the stump and leave the yard ready for grass.