What does emergency tree service involve?
The first job is making the scene safe. The crew checks for downed wires, then cuts the tree off the roof or car in pieces, using ropes or a crane so the weight comes off evenly and doesn't shift onto the structure. Once the load is clear, we can tarp an opening in the roof to keep rain out until your roofer arrives. The rest of the tree is cleaned up that day or on a follow-up visit.
When is a tree problem an emergency?
Call right away if a tree is on your house, resting on a car, blocking the only way out of your driveway, or cracked and leaning toward a building. A large broken limb hanging in the canopy after a storm also counts, because it can fall at any time.
If a tree or limb is touching a power line, stay well back, keep others away, and call the utility company first. We work alongside their crews once the line is safe.
Why do trees come down during Woodbridge storms?
Most storm failures start before the storm arrives. The clay soil here turns soft after long rain, so trees tip over at the roots. Ice and heavy spring snow tear apart maples and pears that have weak branch joints. Near the water, gusts off Raritan Bay hit harder than they do inland. Trees with hidden rot, dead ash trees, and oaks weakened by leaf scorch are usually the first to fall.
What affects the cost of emergency tree work?
Emergency work takes more crew time and more care than a planned removal. The price depends on how the tree landed, how much weight is resting on the structure, the size of the tree, and whether a crane is needed to lift it clear. Many homeowner's insurance policies help pay for removing a tree that damages a covered structure. Take photos before we start, and we'll give you an itemized invoice for your claim.
Should a storm-damaged tree be repaired or removed?
A tree that lost one limb but still has a solid trunk and roots can often be saved by cutting the torn wood back cleanly. Trees that split down the trunk, lifted their roots out of the ground, or lost more than about a third of their crown usually need to come down. We'll tell you which is which once the emergency part is handled.
What do people ask about emergency tree service?
What should I do first when a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone out of the damaged part of the house and away from any wires. If there's a gas smell or a line down, call the utility company or 911. Then call (848) 233-3251, take photos of the damage, and call your insurance company.
Will my insurance pay for the tree removal?
It depends on your policy. Coverage usually applies when a tree damages the house, garage, or another covered structure. A tree that falls in the yard without hitting anything is often not covered. Your insurance agent can tell you exactly what applies.
Should I try to cut the tree off myself?
No. Storm-damaged trees are often twisted and under tension. Wood can spring back or shift suddenly when cut, and weight can drop onto the roof. That's a job for a trained crew with rigging.
What if you're out on another job when I call?
Leave a message with your address and what the tree landed on. Storm calls about trees on houses and cars are returned first, and we'll give you an honest time we can get there.