Restoring Your Yard After Storm Damage: Trees, Debris & Safety

Immediate Safety Assessment After Storm Damage

Storms can cause serious damage to both residential properties and trees located on these properties. If you have experienced damage from a recent storm, there are many things that you will need to do prior to cleaning up the mess left behind. The first step is to conduct a thorough and immediate safety assessment.

Look for downed wires anywhere around your property, and specifically look at the power lines closest to Palisade Avenue. Utility infrastructure is very prevalent in this location. Assess whether your house, garage, or any other outbuildings suffered structural damage due to fallen trees. Depending on how the trees fell, they may have caused damage to your roof line, siding, or windows, which may not have been visible until the storm had passed.

Assess the trees that may have fallen and are leaning against your house or walkway. These scenarios should be addressed immediately, as they present a hazard to yourself and others. Do not try to take down large limbs or entire trees that are in contact with power lines, or in any way represent a hazard to you or others.

Evaluating Tree Damage and Hazard

Tree damage evaluation requires a qualified eye to assess what trees can be saved and which trees create continued hazards. Look for evidence of root damage, trunk splits, and loss of crowns, which would indicate that the tree has weakened to the point of potentially falling at some time in the future. Trees in the Hudson River waterfront area are particularly vulnerable to wind damage, due to their orientation.

Take photos of the damage to your trees for insurance purposes before you start cleaning up the damage. Your photos will serve as a document of the damage to your trees and will assist in explaining the extent of the damage when you meet with a contractor who will be doing the cleanup work.

Knowing Cliffside Park Tree Laws

Prior to taking down any of the trees that were damaged in the storm, you should know the laws of the town of Cliffside Park. Permits and compliance with municipal ordinances may be required for larger trees or trees that are in a public right-of-way. We will obtain the permits and ensure that all of the work done by us complies with the town regulations, including obtaining any required deposit or planting any replacement trees.

Cleaning Up Debris Following a Storm

The key to effective storm cleanup is the removal of debris in a manner that maximizes safety and efficiency. Begin by clearing walkways and driveways to allow you and others easy access to your residence, as well as to allow emergency personnel access to your home via Gorge Road or other major roads in your area.

Organize your debris into three categories: organic (branches and leaves), construction (lumber and building materials), and household (appliances, furniture, etc.). Most items can be recycled, disposed of through borough services, or turned into mulch/compost. Large, fallen trees, especially those in the historic Palisades cliffs area, may require a professional to remove them safely.

Storm Cleanup Professionals

Professional tree service contractors possess the equipment and knowledge to safely and efficiently clean up your property following a storm. We utilize cranes, specialized cutting equipment, and personal protective gear to tackle the toughest removal jobs throughout Cliffside Park.

Emergency tree removal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for situations that pose a direct threat to life, limb, or property. Examples include trees blocking the roadway, trees that threaten to fall onto residences, and branches hanging over electrical lines adjacent to residential complexes, such as Winston Towers.

Insurance and Storm Damage

Homeowner’s insurance generally covers damage from a storm. However, it is vital to understand your policy and coverage. Document everything, including damage to landscaping and trees. There may be limits within your policy for tree removal and restoration of landscaping. Review your policy carefully.

Professional tree service contractors will provide you with detailed estimates and documentation that will be needed by your insurance company to settle your claim. Providing the proper documentation often results in a more successful outcome of your claim.

Preventative Measures Against Storm Damage

Proactive tree care greatly decreases the chance of damage occurring during a storm. Pruning regularly removes weak branches that can break off and become projectiles during high winds. A tree health assessment will determine if any trees are diseased or structurally compromised.

In Cliffside Park, you must consider the unique environmental conditions, such as the Hudson River winds and the rock-based soils common to the Palisades region. Both of these conditions affect the ability of trees to withstand strong winds.

Choosing Trees That Are More Resistant to Storms

When replanting damaged trees, selecting trees that are resistant to storm damage will reduce the likelihood of additional damage in the future. Native trees that are adapted to New Jersey’s climate and soil conditions generally perform better in extreme weather events. Trees with deep root systems, such as oak, maple, and other hardwood species, tend to be more wind-resistant than shallow-rooted varieties.

Preparing for Future Storms

Developing a plan of action will minimize confusion and facilitate the recovery process after a future storm. Have the phone numbers of critical services readily available, including our emergency tree removal service number. Make a list of the trees on your property and note the condition of each tree, in case any of the trees pose a risk to you or others during a future storm event.

Keep basic supplies, such as flashlights, first aid kits, and battery-powered radios, available for emergency situations. Even though it is unlikely that you will lose electricity for an extended period, having these supplies will make a big difference in how quickly you recover from a storm event.

Working with Tree Pros Cliffside Park

If your property was damaged by a storm, we are here to provide you with a safe, efficient, and effective method for the cleanup of debris and to protect your family and neighbors. At Tree Pros Cliffside Park, we provide a wide range of storm cleanup services in Cliffside Park, from emergency tree removal to total restoration of your landscaping.

We are committed to providing services that comply with the local regulations of Cliffside Park, while also making sure that our employees are working in a safe environment. When we work with your insurance company, we strive to make the claims process easier for you.

Do not allow a storm to impact your family’s safety or the value of your home. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss how we can assist in restoring your property to its original state.