In the snow belt south of Buffalo, storm season is not a surprise. The first big southwest blows come in October and November, the heavy snow and ice arrive in December and February, and thunderstorm cells run through the summer. A little preparation each fall decides whether a storm is an inconvenience or a repair bill.
Why lake-effect storms are rough on trees
- Wet snow is heavy. A foot of lake-effect snow can sit on a canopy and add hundreds of pounds to a single limb.
- Ice coats everything. Branches wrapped in glass fail under sheer weight, and evergreens and multi-stemmed trees fare worst.
- The wind comes first. Early fall blows hit trees that still hold leaves and stand in saturated ground, so healthy-looking trees with weak roots can go over whole.
Your fall checklist
- Look up, then look down. Scan every tree near the house, driveway and lines for dead branches, hangers and cracks. Then look at the base for heaved soil, mushrooms and exposed roots.
- Remove deadwood. Dead limbs are the first to fail. Have anything large or high removed by a professional.
- Deal with leaners. A tree that leans over the house, a play area or a car, especially if it has started to lean more, should be assessed before the first storm.
- Check codominant stems. Two trunks of similar size joined in a narrow V are a classic failure point. A tree professional may be able to reduce or cable them.
- Clear lines and roofs. Branches rubbing a roof or brushing a service line should be cut back by a qualified crew, never by you.
- Save the number. Put your tree service’s emergency number in your phone now. At 2 AM you will not want to search for it.
- A large limb hanging or cracked but still attached
- A tree that has begun to lean after rain or wind
- A split down the trunk or a crack at a joint
- Roots lifting the soil at the base
- Any branch resting on or near a power line
During the storm
Stay inside and away from windows on the side facing a large tree. Do not go out to check a tree while it is blowing. Never approach a downed line, and treat any tree that is touching a line as live.
After the storm
- Make sure everyone is safe first. If anyone is hurt or a line is down, call 911 and the utility.
- Photograph the damage from a safe distance. Wide shots and close-ups help with the insurance claim.
- Do not climb under or cut a loaded tree. Limbs under tension can spring back with great force.
- Call a licensed, insured crew. Be careful with anyone who knocks on your door offering to cut it right away for cash.
Insurance in a nutshell
When a tree falls on a covered structure such as a house, garage or fence, homeowner’s insurance typically covers the removal from the structure and the repair, minus your deductible. A tree that falls without hitting anything usually falls under your own cleanup. Check your own policy, and ask your tree service to document everything. Our storm cleanup work includes the photos and paperwork adjusters ask for.
Our crew answers around the clock. Call and we will make it safe first and sort out the rest after.
