New Jersey gets hit with nor'easters, summer thunderstorms, and the occasional tropical system — and every one of them is a potential threat to the trees on your property. Most storm-related tree damage is preventable with the right preparation.

Start With a Pre-Storm Inspection

Walk your property and look at each tree with a critical eye. You are looking for signs of structural weakness that a storm could exploit:

• Dead branches — these are the first to fall in high winds
• Cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs
• Leaning — especially if the lean has changed recently
• Hollow sections or soft, spongy wood at the base
• Fungal growth on the trunk or roots — a sign of internal decay
• Tight V-shaped crotches between major limbs — these are weak and prone to splitting

If you spot any of these, do not wait. A pre-storm trim or removal is far less expensive than emergency cleanup after the fact.

Prioritize Trees Near Your House and Power Lines

Focus your attention on trees within falling distance of your home, trees over your driveway or vehicles, trees near power lines, and large trees with heavy canopies. More surface area means more wind resistance.

What Professional Pre-Storm Trimming Looks Like

A good pre-storm trim removes dead and dying branches, branches that cross or rub, excess canopy weight, and any limbs growing toward the house or utility lines. The goal is a tree that can flex in the wind without breaking.

After the Storm: What to Do

Do not touch downed lines. If a tree has fallen on a power line, call your utility company first.

Assess before you act. Walk around the damage and take photos for your insurance claim before anything is moved or cut.

Watch for hanging branches. Broken branches still hanging in the canopy are extremely dangerous. Do not walk under them.

Call a professional for anything significant. Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable.

We Offer 24/7 Emergency Storm Response

When a storm hits Central NJ, Midland is on call. We provide emergency tree removal and cleanup throughout Edison, Piscataway, South Plainfield, Metuchen, Woodbridge, and surrounding communities.

Call us at (732) 803-9500 for emergency service or a pre-storm inspection.