Why You Shouldn't Delay Hazardous Tree Removal

Recognizing Truly Hazardous Trees

Warning Signs for Structural Instability

If you see a tree leaning, exposed roots, or broken trunks, it is time for a professional to assess the tree immediately. Jersey City has many trees growing right next to buildings and power lines; this proximity creates a great deal of danger to people walking in the area around the Grove Street PATH Station and Exchange Place.

Signs of Disease and Decay

• Visible fungal growth
• Hollow-sounding trunk
• Extensive dead branching

These signs point to an internal decay of the tree that will continue to compromise its structural integrity. In Jersey City’s humid coastal climate, this condition will quickly deteriorate further. Therefore, it is very important to take action to mitigate your safety now.

Assessing Storm-Damaged Trees

Post-Storm Damage Assessment

In Jersey City, we are used to experiencing severe weather events and subsequently damaged trees. However, much of the damage caused by a storm may be hidden until the tree fails later on down the road. For example, cracked branches, bark damage, and root disturbance may indicate that the tree is unstable and likely to fail weeks or even months after the initial event.

The Increasing Risk of Delaying Action

Potential Property Damage

As time passes, hazardous trees create a greater and greater threat to the surrounding structures, vehicles, landscaping, and other nearby property. When a tree falls in a densely populated area (such as Paulus Hook and the new waterfront development), the tree may damage several adjacent properties at the same time, thus creating significant liability concerns for the owner of the property that was home to the hazardous tree.

Personal Safety

Pedestrian Risks

A structurally compromised tree poses an immediate risk to all individuals present in the surrounding area (residents, visitors, and pedestrians). In particular, areas of high foot traffic (Liberty State Park and busy roads like Newark Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard) require prompt attention if the safety of the tree is called into question.

Liability Concerns

Potential Liability for Property Owner

If a property owner ignores the clear evidence of a hazardous tree, he or she may be held liable for any damages or injuries resulting from the eventual failure of the tree. As a densely populated city, Jersey City increases the possibility of third-party impacts, making it a safety and legal requirement to proactively remove hazardous trees.

Why Can’t I Put Off a Professional Assessment?

Hidden Structural Defects

Most tree failures occur due to internal defects that are difficult to see without the use of specialized tools and techniques by a trained arborist. A certified arborist is able to determine the existence of these hidden defects using specialized tools and equipment, providing the basis for the necessary decision regarding the tree’s safety.

Progressive Deterioration

Increasing Rate of Decay and Structural Failure

Tree health problems usually get worse over time. Decay and structural defects spread rapidly under the correct conditions. Today, what seems manageable could turn into an emergency in a matter of weeks, especially during Jersey City’s active storm season.

Environmental Stressors

• Soil compaction
• Pollution
• Limited root space

In Jersey City’s urban environment, the stresses placed upon a tree include soil compaction, pollution, and limited root space. Once a problem begins to exist, these environmental factors will greatly contribute to a tree’s decline. They also create a need for earlier intervention compared to trees in natural forests.

The Costs of Waiting

Higher Costs for Emergency Removals

Because hazardous trees typically require specialized removal techniques, their removal costs are generally higher than those of standard removal techniques. An emergency removal may require the services of a crane company, the coordination of traffic control, and extended working hours, all of which increase the cost of the removal for Jersey City property owners.

Prevention of Secondary Damage

Reducing Overall Restoration Costs

Removing hazardous trees prior to their failure will prevent secondary damage to the surrounding landscaping, hardscape, and structures. In most cases, the total costs of restoring the affected property will exceed the costs of removing the tree before failure by a large margin.

Premium Prices for Emergency Removal

Additional Cost Due to Urgency

When a hazardous tree ultimately fails, emergency removal companies will charge a premium price for their services. Therefore, Jersey City residents who delay scheduled removals of hazardous trees will likely pay significantly more money to have them removed in an emergency.

Considerations for Seasonal Timing

Planning Around Weather Windows

In Jersey City’s climate, there are few windows of opportunity to safely remove a tree during the colder months. Thus, delaying removal during less active periods may mean waiting months for the weather to improve sufficiently to allow safe removal of the tree, thereby exposing the property owner to increased risk for longer periods of time.

Availability of Equipment

Peak Demand for Removal Companies

Professional tree removal companies experience peak demand for their services during and immediately following storms. If a property owner delays scheduling a hazardous removal, they may find themselves having to wait an extended period of time for removal companies to be available to perform the required removal.

Time Required to Obtain Permits

Processing Times for Permits

Depending on the jurisdiction (historical district, etc.), some Jersey City locations may require a permit to remove a tree. Processing times for obtaining a permit can add to the overall length of a project timeline; therefore, property owners should plan when considering the removal of hazardous trees.

When to Search for Tree Removal Near Me

Conditions Requiring Immediate Action

There are certain conditions requiring immediate action from a professional, such as visible structural failure, storm damage, or a sudden change in tree stability. In these situations, Jersey City residents should seek out a qualified professional for removal as opposed to taking a temporary measure.

Benefits of Proactive Interventions

Better Outcomes and Lower Costs

While the process of hiring a professional to evaluate a potentially hazardous tree prior to emergency conditions developing may seem unnecessary, the potential benefit of lower costs and better outcomes outweighs the costs. This is because proactive interventions can be performed during optimal weather conditions and when equipment availability is higher.

Advantages of Establishing a Relationship with a Qualified Professional

Access to Emergency Response Services

Developing a relationship with a certified professional arborist will provide advantages in the case of an emergency. In addition to maintaining the ability to respond toemergenciess, Jersey City Tree Services provides planned removal services that help to prevent emergencies from occurring in the first place.

Insurance and Documentation Considerations

Requirements for Coverage

For many insurance companies, the promptness of action taken following the identification of a hazardous tree will directly impact whether the resulting damages will be covered. Therefore, it is both financially and physically wise to consult with a certified professional arborist as soon as possible if a hazardous tree exists on a property.

Documentation Provided by Professionals

Protecting Property Owners Legally

Certified arborists provide written evaluations documenting the existing condition of a tree and the recommended course of action. This documentation protects the property owner from any potential liability issues and provides an objective basis for determining the proper course of action regarding the tree in question.

Protocols for Managing Risk

Encouraging Responsible Property Management

Insurance companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of proactive tree risk management. Property owners who regularly engage the services of certified arborists to assess their trees and promptly remove those that are hazardous are demonstrating responsible property management. Such responsible management may positively affect coverage terms and claims processing.

Community Safety Responsibilities

Impact to Neighborhood

While hazardous trees located on private property may create a risk to neighboring homes and businesses, they can also represent a broader risk to an entire neighborhood. Particularly in Jersey City’s densely populated areas (The Heights and Bergen-Lafayette), property owners have both a moral and legal obligation to take action to address hazardous trees that could negatively impact the safety of the community.

Protection of Infrastructure

Protecting Power Lines, Water Systems, Roads, Etc.

In order to maintain community services and minimize disruption to the community, hazardous trees must be removed to protect Jersey City’s infrastructure, including power lines, water systems, and transportation networks.

Accessibility of Emergency Services

Blocking Fire Department, Ambulances, Police Vehicles, Etc.

When a hazardous tree fails, it can create barriers to emergency services accessing the impacted area. In Jersey City, a densely populated urban area, blocking fire department, ambulance, and police vehicles can create life-threatening situations for the entire community. By proactively removing hazardous trees, property owners can ensure continued accessibility for emergency services.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Comprehensive Hazard Evaluation and Removal

Jersey City Tree Services offers comprehensive hazard evaluation and removal services designed to protect properties and communities from the dangers posed by hazardous trees. By evaluating potential hazards before they become emergencies, our staff of expert arborists is able to assist property owners in mitigating the risks associated with hazardous trees.

Delaying the removal of hazardous trees creates an exponential increase in risk for the property owner. By acting inpromptlyproperty owners can preserve the value of their investment, promote community safety, and avoid the increased costs associated with emergency tree failures. Using professional methods for assessing and removing hazardous trees promotes peace of mind for property owners while preserving the benefits of Jersey City’s urban forest through responsible forestry practices.