Emergency Tree Removal & Storm Damage Recovery Services

Did you know?

  • Did you know? Clearing storm or construction debris promptly can prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for harmful pests like mosquitoes, which are known carriers of diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus?
  • Stagnant water in debris piles can also lead to mold growth and attract rodents, while decaying organic material can cause unpleasant odors and degrade the surrounding environment.
  • Our Emergency Tree Removal Service and Storm Damage Recovery Services ensure that all waste is removed efficiently, leaving your property clean and healthy.
Tree uprooted and knocked over in a driveway from a strom
  • When clearing land or dealing with storm debris, removing large amounts of waste is ideally the way to go. 
  • We start by gathering all the debris—whether it’s fallen trees, branches, or unwanted vegetation—into workable piles. 
  • Using dump trucks and grapple trucks, we load the debris and haul it off-site for proper disposal.
  • For smaller debris, we use wheelbarrows or loaders to transport it to the trucks.
  • Whether it’s organic material that can be recycled or simply waste that needs to be disposed of, we handle the removal process.


Grapple Truck Service in Eastern North Carolina

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Emergency Tree Removal Services in Eastern North Carolina

Drop Zone Tree Service and Landscaping offers professional Emergency Tree Removal Services. When a tree poses an immediate threat to property or safety, typically following severe weather events such as storms, high winds, hurricanes, or lightning strikes.

These services require rapid response, precise techniques, and often specialized equipment to safely remove trees that are leaning, uprooted, or have fallen in precarious locations.

Emergency Tree Removal

tree being cut in to sections after falling on a fence during the night
  • Scenario: A tree has fallen on a home, garage, or other structure, causing immediate danger or damage. Emergency tree removal is required to prevent further damage, secure the property, and protect residents.
  • Assessment and Planning: The first step is to assess the stability of the fallen tree and determine if it is resting on any critical structural components, such as roofs or support beams. Arborists must also inspect the tree’s weight distribution and potential hazards (such as electrical wires or gas lines).
  • Cranes and Rigging: In cases where the tree is large and the risk of causing further damage is high, a crane is typically used. The crane carefully lifts the tree in sections to prevent it from shifting or causing further harm. Rigging systems with ropes and pulleys are used to secure the tree and control each section during the removal process.
  • Example: A 50-foot pine tree falls onto a house during a hurricane, partially resting on the roof and leaning against a chimney. A crane is brought in to lift the top half of the tree away from the house, while rigging prevents the lower half from collapsing.

Uprooted Trees in High-Traffic Areas

Night time emergency tree removal of a tree fell between two beach houses
  • Scenario: A tree has been uprooted due to high winds or soil erosion and is blocking a road, driveway, or access point. These scenarios require urgent removal to restore access and ensure public safety.
  • Assessment and Safety Setup: When a tree is uprooted and lying across a high-traffic area, the first priority is to secure the area and divert traffic or pedestrians. Depending on the size of the tree, heavy equipment such as grapple trucks or cranes may be used to lift the tree off the road.
  • Cutting and Sectioning: After ensuring safety, the tree is cut into smaller sections, starting with the branches. A combination of chainsaws and pole saws is used to trim and remove smaller sections before lifting the trunk with a grapple truck or crane.
  • Example: A large oak tree has been uprooted by high winds and is blocking a main road. Emergency crews block off the road, use a chainsaw to cut branches, and then employ a grapple truck to lift the heavy trunk and clear the road.

Hazardous Leaning Trees

hazardous tree leaning on a roof of a home
  • Scenario: A tree has been partially uprooted or is leaning dangerously towards a building, power line, or driveway. These trees may not have fallen yet but present a serious risk if left unaddressed.
  • Stabilization: The first step in handling a leaning tree is to stabilize it to prevent it from falling unexpectedly. This is done using ropes and rigging systems to secure the tree and minimize the risk of collapse during removal.
  • Precision Cutting: Once the tree is stabilized, it is cut in sections, starting from the top. Each section is carefully lowered using rigging or, in the case of larger trees, lifted away by a crane to avoid hitting structures.
  • Example: After a storm, a 40-foot maple tree is leaning heavily over a driveway and threatens to fall onto a car. Emergency crews rig the tree to prevent further leaning, cut the top sections, and then remove the rest with the help of a crane.

Storm Damage Recovery - Trees With Broken Limbs

Tree uprooted with broken limbs after a hurricane on top of a mobile home
  • Scenario: Severe storms often break large branches, leaving them dangling or partially attached to the tree. These broken limbs can fall at any moment, creating a hazard for people and property below.
  • Inspection and Risk Assessment: Before any work begins, the tree is inspected for hanging limbs or additional damage. The assessment includes determining whether limbs are entangled in power lines or other trees.
  • Safe Limb Removal: Using bucket trucks or by climbing with safety harnesses, arborists access the broken limbs and use chainsaws to cut them free. If the limb is large, rigging is used to lower it slowly and prevent it from falling uncontrollably.
  • Example: A large branch on a sycamore tree has snapped during a storm and is hanging over a children's playground. A bucket truck is brought in to access the limb, which is cut and safely lowered to the ground using ropes.

Tree Removal Around Power Lines

tree being raised off of a mobile home with a crane using our emergency tree remvoal service
  • Scenario: Trees that fall onto or near power lines pose an immediate danger, as they can cause electrical outages, fires, or electrocution. These are high-risk situations that require specialized knowledge and safety procedures.
  • Safety First: In cases where trees have fallen on or near power lines, the utility company must first shut off power to prevent electrocution. Only after the area is deemed safe can tree removal begin.
  • Specialized Equipment: Bucket trucks, cranes, and insulated tools are used to remove trees in sections without disturbing or re-energizing the power lines. Rigging systems help control the descent of large branches or sections to avoid damaging electrical infrastructure.
  • Example: A large elm tree falls on power lines during a winter storm, cutting off electricity to the surrounding neighborhood. Utility workers de-energize the lines, and a crane is used to remove the tree in pieces while keeping the power lines intact.
Grapple Truck Service in Eastern North Carolina

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here's some answers to our frequently asked questions

How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?

Answer: There are several signs that a tree may need to be removed. These include significant leaning, large or numerous dead branches, damage to the trunk, signs of disease, or its proximity to structures or power lines. Our professional arborists can conduct an on-site assessment to determine whether a tree should be removed or if it can be saved with proper care.

What is the best time of year to trim my trees?

Answer: For most trees, late winter or early spring, just before the tree starts to bud, is the ideal time for pruning. During this time, trees are in their dormant phase, which reduces stress and allows for vigorous growth in the spring. However, the best time can vary depending on the tree species and specific health concerns, so it's always a good idea to consult with a professional.

What does the cabling and bracing service involve?

Answer: Cabling and bracing are methods used to provide structural support to trees that have weak limbs or that are at risk of breaking. Cabling involves installing steel cables between major limbs to strengthen the tree and limit branch movement. Bracing involves inserting rods to provide additional support. These methods can extend the life of the tree and reduce the risk of property damage or injuries.

How often should I have my trees inspected for health and safety?

Answer: We generally recommend an annual inspection for your trees. However, this can vary depending on the tree species, age, size, and overall health. More frequent inspections may be necessary for trees that are older, showing signs of disease, or exposed to extreme weather conditions.

How does stump grinding work and why is it necessary?

Answer: Stump grinding is a process that uses a specialized machine to chip away the wood of a stump until it is below ground level. It is often necessary because leftover stumps can be hazardous, unsightly, and take up valuable space. Moreover, stumps can become a home for pests or diseases that can spread to other plants in your landscape.

Do you offer services for storm damage recovery?

Answer: Yes, we provide comprehensive storm damage recovery services. These include 24/7 emergency response, damage assessment, safe tree removal, debris cleanup, tree pruning, and tree replacement. Our goal is to help restore your landscape to its pre-storm condition as much as possible and to reduce further risks to your property.

What should I consider when choosing a new tree to plant?

Answer: There are several factors to consider when choosing a new tree. These include the tree’s size at maturity, its soil and sunlight requirements, its tolerance to local pests and diseases, and its compatibility with your landscape's existing plants. Our tree planting service includes consultation on tree species selection to ensure you make the best choice for your landscape.

What is mulching and why is it important?

Answer: Mulching involves applying a layer of material (such as wood chips, leaves, or compost) around the base of your trees. It serves several purposes: it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil nutrition. It also gives your landscape a clean, finished appearance.

Why is it necessary to remove brush and underbrush from my property?

Answer: Brush and underbrush can make your property look unkempt, but they also have more significant drawbacks. They can provide a habitat for pests, impede the growth of preferred plants, increase the risk of fire, and obscure hazards like stumps or uneven ground. Our brush and underbrush removal services help maintain the health and aesthetics of your landscape.

Can you move an existing tree to a new location in my yard?

Answer: Yes, we offer tree transplanting services. Transplanting a tree involves carefully digging it up, preserving as much of the root system as possible, and then replanting it in a new location. This process can be complex and requires professional expertise to ensure the tree's survival. It's important to note that the success rate can vary depending on the tree species, its age, and its overall health.

What are signs of a diseased or dying tree?

Answer: Some common signs of a diseased or dying tree include discolored or wilting leaves, dead branches, fungal growth, peeling bark, holes or cracks in the trunk, and reduced growth. If you notice any of these symptoms in your trees, our professional arborists can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Can I trim or remove a tree myself?

Answer: Tree trimming and removal can be dangerous tasks that require professional training and equipment. Mistakes can result in injury, property damage, or harm to the tree itself. We strongly recommend hiring professional arborists, like our team, to handle these services safely and effectively.

How often should my lawn be mowed?

Answer: This can depend on factors such as the type of grass you have, the season, and the desired health and appearance of your lawn. Generally, mowing every one to two weeks is recommended during the growing season. Our team provides customized lawn care services and can offer specific advice for your yard.

What happens during a tree health assessment?

Answer: During a tree health assessment, our arborists will thoroughly inspect the tree, including its branches, leaves, bark, and roots. We'll look for signs of disease, pest infestations, structural issues, or other problems. After the assessment, we can recommend treatment options or maintenance practices to improve the tree's health and longevity.

How quickly can you respond in the event of a tree emergency?

Answer: We understand the urgency of tree emergencies and offer 24/7 emergency services. Our team is always on standby and will respond as quickly as possible to help mitigate risks and address your tree-related emergencies.

What is land grading, and why is it important?

Answer: Land grading is the process of leveling the ground for construction, landscaping, or drainage improvements. Proper grading can prevent water damage to your property, improve the health of your lawn and gardens, and create a more usable space. Our team has the expertise and equipment to perform land grading services efficiently and effectively.

Why is it important to mulch in the spring and fall?

Answer: Mulching in the spring helps to suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature during the summer. Mulching in the fall helps to protect plant roots from the winter cold and adds nutrients to the soil for the next growing season. Our mulching services can help keep your landscape healthy and attractive year-round.

What should I do if a tree falls on my property during a storm?

Answer: If a tree falls during a storm, it's important to stay away from it, especially if it's entangled with power lines. Contact our emergency tree service immediately. We'll arrive promptly to assess the situation, remove the tree safely, and help minimize further damage to your property.

How do I care for my new tree after it's planted?

Answer: After planting, your new tree will require regular watering to establish its root system. Mulching around the base of the tree can also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It's generally best to avoid fertilizing in the first year. Our team will provide detailed care instructions tailored to your specific tree species and location.

Can large trees be safely transplanted?

Answer: Yes, with the right equipment and expertise, large trees can often be safely transplanted. However, the process can be complex and the tree's survival is not guaranteed. Factors such as the tree species, age, size, and health, as well as the distance and conditions of the move, will affect the success rate. Our professional arborists can assess your specific situation and advise on the best course of action.

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Emergency Tree Services Eastern North Carolina

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