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Storm and tree damage in Buffalo

Arborists and roofers for storm damage.

30 pros in Buffalo

Buffalo's storm history is particular: on October 12–13, 2006, an early-season lake effect snowstorm dropped upwards of two feet of heavy, wet snow from a narrow band over Lake Erie, and the National Weather Service says nearly one million people were directly affected. Leaves were still on the trees, which is why that kind of snow is hard on limbs and roofs. The city's normal annual snowfall is 95.4 inches, so snow load is a regular concern, not a rare one. When you hire for tree removal, storm clean-up or a roof repair in the City of Buffalo, ask whether the work needs a building permit. The city says one is always required for work on a building unless an exemption applies, and repairs that touch load-bearing structure are not exempt. Ask who will pull the permit, and keep the work exposed until the city has inspected it. Get the scope, the start date and the clean-up in writing before anyone begins.

Source: National Weather Service Buffalo, NOAA (source, opens in a new tab)

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  6. Project Tree

    Founded in 2020, the company is open 24 hours a day and serves Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and Thorold. It handles hazard tree assessment, emergency work for storm damage, and free estimates.

    Also serves St. Catharines–Niagara

    • Website checked

    Rated 5.0 out of 5 54 Google reviews · Nov 2026

    (289) 682-8733Website Project Tree (opens in a new tab)
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What to know in Buffalo

Before you hire

  1. For a tree near power lines, call your utility first: only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Buffalo

Do I need a permit to repair my roof after a storm in Buffalo?

It depends on the work. The City of Buffalo says a building permit is always required for work on a building, except for listed exemptions. Repairs that don't involve load-bearing structure, egress or any building system may be exempt. If a fallen tree damaged rafters or framing, ask the contractor and Code Enforcement before work starts. City of Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

How long does a Buffalo building permit last?

The city says a permit expires in one year and becomes invalid unless the authorized work starts within six months. If storm repairs are delayed, for example by waiting on materials or an insurance review, ask your contractor to confirm the start date so the permit does not lapse before the work begins. City of Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a quote for tree removal or storm clean-up include?

A written quote should describe which trees or limbs are covered, how the work will be done, whether stump grinding and debris hauling are included, the start date, and who is responsible for any damage to property. Ask for proof of insurance and compare quotes line by line, not by the total alone.

Why does heavy snow matter when I hire for tree work in Buffalo?

Buffalo's normal annual snowfall is 95.4 inches, and the October 2006 storm brought upwards of two feet of heavy, wet snow while trees were in leaf. Ask a tree contractor to look for weak, split or overloaded limbs, so you can deal with them before the next heavy snow. National Weather Service Buffalo, NOAA (source, opens in a new tab)

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