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Storm and tree damage in Rochester

Arborists and roofers for storm damage.

30 pros in Rochester

Rochester sits in a snowy lake-effect region. The National Weather Service Buffalo office puts season snowfall at about 90 inches in the city, about 70 inches south of it and over 120 inches along the lake shore to the east. Weight on branches is a regular concern here, and the area's history shows how far it can go: in the freezing rain of March 3, 1991, an estimated two-thirds of the area's trees were damaged or destroyed, and some homes and businesses were without power for almost two weeks. When you hire for tree removal, storm clean-up or roof repair after a storm, ask what exactly the quote covers: climbing or crane work, stump grinding, hauling away debris, and whether any roof tarping or repair is included. Ask for proof of insurance before anyone starts, and check with your town or village in places like Penfield, Webster or Pittsford about whether a permit applies to removing a tree. If a limb has fallen on a roof or near a power line, keep clear and treat it as a utility matter first.

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What to know in Rochester

  • A New York Department of Public Service report on the October 12-13, 2006 Western New York snowstorm says the National Weather Service reported two feet of heavy wet snow in the greater Buffalo area. It says the storm caused significant power, communications and tree damage and cut northeast through Buffalo toward the City of Rochester.

    New York State Department of Public Service (source, opens in a new tab)

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 Rochester

How much snow does Rochester get, and why does it matter for trees?

The National Weather Service Buffalo office says season snowfall is about 90 inches in Rochester, about 70 inches south of the city and over 120 inches along the lake shore east of it. Heavy snow loads stress branches and roofs, so it is worth having weak limbs looked at before winter. National Weather Service Buffalo (source, opens in a new tab)

How bad can ice damage get to trees in the Rochester area?

On the night of March 3, 1991, freezing rain fell for 17 hours and left three-quarters of an inch of ice on everything. An estimated two-thirds of the area's trees were damaged or destroyed. After an ice storm, expect busy crews and ask about timing and what the work includes. WXXI News (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a tree work quote include?

A written quote should name the address, which trees or limbs are being cut, and the method. It should say whether stump grinding and debris hauling are included, give the start date, and show proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation. Compare quotes line by line, not only by the total.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Rules differ by town and village, so call your local code office before work begins. Ask the contractor whether a permit applies to your tree and who is responsible for getting it. Never cut near power lines yourself; contact the utility first.

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