After the Storm: How Our Tree Crews Responded to Emergency Tree Damage
- Jennifer Dirr
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Last week's storms hit Cincinnati hard, and the level of destruction we saw was unprecedented. The intense weather conditions broke large branches and snapped trees, damaged homes and cars, and caused widespread power outages, creating a challenging environment for residents and emergency services alike.
In the aftermath, our arborists worked directly with homeowners throughout Greater Cincinnati to assess storm-damaged trees and determine the safest course of action. From there, our tree crews worked tirelessly to quickly and safely remove hazardous trees and limbs, helping families begin the cleanup and recovery process.
Where We Saw The Most Damage
The damage in Cincinnati was extensive, but our arborists noted that the worst-hit areas were neighborhoods on the West Side, including Green Township, Delhi, and Westwood, as well as Hyde Park and Mount Lookout within the city. In these locations, large trees were uprooted, and massive limbs fell on vehicles and homes. In the images above, a tree toppled onto an apartment building, damaging not only the exterior walls but also compromising the building's structural integrity.
Neighborhoods where we performed storm cleanup
Below is a list of just some of the neighborhoods where Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. crews performed storm cleanup. From this list, it is clear to see just how widespread the storm damage truly was in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas.
45207 - Evanston
45208 - Hyde Park
45208, 45226 - Mount Lookout
45215 - Wyoming
45211 - Westwood
45242 - Blue Ash and Montgomery
45224 - College Hill
45247 - White Oak
What Tree Crews Do During Cleanup
Tree crews engage in a range of essential activities during storm cleanup. They handle the obvious task of removing fallen or damaged trees, ensuring that roadways and properties are clear and safe. Additionally, they take the time to assess the surrounding environment, rescuing injured wildlife and bringing them to proper wildlife rescues. Their work not only restores safety but also helps protect and preserve the natural ecosystem in our communities.
Tree removal and trimming
The main objective of storm cleanup for tree crews is to remove trees and fallen limbs from structures quickly and safely. These situations can be dangerous and unpredictable; however, for an experienced tree crew with the right equipment and training, they are able to efficiently remove and clean up the surrounding area.
It is not only tree removals that are done, but also trimming dangerous broken branches and limbs from trees as well. Since storms can weaken and snap tree limbs but not fully break them, the hanging limbs are a danger to anything below. Tree crews are able to safely remove these and restore the tree to a safe condition.
Animal rescue
We homeowners are not the only ones who experience the damage from extreme storms; our beloved wildlife do too. Our tree crews at GFLI perform animal rescues when necessary to help out our four-legged friends.
In Madisonville, arborist and co-owner of GFLI, Kevin Lester, became aware of a raccoon with its arm stuck in a tree crack. Its nest was roughly 50 feet up the tree, and it was evident that she had babies there too. We sent our Tree Crew Division Supervisor, Jared, to rescue the raccoon using a bucket truck to reach her. The operation took 2 hours due to the careful approach required to free the raccoon. Once freed, she immediately dashed back into the tree, clearly anxious to reunite with her babies.
We also rescued three baby squirrels that had fallen from their nest. They were found squeaking in a bush on a client's property, and they were safely gathered by one of our arborists. They were taken to Dew Drop Wildlife Rescue, an animal rescue in West Chester, where they were gladly accepted. The rescue assured us they would do their best to provide the squirrels with a healthy start.
What to do When a Tree Emergency Occurs
The unfortunate truth is that trees and large branches can fall anywhere during severe storms. Taking measures to enhance and maintain your tree's health, such as regular pruning, watering during dry spells, and using proper mulching techniques, and specialized treatments such as fertilizer, can help protect trees from breakage; however, trees can not be immune to storm damage. Even the healthiest trees can lose branches during storms.
When this occurs, it is essential to contact a fully licensed and insured arborist company. Be aware that there are opportunistic tree companies that may reach out to you after severe storms, often offering quick fixes or low-cost solutions that may not be in your best interest. Therefore, it is important to do your research: read reviews, check credentials, and select a trustworthy company that prioritizes safety and quality service.
Protect your home with a company you can trust
At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we pride ourselves on our team of highly qualified professionals dedicated to tree care and maintenance. Our company employs 7 ISA Certified Arborists, including 3 who are recognized as ISA Board Certified Master Arborists. We also recently trained 7 of our arborists through ISA's Prescription Pruning program, strengthening the knowledge available on every job site. This level of expertise ensures that we are equipped to handle a wide range of tree-related issues, from storm damage assessment to long-term health management. Our commitment to ongoing education and adherence to industry best practices allows us to provide our clients with reliable, knowledgeable service that they can trust in times of need.
