Congratulations on your new home! Whether you've just moved to Chatham, Summit, Madison, Morristown, or one of the other beautiful communities in Morris County, you're now part of a region known for its tree-lined streets and mature landscapes.
As your local tree care neighbors, we wanted to reach out with a warm welcome and share something that might not have been on your moving checklist: understanding the trees on your new property. Those beautiful oaks and maples that likely caught your eye when you first saw your home need a little attention to keep your family safe and your investment protected.
We're Alpine Tree Service, a family-owned company that's been caring for trees in communities like Bernardsville, Short Hills, Basking Ridge, and Florham Park since 2010. We know you have enough on your plate right now, so we've created this simple guide to help you get acquainted with your trees.
Why Tree Care Matters for New Homeowners
If you've never owned property with mature trees before, you might be surprised to learn how much they impact your daily life and your home's value. Here's what every new homeowner should know:
- Your Property Value: Well-maintained trees can increase your property value by up to 15%, according to recent studies. In areas like Mendham and Far Hills, where mature trees are a defining feature of the neighborhoods, this can translate to tens of thousands of dollars in added value.
- Your Family's Safety: Trees are generally safe, but they can become hazardous when they develop structural problems. New Jersey experiences regular storms, and we've seen firsthand how unprepared trees can cause serious damage to homes and injuries to families.
- Your Home's Comfort: Healthy trees provide natural air conditioning in summer, windbreaks in winter, and help manage stormwater runoff. They also create the peaceful, established neighborhood feel that likely drew you to this area in the first place.
The key is knowing what to look for and when to call for help.
What to Look For: 7 Warning Signs Every New Homeowner Should Know
Take a walk around your property and look up at your trees. You don't need to be an expert to spot potential problems. Here are the seven most important warning signs to watch for:
1. Dead or Hanging Branches
Dead branches, having lost their ability to bend with the wind like living wood, are unpredictable and can fall without warning. Look for branches that have no leaves during the growing season, appear gray or brittle, or are already partially broken and hanging in the tree (these "hangers" are especially dangerous).
Any dead branch larger than two inches in diameter has the chance to pose a serious risk when it hangs over walkways, driveways, or areas where people spend time. But don’t be mistaken, even smaller dead branches can cause injury when falling from significant heights.
2. Cracks in the Trunk
Cracks are among the most serious warning signs because they indicate a tree is already failing. These aren't small surface scratches but deep splits that go through the bark into the wood itself. You might notice cracks running vertically up the trunk, spiraling around the tree, or forming between major branches where they attach to the main stem.
Trees with multiple cracks in the same area, or cracks connected to other problems, like decay, are at extremely high risk of splitting apart completely during the next storm.
3. Leaning Trees
While some trees naturally grow at slight angles, a tree that has recently started leaning is a major red flag, especially if you notice disturbed soil around the base, exposed roots on one side, or a mound of earth pushed up on the opposite side.
Trees can start leaning due to root damage from construction, soil erosion, root decay, or severe weather, and they pose an immediate hazard that requires urgent professional evaluation, as the situation typically worsens over time.
4. Root Problems
When you see roots lifting sidewalks, cracking driveways, or creating raised areas in your lawn, it might seem like just a landscaping issue, but it can indicate that the tree isn't getting what it needs deeper in the soil or that significant root damage has occurred.
More concerning are signs of root decay (soft, discolored roots with fungal growth), roots that have been cut during construction or landscaping, or visible root loss, all of which can make trees unstable and more likely to blow over in storms.
5. Decay or Fungus
The most obvious signs of tree decay are mushrooms, conks (shelf-like fungal growth), or other fungal structures growing on the trunk or major branches, which indicate that decomposition is happening inside the tree where you can't see it.
Other warning signs include soft, spongy, or crumbly wood, cavities or holes in the trunk, missing or sunken bark, and a sweet, musty smell around the tree's base. While some decay doesn't necessarily mean the tree needs removal, extensive decay combined with other problems can make a tree very dangerous.
6. Branch Problems
Look for branches that form narrow, tight "V" shapes where they meet the trunk (these are inherently weak and prone to splitting), bark growing between branches where they come together (this "included bark" acts like a wedge), and branches that rub against each other or are much larger than surrounding branches.
These structural problems often develop over many years but can suddenly fail during storms when wind puts extra stress on weak connections, especially when multiple branches grow from the same point on the trunk.
7. Poor Overall Shape
Sometimes you can identify tree problems by stepping back and looking at the overall form. Trees that have been topped (cut straight across), lean excessively, have most branches on one side, or show large gaps in their canopy may be structurally unsound.
Previous storm damage often leaves trees with broken tops, torn-off major limbs, or poorly healed splits, while severely pruned trees may develop problematic growth patterns that make them more likely to have future problems and should be evaluated by a professional.
How Alpine Tree Can Help
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to get help from experts. As your local tree care experts, we're here to help you understand and care for your trees throughout the years ahead. Our services keep your property safe and beautiful, including:
- Professional Tree Inspections: Our Certified Arborists can assess your trees and give you a clear picture of their health and safety
- Expert Pruning and Trimming: Proper pruning improves tree health and reduces storm damage risk
- Safe Tree Removal: When a tree can't be saved, we remove it safely. without damage to your property
- 24/7 Emergency Response: We’re ready to respond for emergency tree work when a tree falls on your home or vehicle.
- Tree Health Management: Preventive care for trees to keep them healthy for decades to come
What sets us apart is our commitment to doing things right. We're one of only 12 companies in New Jersey to earn accreditation from the Tree Care Industry Association, and all our work is performed by Licensed Tree Experts, as required by New Jersey law. Most importantly, we're your neighbors - we live and work in these same communities.
"When we started Alpine Tree in 2010, our goal was simple: to be the tree care company we'd want to hire for our own homes. Now, all these years later, we're proud to welcome new families to our community and help them care for the trees that make Morris County such a special place to live. Every property is different, and every homeowner has different needs. That's why we take the time to really understand your goals and provide honest, professional advice you can trust."
- Bill Switzler, Owner, Alpine Tree Service
Protect Your Family & Home with This Free Checklist
We’ve created a simple, printable Tree Safety Checklist you can use to spot potential hazards and know when to call in an expert. It’s designed for busy homeowners who want peace of mind without having to be a tree expert. Download your free checklist today - it's our welcome gift to you and your family. And if you have any questions about your trees, or if you'd like to schedule a consultation with one of our Certified Arborists, we're here to help. You can reach us at 973-437-3594 or visit our offices in Morristown and Basking Ridge.
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