Storm Damage Tree Cleanup in Lakewood, NJ

Safety first: call 911 if anyone is hurt or a tree is on an occupied part of the house. Stay well away from downed lines and report them to the electric utility. Don't walk under a hung-up limb.

Storm cleanup in a busy town

Lakewood is one of the fastest-growing towns in New Jersey. Older neighborhoods around Lake Carasaljo and the original town center have large, aging shade trees and pines, while newer blocks pack houses close together, often with mature trees left standing between them. When a summer thunderstorm or a nor'easter rolls through, that combination means limbs on roofs, trees on fences between neighbors, and blocked driveways.

What storm cleanup covers

Hangers. Broken limbs caught high in the canopy are among the most dangerous things after a storm. They can drop days later. A crew removes them with ropes or a lift.
Limbs on the roof. Lifted off in pieces so they don't do more damage on the way down.
Whole trees down across lawns, fences, cars or the street side of the lot.
Split or cracked trees still standing but no longer safe. A licensed tree expert can tell you whether the tree can stay.
Debris removal. Chipping brush, cutting logs and hauling it all away.

How to get help quickly

Take photos of the damage from a safe spot, including where the limb or tree came from.
Send the form on this page with your address, the photos, and whether a structure or wires are involved. Choose the emergency option if the house or driveway is affected.
The local company contacts you about timing and price. After a big storm, crews prioritize trees on houses and blocked access, so be specific.

Insurance basics

Policies differ, but homeowners' insurance often pays to remove a tree that damaged a covered structure, such as the house, garage or a fence, up to a limit. It usually doesn't pay to remove a tree that fell without hitting anything. If a neighbor's tree falls on your house, the claim generally goes through your own policy first. See our storm damage and insurance guide for details, and call your agent before cleanup if you can.

Permits after a storm

Lakewood's land use code says a permit must be obtained from the township before removing trees under Chapter 19, “Protection of Trees” (Lakewood Code § 18-803H). Ask the township about size thresholds and fees. Cleaning up limbs that are already down doesn't need a permit, but cutting down a damaged tree that's still standing may. Keep dated photos of the storm damage.

Avoid storm-chaser trouble

After a storm, unfamiliar crews go door to door. Ask for the company's NJ Licensed Tree Care Operator number (NJ Board of Tree Experts) and certificate of insurance, get the scope and price in writing, and don't hand over a big cash deposit. More local info is on the Lakewood page.

Frequently asked questions

Does insurance pay for tree cleanup after a storm in Lakewood?

Often, if the tree damaged a covered structure such as the house, garage or fence, usually up to a limit. Trees that fall without hitting anything are usually not covered. Check your policy or call your agent.

Is a hanging broken limb dangerous?

Yes. Broken limbs caught in a tree can fall days after the storm. Keep people and cars out from under it and have a crew remove it.

Do I need a permit to clean up storm damage in Lakewood?

Picking up limbs that are already down doesn't need a permit. Removing a damaged tree that's still standing may need a township permit under Lakewood's Chapter 19. Check with the township.

Cost and permit guides

Last updated October 18, 2026. Prices and rules come from the cited sources and can change. They aren't quotes or legal advice. Free referral service, not a tree company. Your request goes to one independent local tree company, which may pay us for the referral.