A lot of homeowners are looking up at their trees right now and thinking the same thing, and that’s that their trees look fine as they are. The leaves are green and the tree survived the winter. So why are so many large limbs suddenly coming down?
The answer is that what you’re seeing today may not reflect what’s happening inside the tree. In fact, many of the tree failures we’re responding to this summer actually started months ago.
Winter Left Behind More Than Snow
South Jersey experienced several rounds of heavy, wet snow this past winter. While the snow eventually melted away, the stress it placed on trees didn’t disappear with it.
When large amounts of snow accumulate on branches, trees are forced to carry hundreds or even thousands of pounds of additional weight. Branches will bend, trunks will flex, and weak branch unions are pushed to their limits.
While some trees break immediately, others develop small structural cracks that are almost impossible to spot from the ground, and those hidden cracks can sit quietly for months.
Leaves Add More Weight Than Most People Realize
Now that trees are fully leafed out, every branch is carrying significantly more weight than it was just a few months ago.
Foliage acts like a sail, increasing both the weight on branches and the amount of wind resistance throughout the canopy. Trees with weak branch attachments, hidden cracks, or overextended limbs become much more vulnerable once leaves emerge.
A branch that survived winter may already be compromised. The added weight of summer growth can be enough to push it closer to failure.
Then Comes the Rain
Recent rain events add another layer of stress.
Trees absorb large amounts of water through their roots, increasing the overall weight of foliage, limbs, and canopy structure. Saturated soils can also reduce root stability, especially during periods of repeated rainfall.
To the average homeowner, the tree may still appear perfectly healthy.
But hidden damage from winter combined with summer growth and moisture can create conditions where a failure is simply waiting for the final trigger.
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm
The best time to address a hazardous tree is before it fails.
A professional inspection by our team can identify cracks, weakened branches, storm damage, and other structural issues that may not be obvious from the ground. In many cases, early pruning can reduce risk and help the health of the tree.
A Limited-Time Offer for South Jersey Homeowners
To help homeowners address potential storm hazards before the heart of summer arrives, Bergholz’s Tree Experts is offering:
10% OFF Any Tree Service Over $250
Schedule your tree work before July 1, 2026 and receive 10% off your project total.
Now is a great time to have your trees evaluated because the branches that worry us most aren’t always the ones that are obviously damaged.
They’re the ones carrying months of hidden stress while pretending everything is fine.
Contact Bergholz’s Tree Experts today to schedule your estimate and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
