Westchester County Storm Tree Damage: A Homeowner's Guide

Big oaks and maples make Westchester beautiful and storm-prone. Here is how to prepare, who to call, and what to do when a tree comes down on your property.

Westchester County is one of the most heavily wooded suburban areas in the New York region. Mature oaks, maples, and tulip trees shade homes in towns from the Sound Shore to the northern hills, and many of them tower over roofs, driveways, and narrow winding roads. That canopy is a big part of the county's appeal. It is also why a strong storm can leave so many Westchester homeowners dealing with fallen trees at once.

Why Westchester Trees Come Down

Storms that hit the county tend to fall into a few patterns.

• Nor'easters: Strong, long-lasting winds combined with heavy rain or wet snow can uproot large trees, especially when soils are already soaked.

• Tropical remnants: Late summer and early fall systems bring heavy rain and gusty winds while trees are in full leaf. Tropical Storm Isaias in August 2020 caused widespread tree damage and power outages across the region, and the remnants of Hurricane Ida in September 2021 brought severe flash flooding.

• Summer thunderstorms: Brief but intense downbursts can snap limbs and topple trees with little warning.

Big trees with full crowns act like sails, and saturated ground lets roots pull free. Older trees with hidden decay or past construction damage near the root zone are especially vulnerable.

Know Your Utility and Weather Office

Knowing who to call before a storm saves time when it matters.

• Con Edison serves most of Westchester County.

• NYSEG serves parts of northern Westchester.

If a tree is on or near a power line, stay well back, assume the line is energized, and report it to your utility and 911. Our page on trees on power lines explains why tree crews cannot touch energized lines until the utility makes them safe.

For forecasts and warnings, Westchester is covered by the National Weather Service office in Upton, NY. Watch for high wind warnings, flood watches, and winter storm warnings, and take them seriously when you have large trees near your home.

Before the Next Storm