Tree removal continues for many residents affected by Tuesday's storms

Updated: 06/18/2014 7:27 PM Created: 06/18/2014 7:19 PM WHEC.com

Not only did Tuesdays storms take down power lines, but many people lost trees right in their own yards.

Pockets of Monroe, Genesee and Orleans counties experienced Mother Natures wrath as a large line of severe thunderstorms swept across the area. In some cases, wind gusts were over 50 mph.

The winds in Fairport were so strong that some homeowners trees came crashing down right into their homes. That was the case for Mark Sambuchi as thunderstorms ripped through his Gateway Road neighborhood. Hell be cleaning up the damage for days, but he and his family were not hurt.

A lot to do, but it could have been worse. We didnt lose power, and nobody was hurt, so thats the real key. We did get shaken up. They were pretty traumatized. To just be sitting there, and then have a tree just show up. They were a little scared, said Sambuchi.

The thunderstorm damage also means a lot of work for people like Tony Bartucca who owns Tonys Tree and Landscaping.

Weve got crews scattered all over the country. Weve had crews working throughout the night getting trees off of houses. We had trees split houses in half and take houses off foundations. It was enormous, said Bartucca.

Bartucca says he deals with homeowners and their emergencies all the time, but theres more to the cleanup than meets the eye. Getting rid of downed trees and debris immediately after the storm is one thing, but addressing additional problems that can result well after the storm is another. Those issues can be just as significant as a downed tree, but not always as obvious.

Its very imperative not just to look out and say hey, theres no damage in my backyard, but to also look up and see if there are any hanging limbs up there, said Bartucca.

A little prevention can really be worthwhile when it comes to taking care of the trees in your yard before, during and after a storm.

Go here to read the rest:
Tree removal continues for many residents affected by Tuesday's storms