Winter Tree Care in Buffalo, NY: How to Protect Your Property From Storm Damage

When the wind howls off Lake Erie and the heavy, wet snow starts piling up, your trees take a beating long before you even touch a shovel. In Western New York, winter storms are part of life—but surprise tree damage doesn’t have to be.

At Reel Tree Service, we help Buffalo-area homeowners keep their trees healthy, safe, and ready for whatever our winters throw at them.

Why Winter Tree Care Matters in Buffalo

Buffalo winters bring a rough combination of:

• Heavy, wet lake-effect snow that weighs down branches

• High winds that can snap weak limbs or uproot compromised trees

• Freeze–thaw cycles that stress already struggling trees

When branches break or trees fail, they can:

• Damage roofs, gutters, fences, sheds, and vehicles

• Block driveways and walkways

• Knock down power lines

• Create dangerous situations for you, your family, and your neighbors

Taking care of potential tree issues before the next storm is one of the easiest ways to protect your home.

Signs Your Tree Might Be a Winter Hazard

You don’t need to be an arborist to spot warning signs. Take a quick walk around your yard and look for:

• Dead or dying branches – bare or brittle limbs, especially high in the canopy

• Cracks in the trunk – deep splits or visible openings in the bark

• Leaning trees – especially if the lean is new or seems to be getting worse

• Mushrooms or decay at the base – fungi, soft wood, or cavities near the roots

• Branches hanging over your roof or driveway – especially large limbs

• Previous storm damage – torn-out branches or exposed wood that never healed properly

If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look before the next wind or snow event.

What Homeowners Can Do Before the Snow Flies

Here are a few simple steps you can take to prepare:

1. Schedule a tree health inspectionA trained professional can spot issues that aren’t obvious from the ground, like internal decay or dangerous branch unions.

2. Remove dead, dying, or broken limbsThese are often the first to fail under snow load or wind.

3. Thin overcrowded canopiesProper pruning can reduce the weight of snow and minimize the sail effect in high winds.

4. Check trees near structures and drivewaysFocus on trees close to your house, garage, power lines, parking areas, and play spaces.

5. Plan ahead for emergency accessMake sure large branches aren’t blocking areas emergency vehicles would need to access.

Why Hire a Professional Tree Service?

Tree work might look simple from the ground, but it can be dangerous—especially in winter conditions. A professional tree service brings:

• Proper equipment for safely reaching and removing limbs

• Training and experience to evaluate risk and avoid unnecessary damage

• Knowledge of local conditions (Buffalo snow, wind, and soil are their daily reality)

• Insurance coverage, protecting you and your property

At Reel Tree Service, we’re proud to be:

• Fully insured

• Rated 5 stars on Google

• An accredited business with the Better Business Bureau with an A rating

You’re not just hiring someone with a chainsaw—you’re hiring a team that takes safety, cleanup, and customer service seriously.

How Reel Tree Service Can Help

We proudly serve Buffalo and the surrounding WNY communities, offering:

• Tree trimming and pruning

• Hazardous tree removal

• Storm damage cleanup

• Preventive maintenance to reduce future risk

Whether you’ve already had a branch come down or you just have a “problem tree” you’re worried about, we’re here to help you make a plan that fits your property and your budget.

Schedule a tree checkup before the next storm rolls in.

Let Reel Tree Service help you stay ahead of winter—so you can worry less about falling branches and focus more on staying warm.