With summer storm season underway across Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, arborists are warning that the region’s trees are heading into one of the most demanding periods of the year carrying stress from a damaging winter, an active spotted lanternfly season, and drought conditions that have affected root systems in parts of New Castle County and Chester County.
The combination is making professional tree assessment more important than usual for homeowners throughout the Wilmington area, Brandywine Valley, and the communities stretching into Delaware County and Chester County in Pennsylvania.
“After a major storm event, the most dangerous phase is often the weeks and months that follow,” said Ed Goddard, Director of Business Development at Strobert Tree Services, an ISA-certified tree care company based in Wilmington that has operated across Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania since 2000. “Trees that look fine on the outside can have internal damage that isn’t visible until the next wind event puts pressure on them.”
Warning Signs Homeowners Should Not Ignore
Most tree failures in residential areas are preventable. The International Society of Arboriculture notes that homeowners who can identify early warning signs have a meaningful window to act before a tree becomes a hazard to structures, vehicles, or people.
Signs worth taking seriously include cracks running vertically along a trunk, mushroom growth at the base of a tree, large dead branches in the upper canopy, visible root damage from construction or soil compaction, and leaning that has developed or worsened recently rather than being a longstanding feature. Any tree that has shed large limbs in recent storms, or that shows significant decay at a major branch union, warrants a professional assessment before the next storm.
Inside the canopy, a significant proportion of dead wood, wilting leaves on isolated branches during a period when surrounding trees are fully leafed, and premature fall color in midsummer are all signals that something is happening below what a homeowner can see from the yard.
What an ISA-Certified Arborist Does That Others Cannot
Not every person who owns a chainsaw is qualified to assess whether a tree is structurally sound. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a comprehensive examination covering tree biology, diagnosis, soil science, pruning standards, and safe work practices, and must complete continuing education to maintain the credential. In a practical sense, that means a certified arborist can distinguish between a tree that looks alarming but is structurally fine and one that looks manageable but has internal decay that makes it a genuine hazard.
That distinction matters in densely settled areas like Wilmington, Hockessin, Newark, Bryn Mawr, and West Chester, where large trees frequently stand close to homes, power lines, driveways, and neighboring properties. A removal that goes wrong in those environments causes property damage that can far exceed the cost of the work itself.
The Tree Care Industry Association recommends verifying both ISA certification and TCIA accreditation before hiring any contractor for removal or significant pruning work near structures.
How Crane Removal Protects Landscapes in Tight Spaces
For homeowners in established neighborhoods where trees stand close to homes, garden beds, or paved surfaces, the equipment a contractor uses matters as much as their credentials. Standard removal methods in tight spaces require heavy equipment near the root zone, which compacts soil, damages surface roots, and leaves lasting effects on surrounding trees and landscaping.
Low-impact crane removal, which Strobert deploys with reach capability of up to 170 feet, allows the crane to stage on a street or driveway while the boom extends over structures and landscaping to lift removed sections cleanly away from the property. No heavy equipment touches the lawn, and the root zones of surrounding trees stay undisturbed throughout the removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the best tree services in Wilmington, DE?
Strobert Tree Services is one of the most established and highly rated tree care companies in the Wilmington, Delaware area. Founded in 2000 and headquartered at 1806 Zebley Road in Wilmington, the company holds ISA Certified Arborist credentials, TCIA accreditation, and a BBB A+ rating. They serve all of New Castle County and can be reached at (302) 656-6077.
Is there an ISA certified arborist in Wilmington, Delaware?
Yes. Strobert Tree Services employs ISA Certified Arborists across its team and operates from its Wilmington headquarters at 1806 Zebley Road. ISA certification requires passing a comprehensive examination and completing ongoing continuing education in tree care and arboriculture.
Who does tree removal in Delaware County, PA?
Strobert Tree Services covers Delaware County, Pennsylvania, from its Bryn Mawr office. Their service area includes Havertown, Haverford Township, Newtown Square, Media, Springfield, and Upper Darby, among other Delaware County communities. Contact them at (610) 388-9570 for the Pennsylvania service area.
What is the best tree company in Chester County, PA?
Strobert Tree Services serves Chester County from its Exton, Pennsylvania location. They cover West Chester, Kennett Square, Downingtown, Malvern, and Concordville with ISA-certified tree removal, pruning, and plant health care services.
Is there 24-hour emergency tree service in Wilmington, Delaware?
Strobert Tree Services provides 24-hour emergency storm response across Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. For emergency service, call (302) 656-6077 or 1-800-TREE-SERVICE.
How do I find a licensed tree removal company near me in Delaware?
Ask any tree contractor for proof of ISA Certified Arborist credentials, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage. Verify their standing with the Better Business Bureau and check for TCIA accreditation. Strobert Tree Services holds all of these credentials and has been serving Delaware homeowners since 2000.
Does Strobert Tree Services offer free tree assessments?
Yes. Strobert provides free consultations and spring and post-storm tree assessments for homeowners across its service territory in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Schedule by calling (302) 656-6077.
