01/24/2026
Dear Valued Clients,
A winter storm is forecasted to impact the DC Metropolitan area, with the potential for heavy snow and ice. We’re sharing the information below so you are updated and ready to react if your trees or property are affected. Our goal is always to respond quickly and safely while protecting people, property, and the long-term health of your trees.
Emergency Response & Communication
If you experience storm-related tree damage or hazardous conditions, please contact us as quickly as possible in order to get entered into our queue!
Call our office: 703-359-4444 (press 8 for emergency)
If power or phone service is disrupted (which can occur during winter storms), please leave a voice message with your name, number, and a brief description of your tree issue. We will continue checking our backup voicemail hourly if our phones are down.
Email: [email protected] with the same information mentioned above.
Sending clear photos of damaged or compromised trees is extremely helpful and allows us to assess urgency and plan an appropriate response.
Please understand that physical response times may be affected by road and site conditions during storm events. Safety always comes first, for our clients and our team members.
As always, existing clients and true emergency situations involving immediate risk to people, structures, or access routes are prioritized.
Tree Safety During Snow & Ice Events
Do not shake, beat, or strike trees to remove snow or ice, especially evergreens. This can cause internal cellular damage, break limbs, and weaken the tree’s overall health and structure.
Trees weighed down by snow or ice can become dangerous and may threaten nearby structures, vehicles, livestock, and people.
Avoid walking or parking beneath heavily loaded branches until conditions improve.
Non-Emergency Tree Work
We ask for patience with non-emergency requests during and immediately after the storm.
Waiting until conditions improve typically results in safer work, better outcomes, and less damage to surrounding property and trees.
Beware of Price Gouging & Unqualified Contractors
Unfortunately, major storm events often attract individuals offering tree services who may lack proper training, insurance, or credentials, or who look to take advantage of people by charging excessive emergency rates.
Before hiring anyone for storm-related tree work, always verify:
Proper insurance
Professional qualifications - "May I see your ISA Certified Arborist card?"
Local experience and reputation
Improper storm work can cause long-term damage and increase future risk.
If you have concerns before, during, or after the storm, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We appreciate your patience and trust as we navigate challenging weather conditions together.
Here's to hoping that the ice stays away and leaves our trees alone!
Stay safe and warm,
JL Tree Service
