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Protect Your Home and Property Before Storm Season

Belmar, Lake Como, and Avon-by-the-Sea are well-known Jersey Shore towns where homeowners take pride in their properties. Belmar has a busy boardwalk, marinas, and neighborhoods filled with trees that provide shade and privacy. Lake Como, just inland, has smaller properties and a close-knit community where mature trees are part of nearly every yard. Avon-by-the-Sea, across the Shark River Inlet, features a mix of historic homes and well-kept properties with shade trees and ornamentals that add curb appeal.

Belmar, Lake Como, and Avon-by-the-Sea are well-known Jersey Shore towns where homeowners take pride in their properties. Belmar has a busy boardwalk, marinas, and neighborhoods filled with trees that provide shade and privacy. Lake Como, just inland, has smaller properties and a close-knit community where mature trees are part of nearly every yard. Avon-by-the-Sea, across the Shark River Inlet, features a mix of historic homes and well-kept properties with shade trees and ornamentals that add curb appeal.
The trees in these towns range from large oaks, maples, and birches to ornamental species like redbud, Japanese tree lilac, and flowering cherry. While trees add value and beauty, they also need regular attention. Coastal winds, sandy soil, and harsh storms can weaken trees and create safety issues for homeowners. With hurricane season right around the corner, now is the time to get your trees inspected, trimmed, and storm-proofed so you don’t have to deal with emergency calls after the damage is done.
Our certified arborists at Hufnagel Tree Service know the tree species and growing conditions in Belmar, Lake Como, and Avon-by-the-Sea. We offer services that help homeowners keep their trees safe, healthy, and looking good all year long.
Tree Trimming and Pruning



Tree trimming and pruning are the most important steps in protecting your property from storm damage. Overgrown branches, weak limbs, and heavy canopies are more likely to break and cause damage when the wind picks up. Our arborists thin out dense growth, remove dead or unsafe limbs, and shape trees so they are stronger and more balanced.
In Lake Como, small lots often have hedgerows and ornamental trees that can quickly get out of control if they aren’t pruned regularly. We trim these carefully so they stay healthy and maintain their shape without encroaching on neighboring yards. In Avon-by-the-Sea, tall street trees often grow close to power lines or homes. Trimming them now reduces the chance of downed wires or roof damage during hurricane season.
Belmar’s large shade trees also benefit from regular pruning. Trees like oak and maple grow quickly in this area, and when they aren’t maintained, they can become a hazard. Our team follows industry standards so trimming is done the right way, without harming the tree’s health.
Healthy trees are better able to withstand storms and continue growing strong for years. Trimming also improves the look of your property and can increase overall value.
Tree Trimming and Pruning Summary:
Removes weak, dead, and dangerous branches
Balances tree canopies so they handle strong winds
Keeps ornamental trees and hedges looking neat
Protects homes, fences, and power lines from falling limbs
Tree Risk Evaluation and Mitigation




Not all tree problems are obvious. A tree can look fine on the outside but have internal decay or root issues that make it dangerous. Our certified arborists provide detailed risk evaluations to spot problems before they turn into emergencies.
We look for cracked limbs, hollow branches, root instability, leaning trunks, and insect or disease damage. Trees in Belmar are often exposed to salt air and wind stress, which can lead to structural issues. Lake Como’s smaller lots mean a single tree failure could damage multiple homes. In Avon-by-the-Sea, some trees are protected by town regulations, so we’ll also guide you through the process if mitigation or removal is needed.
If we find issues, we explain your options clearly. In many cases, we can reduce risk with strategic pruning, cabling, or bracing instead of removing the tree. When a tree truly can’t be saved, we can remove it safely and handle the permit paperwork for you.
Evaluations are best scheduled before hurricane season. A simple inspection can prevent major damage and reduce stress when storms hit.
Tree Risk Evaluation Summary:
Professional inspections to find hidden problems
Identifies weak trees before storm season
Offers solutions like pruning, bracing, or removal
Keeps your home and family safe from falling trees
Storm Proofing and Tree Restoration

Storm proofing is all about getting your trees ready to handle the tough winds and heavy rain we see every year along the Jersey Shore. We prepare trees by removing extra weight, trimming branches away from homes, and addressing any structural problems that make them more likely to break.
In Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea, many properties have tall trees close to houses or power lines. Our team reduces the risk of branches falling by balancing canopies and trimming potential hazards. In Lake Como, hedges and ornamental trees need special shaping so they don’t tear apart in strong gusts.
If a storm does cause damage, we also offer tree restoration services. We clean up broken branches, treat damaged trees, and help them recover if possible. When trees can’t be saved, we’ll remove them safely and recommend replacements suited to your property.
Hurricane season is no time to gamble with unsafe trees. Preparing now will give you peace of mind and prevent costly emergency calls later.
Storm Proofing and Restoration Summary:
Prepares trees for hurricane-force winds and heavy rain
Shapes and trims trees for maximum storm resistance
Provides emergency cleanup and recovery after storms
Reduces the chance of property damage or injury
Tree Removal for Dead or Unsalvageable Trees

While we do everything possible to save trees, there are times when removal is the only safe choice. Dead, dying, or structurally unsound trees can cause major damage during storms. Removing them before hurricane season is the best way to protect your home and property.
Our team handles tree removals of all sizes, including large shade trees in tight spaces. We use cranes, advanced rigging, and careful step-by-step techniques to bring trees down without harming nearby structures.
Most towns in New Jersey now require a tree removal permit, even for private property. We take care of the paperwork and work directly with municipal officials to make sure your project meets all local requirements. Once the tree is removed, we grind the stump and clean up the site so it’s ready for replanting or landscaping.
When you’re not sure if a tree can be saved, we’ll give you an honest evaluation. If removal is the right choice, we’ll handle it quickly, safely, and in full compliance with the law.
Tree Removal Summary:
Safely removes dangerous trees before hurricane season
Handles permits and town regulations for you
Uses cranes and rigging for tight spaces
Includes stump grinding and full cleanup
Why Homeowners Trust Hufnagel Tree Service

An ISA Certified Arborist is a professional who has been certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a globally recognized organization dedicated to the advancement of tree care. To earn this certification, an arborist must have several years of practical experience in the field and pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of arboriculture, including tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety, and ethics.
Being ISA certified means the arborist has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in tree care and is committed to staying current with industry best practices through ongoing education. For property owners, hiring an ISA Certified Arborist ensures that tree work is performed safely, professionally, and in a way that promotes the long-term health and structural integrity of their trees.
Hufnagel Tree Service has been serving Belmar, Lake Como, and Avon-by-the-Sea for over 25 years. We are the only certified arborist working full-time in the area, and we know the local trees, soil conditions, and town regulations better than anyone.
Our crew is fully insured, professional, and equipped for any job—big or small. We treat every property as if it were our own, showing up on time and leaving your yard clean and safe. Whether you need pruning, storm proofing, or a full removal, we provide clear communication and fair pricing.
Preparing for hurricane season doesn’t have to be stressful. One call to Hufnagel Tree Service gets your trees evaluated, trimmed, and ready for whatever the weather brings.
Why Call Hufnagel:
The most experienced local certified arborist in Belmar, Lake Como, and Avon-by-the-Sea
25+ years of trusted local service
Full range of tree care and storm prep services
Honest recommendations and quality work every time
- Our owner, Michael, is a familiar face around town and even surfs the waves at Belmar. Many local homeowners already know him personally and trust him to keep their properties safe and looking great.
Schedule Service
From precision pruning and safe removals to health assessments and preventative care, Hufnagel Tree Service delivers expert solutions backed by decades of experience. We offer certified insight, fair pricing, and a commitment to doing what’s best for your landscape.
Take Advantage of These Special Offers:
10% OFF
Tree Service Over $100
15% OFF
Tree Service Over $250
20% OFF
Tree Service Over $500
Learn More About Our Services
We’re The #1 Tree Service Comapny Near Lake Como, Belmar, and Avon-By-The-Sea. Expert Tree Care Is One Call Away!
Below are some of the most common residential and commercial services we provide in the area. From trimming and removal to tree health evaluations and storm prep, each service is performed by a certified arborist with over 25 years of experience in Monmouth County.