Local tree service crews staying busy after wind storms

The early December wind storm has tree service crews working around the clock to clean up and minimize the devastation left in the storm’s wake. The cleanup will be weeks in the making.

“We’ve been responding nonstop since the storm hit, with phones ringing continuously and crews working long days to keep up with demand,” Jessie Boulier, a Controller at Gage Tree Service, said. “We will be working on storm related work through the holidays and into the start of 2026!”

Calls range from mild to the extreme. Damages include large limbs that have struck infrastructure on property, trees blocking driveways and large cottonwoods that have fallen on homes. Priorities have been trees that are causing major safety hazards or blocking emergency access.

While many homeowners are already addressing tree damages after the initial storm, Boulier added that potential issues that are not yet evident could become an issue in the coming weeks.

“Many trees that appear “okay” right now may have hidden structural damage,” Boulier said. “We anticipate an increase in delayed failures, broken tops, and tree decline over the coming months. This storm will likely shorten the lifespan of many already stressed trees.”

Fishhook Tree Services LLC Owner Chad Oukrop said that property owners can prevent future wind-related tree issues and minimize potential damages with the frequency of the winter storms the Valley has been experiencing. He suggested hiring an arborist to conduct tree risk assessments and to address any high-risk trees before they become a problem.

While crews continue to respond to failures across the Valley, they ask that property owners continue to have patience as they answer those calls in order of safety and severity.

“Our crews work through calls in order of urgency, always prioritizing safety,” Boulier said. “If a situation isn’t an immediate hazard, it may take time to get to it—but we will get there.”

With the wind storms that hit the Valley this weekend, crews will have even more work ahead of them. Local businesses have the safety of their customers and neighbors in mind and continue to work hard to address issues as they arise.

“We are here to help and serve the Mat-Su community the best that we can during these trying times,” Oukrop said.