DeForest Tree Service has announced the expansion of its emergency response capabilities ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, adding specialized equipment and personnel to address storm-related tree damage throughout Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region.
The expansion includes the acquisition of additional crane equipment and the hiring of certified arborists to strengthen the company's 24-hour emergency response team. These investments position the company to handle increased demand for storm cleanup services as meteorologists predict an above-average hurricane season for the Mid-Atlantic coast.
"We have invested in additional crane capacity and expanded our emergency response team to better serve Virginia Beach residents during severe weather events," said Brandon DeForest, owner of DeForest Tree Service. "With NOAA forecasting an active hurricane season, property owners need reliable emergency tree services available around the clock."
The company's enhanced capabilities come as Virginia Beach continues recovering from recent storm events that left numerous properties with damaged trees requiring professional removal. The expanded fleet now includes three crane units capable of removing trees up to 100 feet in height, addressing a critical need in older neighborhoods with mature tree canopies.
DeForest Tree Service maintains round-the-clock availability for emergency calls, with response times averaging under two hours for hazardous situations. The company's tree care service division handles both emergency removals and preventive maintenance, helping property owners identify potentially dangerous trees before storms arrive.
The timing of this expansion aligns with updated municipal regulations requiring property owners to address hazardous trees within 72 hours of storm events. Virginia Beach code enforcement has increased inspections of storm-damaged trees following several incidents involving delayed removals that resulted in secondary property damage.
Industry data from the International Society of Arboriculture indicates that demand for emergency tree services in coastal Virginia has increased 35 percent over the past five years, driven by more frequent severe weather events and aging urban forests. The Hampton Roads region experiences an average of three significant wind events annually that require professional tree removal services.
"Our expanded crane fleet allows us to remove large trees safely without the extended road closures that traditional removal methods often require," added DeForest. "This capability becomes critical when multiple properties need immediate attention following major storms."
The company has also implemented new safety protocols aligned with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for crane operations in post-storm conditions. These protocols include mandatory site assessments before crane deployment and coordination with utility companies to ensure safe working distances from power lines.
Local emergency management officials note that professional tree removal services play an essential role in post-storm recovery efforts. Fallen trees block emergency vehicle access and can damage utility infrastructure, making rapid removal a public safety priority.
DeForest Tree Service operates as a licensed and insured tree care provider in Virginia Beach, maintaining certifications from the Tree Care Industry Association. The company provides comprehensive tree services including removal, trimming, stump grinding, and preventive maintenance for residential and commercial properties throughout the Hampton Roads region.
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For more information about DeForest Tree Service, contact the company here:
DeForest Tree Service
Brandon DeForest
(757) 553-1864
deforesttrees@gmail.com
3764 North Landing Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23456