Need Tree Service? Take Your Place in Line

Be patient.

That's the advice from local tree trimmers who report that they are overwhelmed by calls for service after Superstorm Sandy swept through New Jersey neighborhoods.

"I've gotten 600, 700 calls," said Anthony Santos of Affordable Tree Service. "And those are just the ones I returned."

Tree service companies report that they are trying to answer to all calls, but are basing response time on the level of emergency.

People who need driveways cleared because of a medical necessity, for example, come before those whose shed was damaged.

A tree that has fallen through a roof will have more priority than a tree that damaged a shed.

Some folks may have to wait up to three weeks for service.

Santos of Affordable Tree Service said he will try to return calls but don't expect for him to do it until after 5 p.m. He is that busy.

"If you can get the word out that we're swamped but doing the best we can to get to everyone that would help," Santos sad.

In Maplewood, there is Maplewood Tree Experts, 205 Rutgers St Maplewood, 973-762-5221

Here are five other tree service companies that are in business but advising customers they will have to wait their turn in line.

1.) Family Landscaping & Tree Service: Serves all of Union and Essex counties; phone: 973-583-4800.

2.) Nature Tree Service: Serves all of Essex and Bergen counties; 973-851-0467.

3.) Visa Tree Service: Based in Summit; 908-428-4235.

4.) Happy Trees By M.G.M. Tree Service: Serving the South Orange Area. 973-210-7281

5.) Affordable Tree Care: Based in Plainfield. 908-316-8359; 908-414-4509