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Falling Branch Nearly Lands On Family In A Hoboken Park

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Action is being taken after a falling branch nearly landed on a New Jersey family in a Hoboken park.

Alicia Moss recalls sitting on the ground under an American Sycamore in Columbus Park in Hoboken, her young daughter asleep in her arms, when a 15-foot limb crashed down just feet away from them.

"We didn't even have time to move it was so fast," Moss said. "I was  really disoriented, and in shock more than anything."

Just a day later, crews were out cutting questionable branches, but CBS2's Vanessa Murdock looks into just how long has it been since this last happened.

A spokesperson for Hudson County estimates its likely been a month as crews are out daily making visual assessments across the 12 county parks, however, many who visit Columbus Park almost daily say they haven't seen it happen.

Matt Sabato with Uncle Matty's Tree Service gave an assessment of the condition of the 100-year-old trees that blanket the park.

"I have noticed dead limbs," Sabato said. "But it's pretty common for trees this size."

Sabato says it's unavoidable and that limbs can go dead from one season to the next.

"It's not uncommon to see dead limbs in spring, especially after the long cold winter we've had."

Hudson County tells CBS2 that a large limb coming down in one piece is rare.

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