It’s only May, and we’ve already seen the first named storm of the year. This means that its time to prepare your property for hurricane winds and and gusty summer storms. Between June and the end of the November, trees will be putting out new growth. Unchecked new growth from past years could endanger your home. Tree trimming should only be done in fair weather, so it’s wise to take care of these tasks before the storms arrive.

Deciding Which Trees to Trim

According to Florida’s Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, it’s important to maintain trees that are growing close to utility lines. Limbs that are positioned over or near buildings should be removed since it’s likely that your home will be damaged if they break during a storm. Thinning the canopy will improve the appearance of your landscape and prevent trees from uprooting by reducing their wind resistance.

Removing Damaged Trees

Tree removal is recommended for any rotten, damaged or weak trees growing on your property. At Warner Tree Service, our certified arborist will assess your trees to see whether they need to be removed or should be trimmed instead. In some cases, damaged or rotten limbs can be trimmed to strengthen the tree and improve its health. Strong, healthy, well-placed trees can buffer your home from strong winds, but trees can also cause catastrophic damage if they aren’t maintained.

Local Ordinances Regarding Tree Trimming

In Largo, Palm Harbor and other parts of Pinellas County, there are ordinances against hat-racking, lollipopping and other aggressive trimming techniques that can weaken trees and make them more dangerous. Our tree trimming team uses expert techniques to remove unnecessary foliage and improve the health of your landscape. If tree removal is required, we will secure necessary permits.

As a general rule, placement, health, strength and wind resistance are the most important considerations. To learn more about what to expect, check our before-and-after photo gallery, or call our Palm Harbor office at 727-478-2864.