Florida residents may be relieved that Hurricane Hermine’s impact was limited, but many have had to deal with a bit of related damage as insurance companies estimate just under $400 million in costs for the claims being filed. While the state has had a lengthy reprieve from direct hurricane strikes over the 11-year period preceding Hermine, every hurricane season can raise serious concerns for homeowners. One of the more significant causes of damage during such storms can be trees, which makes it wise for residents to take stock of their trees to evaluate stability and storm readiness.

Urban Trees and Hurricane Risks

In studying major hurricanes, researchers have found that certain tree species withstand the storms better than others. They have also observed important planting tips for minimizing the risk of tree loss in these weather events. In fact, trees planted in groups appear to fare much better than individual trees. Native trees in an area tend to withstand hurricanes better than those that are not naturally found in the area. Species can be an important factor in storm situations as well. For example, conifers are prone to damage in hurricanes, but palm trees tend to withstand these events well.

Protecting Your Home Through Responsible Landscaping

Landscaping can be a huge selling point for the individual moving to a Florida neighborhood. However, you might want to review the placement and species of your trees to determine whether they could jeopardize your structure during a major storm. Urban trees can be beneficial during the summer months in the state because of the shade they provide, which means that you might need some guidance in deciding whether to leave certain trees in place or remove them.

Warner Tree Service offers exceptional service to the residents of Palm Harbor and surrounding communities. We would be happy to provide our recommendations for tree removal based on the condition of your existing trees. We can also help with trimming services if you need to remove large branches that could cause problems during storms. Call us at 727-478-2864 to schedule a consultation today.