Weathering a storm is an experience that is all too familiar to residents of Central Florida. These summer and fall hurricanes are often reminders of the overwhelming force of nature—and of the issues faced by the area’s rich treescape that bears the brunt of these natural disasters. Throughout the years, hurricanes and storms have left countless numbers of fallen trees and debris, creating regular challenges in the tree maintenance field. Luckily, our expert tree care team has plenty of knowledge to help you navigate the often-confusing days after the storm. This article delves into the processes that come along with cleaning up from a hurricane and provides guidance on how to manage tree maintenance during the aftermath of a storm.
The Impact of Florida’s Past Hurricanes
If you were in-state during the past year’s hurricanes (like Ian and Nicole), you know exactly how quickly a storm can cause lasting damage. The destructive power wielded by these two storms tore through Central Florida, leaving torn-up landscapes in its wake, inflicting over $100 billion in damage, and even claiming lives. A whole year later, Florida is still in recovery from these storm impacts. Among all the rest of the devastation, many of Central Florida’s tree-related vulnerabilities were revealed.
Ian obtained Category 5 status with 160 mph winds before it made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 in 2022. While the state was trying to recover from this tragic storm, Hurricane Nicole made her arrival just 43 days later as a Category 1. Although Nicole was a weaker hurricane, Florida was still vulnerable from Ian. These storms caused tree damage, structural damage, and major flooding throughout the Central Florida area. Hurricane Ian was ranked the third most costly hurricane since 1980 for the United States. These experiences underline the importance of preparing for a storm beforehand and having efficient after-storm tree maintenance.
Immediate Steps Post-Hurricane
So, the hurricane has passed, and the storm has cleared. Now what? Even though it may seem like the coast is clear, safety is the most important factor to keep in mind while venturing outside of your home. Keep an eye out for any potential hazards. These might include downed power lines—or unstable trees. Until local authorities announce that the area is safe, you should avoid assessing the damage to your property.
However, if you detect any immediate emergency situations related to trees—such as a tree threatening to crash into your home—it’s important to be prepared with help from a professional service like Tree Work Now. After a storm, we’re equipped to handle these situations by assessing risk and implementing urgent relief measures.
Dealing with Small Volumes of Debris
If the storm has resulted in small volumes of debris in your yard, you might be able to manage some cleanup on your own. The key to this approach is to begin by collecting smaller debris like leaves, twigs, and minor branches into piles. Separate these piles based on the nature of the debris for efficient disposal or composting. It’s one handy and helpful way to make additional use of your cleanup efforts!
In a pinch, you can also manage smaller fallen branches with the use of basic tools, such as pruners, loppers, or a handsaw. It's worth noting that safety gear is a must—even when dealing with small volumes of debris. Make sure you're wearing gloves, boots, and eye protection for added safety. For anything beyond your capabilities, you likely will want to leave the process to the professionals.
When to Seek Professional Tree Removal Help
While neighbors helping each other after a storm can be a beautiful thing, many scenarios require professional help. Emergency situations such as large, fallen trees, debris near power lines, or a tree threatening your home's structural integrity all require the expertise and services of a professional tree service such as Tree Work Now.
Also, be aware of signs of more extensive damage that could happen in the future. Examples of this could include a trunk that is cracking or split, branches that are hanging precariously, or a tree leaning at an unusual angle. Our team can help you assess the risk and respond accordingly.
The Professional Cleanup Process
Ready to call in the experts? Bringing in professional help for the tree removal or trimming process can take the weight of your shoulders in many ways. It creates an overall safer and more efficient experience. We start by assessing the damage, and then we identify any immediate risks to you or your property. Then, we can prioritize all related tasks based on safety risks and severity.
Not only do we clean up from storm damage, but we aim to raise the industry standard by restoring the beauty and safety of your property. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, we helped many families from Orlando to Daytona Beach with tree removal to clear their properties of fallen trees and debris, salvage what could be saved, and prune what could be preserved. Our aim is to provide you with both a safe environment and a beautiful landscape.
How Our Tree Care Experts Can Help
We understand—recovery can feel like an overwhelming challenge, especially in those first few moments while stepping outside to assess the state of your neighborhood after a storm. Debris all around, yards filled with fallen branches, and the ongoing threat of unstable trees can make you worry endlessly about the post-storm cleanup process. But, fear not! With the right guidance, effective preparation, and professional help from Tree Work Now, you can quickly reclaim your property and get life operating as normal as soon as possible.
Our proactive storm prep services aim to keep Central Florida safe from storm damage, and our efficient storm cleanup and tree removal services work to alleviate the stress of the post-storm recovery process. We're not just here to remove fallen trees and branches; we're here to help you regain your peace of mind after a storm.
Preparation before a storm is essential, and it's never too early to start. Request a free pre-storm inspection from our professionals today. We're here for you, Central Florida, before the storm, through the storm, and after the storm, too. Contact us today for a quote request or to schedule a service—we look forward to helping you!
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