Doing nothing is the worst possible option.

Is Your Florida Home Hurricane-Ready?

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by- Steven Kelly
Florida Native- 44 years
5/2025

The state of Florida, and more specifically the Gulf Coast, has experienced incredible growth in recent years. Many newcomers haven't lived through hurricane events and may fail to take the necessary precautions to brace for the storms.
Florida doesn’t play around when it comes to hurricane season. Each year, storms are growing stronger, moving faster, and hitting harder.
And if you think waiting until the last minute to prepare your property is going to cut it, think again. When the winds hit triple digits and the streets start flooding, it’s too late to call for help. I've been hunkered down during numerous hurricanes when a news report states that all services are suspended while the storm rages. That means all services, including emergency response agencies. Forget about a plumber or tree removal company. Right then you will wish you had called a professional for a storm-readiness inspection before the storm.Like most things, the trick to a good defense is a strong offense. While your roof seems like your first line of defense against the storm, you can expand your protective perimeter by cutting back heavy branches that overhang your home and get ahead of the danger. Dead, dying, or diseased branches can fall like
ur home; leaves can back up your gutters and flood your foundationMy point is- hurricane prep isn’t optional. It’s survival.Next, lets talk about some of the things you can do to prepare your home for hurricane season.

What Does Florida Hurricane Prep Include?

  • Trees: Dead limbs, overhanging branches, and root-unstable trees are a major threat. Don’t just eyeball it—get a pro on-site.

  • Gutters & Drains: Clogged gutters and poor drainage are a fast track to roof leaks, flooded crawlspaces, and thousands in water damage.

  • Loose Debris: That "yard art" becomes shrapnel when the wind gets going. Secure or remove anything not bolted down.

  • Fencing: All fence posts should be anchored in concrete and the panels should be properly braced/ fasted. If not, they become a liability.

  • Water Flow: Poor grading or drainage around your foundation can lead to costly damage. Water always finds a way—and usually it’s into your house.

Your home is your sanctuary, your family's refuge, and your greatest financial asset. Florida is a beautiful and exciting place to live but you have to respect nature and its awesome power. While insurance checks can replace most things, they cannot replace your family's health and peace-of-mind.

Click here and Florida Tree Solutions will provide a free
Storm Readiness Inspection

Unless you really know what you're doing, its best to consult a professional. The good news is that most reputable tree & landscape companies offer free on-site home inspections and a no-obligation quote.

We recommend Florida Tree Solutions for a couple good reasons:1. They respond super fast
2. They're locals, so they know what is coming3. An inspector arrives on-site, by appointment within 24-hours.
4. The person they send is well-spoken, neatly-dressed, and always 100% professionalFor no charge whatsoever, this company will walk your property, point out vulnerabilities, and give you an honest action plan—no pressure to sign a contract and no surprise bill.Just sound advice from people who know what they're talking about.
Do yourself a favor and click the link below to request a zero cost inspection and quote.

Pro Tip: Florida Tree Solutions also offers: *flexible payment options, veteran/ first responder/ lineman discounts, senior discounts, single parent discounts.

Public Service Announcement

Your homeowner's insurance requires that you take any necessary precautions to protect your property.
If they can prove that you neglected to perform preventative maintenance, they can lawfully deny your claim.
That could mean you're paying out of pocket for potentially everything!

What would you do if you lost your home to a storm and your insurance company abandoned you?Ask yourself-
"Can I even swing that??"

Why Regular Trimming Could Save Your Home (and Your Wallet)

The Hidden Dangers of Overgrown Trees

by- Lee H., Palm Harbor, FL
Licensed Arborist, 4/2025

That gorgeous oak in your yard might look majestic, but during hurricane season, it can turn into a 2-ton wrecking ball with roots. Overgrown trees are one of the most overlooked threats to your home—and they’re responsible for millions in property damage every year in Florida alone. Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s safe.”When was the last time you had your trees inspected by someone other than that one know-it-all neighbor with an electric chainsaw and a YouTube account?”You cannot underestimate the immediate dangers overgrown trees pose to your family, home, vehicles, lawn, and even your neighbor's property. That's right- if debris from your unkept trees damages your neighbor's property, you can be held responsible for the damages. This money won't come from insurance companies, it'll have to be paid out-of-pocket.

What Makes Overgrown Trees So Dangerous?

  • Weak or Dead Limbs: These snap off in heavy winds, smashing windows, fences, cars, and sometimes people.

  • Overextended Branches: Especially ones hanging over your home, driveway, or power lines—prime targets for hurricane-force winds.

  • Unbalanced Tree Growth: Can lead to top-heavy trees that are more likely to uproot in soggy soil.

  • Encroaching Roots: Overgrown trees aren’t just a canopy problem. Roots can disrupt foundations, break pipes, and destroy driveways.

Think of tree trimming like a haircut—skip it for too long, and eventually it gets out of control, looks terrible, and costs more to fix.

Why Regular Tree Trimming Makes Sense

Aside from the obvious safety factor, trimming your trees:

  • Reduces insurance risk and premiums

  • Boosts curb appeal and property value

  • Improves tree health (yes, they can get sick too)

Letting branches fester until they snap is like never changing your car's oil—sooner or later, something’s going to blow. And just like oil changes- tree maintenance is not optional, it's mandatory.

Knowing is half the battle.

Common Tree Species in St. Petersburg and How to Care for Them

Hey there, fellow St. Pete residents! If you're anything like me, you probably appreciate the lush greenery that makes our city so beautiful. From shady oaks to vibrant palms, trees are a big part of what makes St. Petersburg feel like home. But with our unique climate and occasional wild weather (hello, hurricane season!), knowing which trees thrive here and how to care for them is super important.So, let's chat about some of the common tree species you'll see around St. Petersburg and get you clued in on how to keep them happy and healthy. Because healthy trees not only look great but are also much more resilient when those Florida storms roll in!Speaking of being prepared, this article is sponsored by Florida Tree Solutions.pro. Have you thought about getting your trees ready for hurricane season? It's something we take seriously here in Forida, FTS even has a handy checklist to help you out. [Link to our free storm readiness checklist form here]Magnificent Oaks: Live Oaks and Laurel OaksYou can't drive far in St. Pete without spotting a majestic oak tree. Live oaks are iconic with their sprawling branches and sturdy presence. Laurel oaks are a bit faster-growing and have smaller leaves. Both offer fantastic shade, which is a real blessing in our sunny climate.Care Tips: Generally, oaks are pretty self-sufficient once established. However, regular tree trimming can help maintain their shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. This is especially important for younger trees to encourage good structure. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. If you're concerned, it's always best to consult with a local St. Petersburg tree care professional. Mature oaks usually don't need a lot of fertilization, but a soil test can tell you if anything is lacking.The Sunshine State Staples: Various Palm TreesAh, the quintessential Florida tree! We've got a wide variety of palms in St. Petersburg, from the tall and slender Royal Palms to the more compact Sabal Palms (our state tree). Palms add that tropical vibe we all love.Care Tips: Palm tree care in St. Petersburg mostly involves proper pruning. Avoid over-pruning, which can actually stress the tree. Focus on removing dead or yellowing fronds. Also, be cautious about DIY trimming on your taller palms – it can be dangerous, and you might accidentally damage the tree. For hurricane and storm readiness in St. Pete, proper palm pruning can help reduce wind resistance, but it's a delicate balance. If you're unsure, give a local Florida expert a call.Flowering Beauties: Crape Myrtles and Tabebuia TreesFor a splash of color, many St. Petersburg landscapes feature Crape Myrtles with their beautiful summer blooms and interesting bark, or Tabebuia trees that burst into vibrant yellow or pink flowers in the spring.Care Tips: Crape Myrtles benefit from pruning in late winter to early spring to encourage more blooms. Be careful not to "crepe murder" them with excessive topping! Tabebuia trees generally don't need heavy pruning. Both types appreciate well-drained soil and regular watering, especially when they're young. Keep an eye out for common pests and address them promptly. Thinking about adding some flowering trees to your yard? This local company can help you choose the right species and ensure they get off to a great start- Florida Tree SolutionsFruitful Options: Mango and Citrus TreesIf you're lucky enough to have a mango or citrus tree in your yard, you know the joy of homegrown fruit! These trees are well-suited to our climate but do require some specific attention.Care Tips: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods. Fertilize according to the tree's needs – a local nursery or tree trimming company in St. Petersburg can provide guidance. Pruning helps maintain shape, improve airflow, and encourage fruit production. Be vigilant about pests and diseases that can affect fruit trees. And when hurricane season approaches, it's wise to harvest any mature fruit to prevent it from becoming debris. Proper hurricane preparation in Tampa Bay includes assessing the health and stability of your fruit trees regularly.Keeping Your Trees Healthy Year-RoundNo matter the species, a few general tree care practices will keep your St. Petersburg trees thriving:Watering: Especially during dry spells, ensure your trees receive adequate water, particularly when they are newly planted.Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your trees (but not directly against the trunk) helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.Regular Inspections: Keep an eye out for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases. Early detection can make treatment much easier.Professional Check-ups: Consider scheduling regular check-ups with a local St. Petersburg tree care service like ours. We can identify potential problems early and ensure your trees are in top shape, especially before hurricane season. You can easily request a consultation through our website! [Link to our consultation request form here]Caring for your trees is an investment in the beauty and safety of your property. By understanding the needs of these common St. Petersburg tree species, you can help them flourish for years to come. And when it comes to ensuring your trees are ready to weather any storm coming to Tampa Bay, remember that proactive hurricane preparation is key. Don't wait until the last minute – reach out to your local tree trimming and storm prep company.