Is That Tree Safe? A Homeowner’s Checklist Before Hurricane Season Gets Worse

You know how it goes in Florida. One minute you’re sipping iced tea on the porch, the next you’re sprinting to close all the windows because a pop-up storm came out of nowhere. It’s part of the charm (and the chaos) of living here—but if you’ve got large trees on your property, these sudden storms aren’t just annoying. They can be

dangerous.

We get asked this all the time: “Is this tree safe?” And honestly, that’s a great question to be asking—especially as hurricane season ramps up. The truth is, many trees that look fine are actually on the brink of falling. And when the wind picks up, they’re the first to go.

So today, we’re sharing a practical, easy-to-follow checklist to help you figure out if your tree is a friend… or a ticking time bomb. Whether you live in Valrico, Seffner, or anywhere else in the greater Tampa area, this guide could save you a lot of stress (and money) down the line.

Why Tree Safety Matters More Right Now

Let’s be real: hurricanes in Florida aren’t just an abstract risk. They’re a guarantee. And every year, we see the same pattern—families calling us after a storm has already done its damage. Trees on rooftops. Driveways blocked. Power lines wrapped in branches.

Most of these disasters? Preventable.

That’s what makes this conversation so important. With just a little bit of attention and some professional support, you can take away a major source of risk from your property before the wind starts howling.

Tree Safety Checklist for Homeowners

This isn’t just for people with monster-sized oaks, by the way. Even smaller ornamental trees can become hazards under the right (or wrong) conditions.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Is the Tree Leaning (and Is That New?)

Some trees naturally grow at an angle—especially if they were planted near a structure or another tree. But if you’ve noticed a new lean or the lean has gotten worse, that’s a red flag.

Check for:

• Fresh cracks in the soil on the leaning side

• Uplifted roots or mounding earth opposite the lean

• Cracks in sidewalks or driveways nearby

A neighbor of mine once ignored a slowly leaning pine. Two months later, after a solid summer storm, it landed halfway through his pool cage. He was lucky no one was swimming.

Schedule a professional inspection

2. Are There Dead or Broken Limbs?

This one seems obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Dead limbs can fall at any time—especially during strong winds. And worse, if the branch is still loosely attached, it can swing like a wrecking ball.

Look up and ask:

• Are there branches without leaves in the summer?

• Are you seeing bark peeling or cracks in the limbs?

• Any limbs that look like they’ve already split halfway?

Don’t try to remove them yourself unless you’re trained and properly equipped. Trust us, it’s not worth the ER visit.

Learn about our Tree Trimming Services

3. Check the Base: What’s Happening at the Trunk and Roots?

This is where a lot of hidden problems live. Root systems are the foundation of the tree, and if they’re compromised, the whole structure can come down—even if the branches look healthy.

Check for:

• Mushrooms or fungus growing around the trunk or roots

• Cavities or hollow spots in the trunk

• Cracks or oozing sap

• Exposed roots from erosion or shifting soil

One of our clients in Seffner had a beautiful old tree that looked totally normal—until we tapped the trunk and heard that dreaded hollow sound. Inside, it was almost completely rotted.

Explore our Certified Arborist Services

4. Are Trees Close to Power Lines or Structures?

This is where tree placement becomes part of the equation. Even a tree that’s relatively healthy can be dangerous if it’s too close to your roof, fence, or electrical lines.

During a hurricane, limbs whip around. Trees bend. If those branches are within six feet of your house—or worse, directly over your roof—you’ve got a problem waiting to happen.

Check for:

• Overhanging limbs above the house or garage

• Trees that sway and brush your home during wind gusts

• Trees planted under or near utility lines

Pro tip: Most power companies will only trim limbs directly impacting lines, but they won’t deal with full tree removals. That’s where we come in.

Call for Emergency Tree Service if the storm’s already done damage.

5. Has the Tree Survived Previous Storms Poorly?

Trees have memories—at least in the sense that prior damage weakens their structure for future events. If your tree was cracked, split, or hit hard in the last hurricane and hasn’t been professionally pruned or inspected since, it’s likely more vulnerable now.

Ask yourself:

• Did any limbs fall off last year?

• Did you notice the tree looked “off” after the last major storm?

• Was there visible cracking or tearing in bark or branches?

If yes, it’s time to bring in an expert.

What to Do If You Spot a Problem Tree

You don’t need to have all the answers. That’s our job. If anything on this list raised a concern, the next step is simple:

Call All Your Way Tree Service for a risk assessment. We’ll inspect your tree, explain what’s going on in plain language, and give you real options—whether it’s trimming, removal, or just a watch-and-wait approach.

We handle:

• Hazardous tree removal

• Emergency tree cleanup

• Certified tree assessments

• Strategic pruning and trimming

• Full property evaluations

When to Call for Emergency Tree Help

Sometimes, the storm gets there first. If a tree has already fallen—or looks like it’s about to—don’t try to handle it alone.

We offer emergency tree services 7 days a week and show up with the tools and experience to fix the issue safely. Whether it’s a tree across your driveway, blocking your road, or resting precariously on your house, we’re here when you need us.

A Final Word: Prevention Always Costs Less Than Cleanup

We know—no one wants to spend money on a tree that hasn’t fallen yet. But we promise you this: dealing with a problem tree before a hurricane is way less stressful (and way less expensive) than dealing with one after it’s on your roof.

And beyond the financial cost, there’s peace of mind. Knowing your yard is safe? That your kids can play outside without worry? That your home is protected?

That’s priceless.

Let’s Walk the Yard Together

If you’re in Valrico, Seffner, or anywhere nearby and wondering if that tree is safe, don’t guess. Let’s find out together. We’ll walk the yard with you, inspect every tree, and give you the straight facts.

Because we believe in keeping Florida homes safe—all your way.

Schedule a Tree Hazard Inspection

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