Storm Season Is Here: How to Protect Your Property from Dangerous Trees Before It’s Too Late
- Oliver Owens
- Jul 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 19
It’s that time of year again—gray skies, heavy winds, and surprise afternoon storms that roll in fast and furious. If you’ve lived in Florida for more than a few months, you already know: storm season doesn’t play nice. But what many homeowners in places like Valrico, Seffner, and the surrounding areas don’t realize is this—your biggest
threat might already be in your yard.
We’re talking about your trees.
Yes, those beautiful oaks, palms, and maples that bring shade, privacy, and character to your home can turn dangerous in an instant when a storm rolls in. So, let’s talk about how to protect your property from risky trees before the rain starts coming sideways.
Why Florida Storms and Trees Don’t Mix
Storm season in Florida isn’t just about a little wind and rain. It brings:
Saturated soil, which can loosen root systems
High winds, which can snap limbs or knock over entire trees
Flying debris, which turns dead limbs into projectiles
Heavy rain, which weighs down already stressed branches
Combine that with fast-growing trees in our subtropical climate, and it’s easy to see how even a healthy-looking tree can become a liability.
Helpful Link:
Check out the National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness Guide for timing and storm tracking tips.
Signs a Tree Could Be Dangerous
Not sure if a tree in your yard is a ticking time bomb? Here’s what to watch for:
1. Leaning or Tilting
If your tree is leaning significantly—and it wasn’t before—it could mean the root system is failing. This is especially risky during heavy rains or strong winds.
2. Dead or Hanging Branches
If you see brittle limbs or branches with no leaves, they’re dead and will fall eventually. Storm winds just make it happen faster.
3. Cracks in the Trunk or Branches
Cracks or splits are signs of stress. These areas are often where trees fail during storms.
4. Root Issues
Mushrooms growing at the base of the tree, heaving soil, or visible surface roots can mean the tree is unstable.
5. Trees Close to Your Home
Even if they look healthy, large trees too close to your roof or power lines are a major storm risk.
What Makes Trees More Vulnerable During Storms
Florida trees take a beating. But it’s not always the storm itself that causes a tree to fall—it’s years of untrimmed limbs, disease, or structural imbalance that weaken the tree until a strong wind finishes the job.
Some of the most common storm-vulnerable trees in Florida include:
Laurel Oaks – fast-growing, short-lived, and prone to internal rot
Bradford Pears – notorious for splitting under wind pressure
Pines – tall, slender, and top-heavy
Silver Maples – softwood trees that lose limbs frequently
Regular maintenance can make all the difference.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until After the Storm
We get it—tree work often ends up on the “maybe later” list. But here’s what we see every year:
A homeowner puts off removing a questionable tree.
A storm hits.
That tree falls—on the roof, car, or fence.
Cleanup is expensive, insurance might not cover it, and the stress skyrockets.
Important Note:
Some insurance providers deny storm damage claims if they determine the tree was dead or hazardous beforehand. Regular inspections and maintenance prove you were proactive.
How We Help You Storm-Proof Your Trees
At All Your Way Tree Service, we provide comprehensive pre-storm assessments to help you catch risks before they become emergencies.
Our Storm Preparation Service Includes:
Visual Inspection of all trees for health and stability
Trimming of weak or overgrown branches
Hazardous Tree Removal (when needed)
Debris Clean-Up so loose limbs don’t become projectiles
Documentation of the work completed for your insurance records
When to Call an Emergency Tree Service
Even with prep, sometimes nature just wins. If a storm hits and you have a downed tree or dangerous limb, you don’t want to wait.
Call us if:
A tree or branch is on your roof
Limbs are blocking your driveway or road
You see dangling branches after high winds
A tree appears unstable or has shifted
We offer fast, local Emergency Tree Services in Valrico and beyond.
Free Resources to Learn More
Want to learn more about how storms affect trees and how to handle storm prep like a pro? These free resources are great places to start:
UF/IFAS Storm-Damaged Trees Recovery Guide
Arbor Day Foundation Tree Storm Prep & Recovery Tips
FEMA Tree Maintenance & Wind-Resistant Landscaping Tips
All offer science-based, Florida-appropriate advice that can help you stay ahead of the season.
Real Talk from a Local Homeowner
“Last year, I had a huge limb fall off an oak during a summer storm. It crushed my fence and barely missed my screened patio. I thought the tree looked fine before—but now I won’t wait. All Your Way Tree Service came out and walked my yard with me. They explained everything and trimmed the rest before the next storm. No issues since.”— Melissa T., Valrico, FL
How Often Should You Check Your Trees?
In Florida, especially in Hillsborough County, it’s a good idea to have your trees professionally assessed at least once a year—and especially before storm season starts in June.
Even if you don’t suspect any issues, a quick look by a certified arborist could help you avoid thousands in damage later.
Common Tree Myths That Get People in Trouble
Let’s bust a few common myths that cost Florida homeowners every year:
Myth: “It’s hurricane season, so tree trimming is dangerous. ”Truth: When done right, pre-storm trimming is safer than letting nature decide what to cut.
Myth: “My tree looks fine—I’ll wait. ”Truth: Many hazardous trees look perfectly healthy on the outside.
Myth: “If a tree falls, insurance will cover it. ”Truth: Not always—especially if it was deemed a known hazard beforehand.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for the Wind to Decide
We say it every year: the best time to deal with a dangerous tree is before a storm makes the decision for you. If you’re unsure about a tree on your property—or know for a fact one’s been bothering you—it’s time.
Let’s walk your yard together, identify potential risks, and take action while the skies are still clear.
Let’s Storm-Proof Your Property—Together
At All Your Way Tree Service, we’ve seen it all—and helped homeowners all over Valrico, Seffner, and Hillsborough County stay ahead of the storm.
We don’t wait until it’s too late—and neither should you.
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