Big Storm Coming? The 10-Photo Insurance Checklist for Your Trees
- Oliver Owens
- Jan 9
- 4 min read
Pre-event documentation adjusters actually use—plus fast prep that reduces damage and speeds claims
When the forecast turns ugly over Seffner and the greater Tampa Bay area, you don’t have time to guess what to do with your trees. The right photos taken before the storm can save hours (and thousands) on the back end—because adjusters approve claims faster when they can see the “before” condition, the targets at risk, and your reasonable maintenance.
This is your plain-English, printable checklist: 10 photos to shoot, how to label them, where to store them, and what quick trims or tie-backs are worth doing before the wind arrives.
First, what insurers want to see (in one sentence)
You maintained your trees reasonably (no topping, no obvious neglect).
You documented pre-loss condition with dates and clear angles.
The damage you’re claiming is new and caused by the event.
Everything below is built to prove those three points.
The 10-Photo Checklist (shoot these 24–48 hours before landfall)
Use your phone. Turn on date/time stamping. Stand still, breathe, and take a steady shot. Name the album Storm_[YYYY-MM-DD]_Address.
Front elevation, wide
Shows the whole house and primary trees. Stand across the street.
Caption: “Front elevation—pre-storm overview.”
Rear elevation, wide
Shows pool cage, patio, and backyard trees.
Caption: “Rear elevation—pre-storm overview.”
Roof clearance
Closest limbs to shingles, valleys, or vents (aim for 6–10 ft clearance if previously trimmed).
Caption: “Roof clearance—no limb contact.”
Pool cage & screen panels
Any limbs within 12–24 inches of the cage. Include corner posts and beam connections.
Caption: “Pool cage—no-touch gap photographed.”
Driveway & vehicles zone
Hangers? Deadwood? Show the approach path.
Caption: “Drive lane—no hanging limbs over vehicles.”
Service drop / power line area
Photograph trees near the service drop; do not touch the lines.
Caption: “Service drop—vegetation proximity documented.”
Trunk bases & root flares (at least two trees)
Show stable, visible flares (no volcano mulch), no heaving soil.
Caption: “Root flare visible—no movement at base.”
Known defects already mitigated
Old pruning points, cabling/bracing hardware, or recent professional work.
Caption: “Maintenance per ANSI A300 completed [date].”
Outbuildings/fences
Trees that could fall toward sheds, fences, or neighbors.
Caption: “Property line exposure—pre-event condition.”
Serial numbers / high-value gear near trees
Pool pump panel, outdoor kitchen, HVAC—shoot the gear and its surroundings.
Caption: “Equipment condition & proximity to trees.”
Pro tip: if you had us prune recently, include a photo of the invoice header or our completion note in the album. Adjusters love seeing dates and ANSI language.
Quick pre-storm actions that matter (and ones that don’t)
Worth doing (fast, safe, realistic):
Move vehicles out from under big limbs.
Stack furniture and planters in the garage; lash what must stay outside.
Open gutters and drains so leaf litter doesn’t dam roof water.
Stage a tarp & 2×4s in the garage for emergency roof cover after impact.
Text us photos of any new hanger or cracked union. If it’s an immediate hazard, we’ll advise on Emergency Tree Service.
Skip these (common myths):
“Hurricane cuts” on palms. They weaken crowns when you need strength most. Keep crowns at/above 9 & 3 o’clock, remove brown fronds and fruit/flower stalks only.
Last-minute “topping.” Topping creates weak stubs that fail sooner. If clearance is truly needed, use reduction cuts to suitable laterals—or wait until after the event.
How to name, store, and share your evidence
Folder name: Storm_[YYYY-MM-DD]_Address
File names: 01_Front_Elevation.jpg … 10_Equipment_Area.jpg
Cloud backup: iCloud/Google Photos + one offline copy (USB).
Share pack: After the storm, create a subfolder AFTER with matching angles. Adjusters love before/after pairs.
Sample email to your insurer (copy/paste)
Subject: Claim Pre-Documentation – [Your Address], Storm [Name], [Date]
Hi [Adjuster Name], We live at [address]. Attached is our pre-storm photo set taken on [date] showing tree conditions and clearances (roof, pool cage, service drop). We maintain our trees to ANSI A300 (last professional pruning on [date]; invoice attached).After the storm, we will send matching after photos from the same angles and any emergency service documentation. Best, [Name] [Phone]
When to call for emergency help (and what we do first)
Call Emergency Tree Service immediately if you see:
A limb through the roof, a leaning tree, or limb on the service drop.
Hangers over driveways, front doors, or children’s play areas.
Pool cage strikes that have opened the structure.
Our first visit = stabilization: cones/spotters, temporary tarps if needed, removal of hangers blocking access, and site safety. We’ll return for full debris removal once the scene is safe and power is addressed.
Post-storm: the matching 10 photos (same angles, same order)
Revisit the list and shoot the exact angles again. Add three close-ups if applicable:
Impact point (roof/panel/fence)
Broken union (where the limb failed)
Ground impact path (direction of fall)
Drop these into AFTER and send the album link with invoice PDFs.
What “reasonable maintenance” looks like on paper
When we maintain your trees, your completion note typically includes language like:
“Pruned to ANSI A300. Crown cleaning; reduction cuts to suitable laterals restoring 6–10′ roof clearance, 7–8′ walkway headroom, ~13′ drive-lane clearance where feasible; 18–24″ building clearance. Palms: brown fronds + fruit/flower removed; crowns maintained at/above 9–3. Photos on file.”
That line alone answers half the adjuster’s questions.
FAQs
Do I need a pro before every storm?
No. Use this checklist. If you see hangers, fresh cracks, or limbs touching the roof/cage, call us.
Will insurers deny if I didn’t prune this year?
They look for neglect or pre-existing damage. Good documentation + evidence of reasonable care goes a long way.
Should I photograph neighbors’ trees that threaten my home?
Yes—stand on your property and take a wide shot noting the direction. It helps document external causes if their tree fails onto your fence or roof.
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