Post-Storm Tree Assessment

When powerful storms sweep through Ruskin and South Hillsborough County, they often leave behind a trail of destruction that can affect your property’s trees in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious. As a homeowner, knowing how to properly conduct a post-storm tree assessment can help prevent further damage, keep your family safe, and potentially save trees that might otherwise be lost.

At TJay’s Tree Service, we’ve helped countless homeowners throughout Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, and surrounding areas recover from storm damage. Our team specializes in emergency tree service, providing expert assessment and solutions when you need them most.

Understanding the Impact of Storm Damage on Your Trees

The high winds, heavy rain, and lightning that accompany Florida storms can compromise even the healthiest trees. Different tree species respond differently to these stresses, with some being more resilient than others. Understanding how storms affect trees is the first step in proper post-storm assessment.

Common Types of Tree Damage After a Major Storm

• Branch damage: Broken branches, cracked limbs, and stripped foliage
• Trunk damage: Splits, cracks, or wounds in the main trunk
• Root damage: Exposed or severed roots, leaning trees, or soil heaving
• Canopy damage: Thinned or uneven canopy, loss of major limbs
• Total failure: Completely uprooted trees or snapped trunks

“After Hurricane Irma, we had several large branches hanging over our roof. TJ and his crew responded quickly and removed the hazards before they could cause any damage to our home. Their emergency response was professional and efficient.” – Apollo Beach Homeowner

The Critical First 24-48 Hours: Safety First Approach

The period immediately following a storm is crucial for proper tree assessment. However, safety must always be your top priority when evaluating storm-damaged trees.

Before You Begin Your Post-Storm Assessment

1. Wait until conditions are safe – Never inspect trees during an active storm or when high winds are still present
2. Watch for downed power lines – Stay at least 50 feet away and contact your utility company immediately
3. Be alert for hanging branches – These “widow makers” can fall without warning
4. Check for leaning trees – They may indicate root damage and pose an immediate risk of falling
5. Document everything – Take photos and videos for insurance purposes before any tree cleanup begins

Essential Safety Precautions During Tree Inspection

• Wear appropriate protective gear (hard hat, closed-toe shoes, gloves)
• Work with a partner when possible
• Maintain a safe distance from severely damaged trees
• Avoid walking under damaged canopies or hanging branches
• Never attempt to remove branches entangled in power lines

How to Conduct a Thorough Post-Storm Tree Assessment

Once it’s safe to do so, follow these steps to properly assess your trees for storm damage:

Step 1: Map Your Property and Identify Immediate Hazards

Start by creating a simple map of your property, marking the location of each tree. Then identify any trees or branches that pose an immediate threat to people, buildings, vehicles, or utility lines:

• Broken hanging branches – These require immediate professional tree service
• Split trunks – Major splits in the main trunk often indicate the tree cannot be saved
• Leaning trees – Especially those larger than 6 inches in diameter that weren’t leaning before
• Lifted root plates – When you can see exposed roots or soil heaving around the base of the tree
• Trees touching power lines – Never attempt to remove these yourself

If you identify any of these immediate hazards, contact TJay’s Tree Service right away for emergency tree removal. Our 24/7 emergency response team is equipped to handle hazardous situations safely.

Step 2: Evaluate Overall Tree Damage

For trees without immediate hazards, assess the extent of damage:

Minor Damage (Generally Salvageable)

• Small broken branches
• Minor wounds where bark has been torn
• Less than 25% of the canopy damaged
• No major structural damage to the main trunk

Moderate Damage (May Be Salvageable)

• Several large broken branches
• 25-50% of the canopy damaged
• Wounds on the trunk but less than 25% of the bark circumference affected
• No signs of internal decay or structural weakness

Severe Damage (May Need Removal)

• More than 50% of the canopy destroyed
• Major limbs broken
• Split trunk or large wounds affecting more than 50% of the bark circumference
• Signs of internal decay exposed by breakage
• Leaning with root damage posing risks to your property

“TJay’s crew saved our 50-year-old oak after it lost several major branches in a storm. They expertly pruned the damaged areas and advised us on tree care to help promote recovery. Three years later, the tree is thriving again.” – Sun City Center Resident

Step 3: Document All Damage for Insurance and Professional Assessment

Before any cleanup or removal work begins:

1. Take photographs from multiple angles showing the full extent of damage to trees
2. Make a list of all affected trees and their locations on your property
3. Note specific damage for each tree (broken branches, trunk damage, leaning, etc.)
4. Mark hazardous trees with bright ribbon to ensure everyone stays clear

This documentation is invaluable for insurance claims and will help our arborists at TJay’s Tree Service assess your situation accurately when you call.

Common Post-Storm Tree Issues in Ruskin and South Hillsborough County

Florida’s unique climate and soil conditions create specific challenges for trees during storms. Here are some issues we commonly see in our community forestry work in the Ruskin area:

1. Root Failure in Saturated Soils

Our sandy soils can become quickly saturated during heavy rains, reducing their ability to anchor trees. This is especially common in:

• Recently planted trees (less than 2 years old)
• Trees with shallow root systems (like some palms and water oaks)
• Properties with high water tables

2. Wind-Related Canopy Damage

The strong directional winds common in our tropical storms and hurricanes can cause:

• Uneven canopy damage (more severe on the windward side)
• Branch breakage from wind stress
• Twisted branches that may not show damage immediately

3. Lightning Strikes

Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other state, and trees are frequent targets:

• Look for vertical splits down the trunk
• Strips of bark blown off from trunk to ground
• Burned or charred areas
• Sudden leaf wilting or browning after a storm with lightning

4. Ice Storm Damage (Rare but Severe When It Occurs)

While rare in our area, occasional winter storms can cause:

• Accumulated ice weight breaking branches
• Multiple branch failures throughout the canopy
• Damage to young trees that may compromise their future structure

When to Call a Professional Tree Service

While minor cleanup can often be handled by homeowners, certain situations require professional attention:

Call TJay’s Tree Service Immediately If:

• Trees or branches are in contact with power lines
• Large branches are hanging and could fall
• Leaning trees that weren’t leaning before the storm
• Trees have major trunk damage or splits
• Trees larger than 6 inches in diameter need removal
• You’re unsure about the structural integrity of a tree
• Any tree work requires climbing or chainsaw use
• You need debris disposal services after cleanup

“When a severe storm knocked down three trees in our backyard, TJ came out the same day to assess the situation. His team worked efficiently to remove the fallen trees and checked our other trees for hidden damage we wouldn’t have noticed. Their thoroughness potentially saved us from future problems.” – Wimauma Homeowner

The TJay’s Tree Service Difference: Our Post-Storm Assessment Process

When you call TJay’s Tree Service for post-storm assessment and emergency service, here’s what you can expect:

1. Rapid Response – We prioritize emergency situations and respond promptly
2. Professional Assessment – Our experienced team will thoroughly evaluate all storm-damaged trees
3. Clear Recommendations – We’ll explain which trees can be saved and which require removal
4. Detailed Estimate – You’ll receive a clear breakdown of costs with no hidden fees
5. Efficient Execution – Our well-equipped team works quickly to address hazards
6. Complete Cleanup – We leave your property clean and safe, including debris removal

With over 20 years of experience serving the Ruskin area, we understand the unique challenges Florida storms present to your trees. Our team is fully insured, and we offer a 10% military discount.

How to Mitigate Future Storm Damage to Your Trees

The best defense against severe storm damage is proactive tree care:

Year-Round Tree Maintenance to Minimize Risk of Storm Damage

• Regular pruning to remove weak or dead branches
• Crown thinning to reduce wind resistance during storms
• Proper mulching to promote healthy root development
• Cabling and bracing for structurally vulnerable trees
• Annual inspection by a certified arborist to identify potential issues before storms hit

Schedule a preventative tree care assessment with TJay’s Tree Service to help your trees better withstand the next storm.

Helping Your Trees Recover After Storm Damage

For trees that have sustained damage but can be saved, proper care is essential:

Post-Storm Recovery Care

• Proper pruning of damaged limbs to promote healing
• Soil management around the base of the tree to support root recovery
• Mulch application to retain moisture and reduce stress
• Monitoring for signs of decay or secondary problems
• Supplemental watering during dry periods to reduce stress

Our arborists can provide specific recommendations for your damaged trees based on their species, age, and the extent of damage.

Supporting Our Urban Forest After Major Storms

Storm damage doesn’t just affect individual properties—it impacts our entire community forestry. At TJay’s Tree Service, we’re committed to helping maintain and restore Ruskin’s urban forest after storms through:

• Responsible tree debris disposal and recycling
• Replanting recommendations to restore lost canopy
• Community education on storm preparedness for trees
• Support for local tree preservation efforts

Trust TJay’s Tree Service for Post-Storm Tree Care

When storms strike Ruskin and South Hillsborough County, having a trusted local tree service can make all the difference in protecting your property and preserving your valuable trees. At TJay’s Tree Service, we treat every customer like family, providing honest assessments and reliable service when you need it most.

Our team includes experienced arborists who understand the unique challenges of Florida’s storm season and can help you make informed decisions about your storm-damaged trees. We specialize in emergency tree removal, hazard assessment, and restoration pruning to help your landscape recover.

Don’t wait until minor storm damage becomes a major hazard. Contact TJay’s Tree Service today at (813) 492- 2744 for emergency tree service or to schedule a post-storm assessment of your property.