Living in Jacksonville, FL, means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year—but it also means preparing for strong winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes. When a storm passes, it often leaves behind more than just rain puddles. Homeowners may face broken branches, uprooted trees, leaning palms, or even fallen trunks across driveways, fences, or roofs.
Knowing what to do immediately after a storm can protect your safety, minimize damage, and help you restore your property quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for homeowners on handling storm damage in your yard.
Prioritize Safety First
Before checking the extent of the damage, make sure your property is safe to enter. Storms can leave behind hidden hazards that aren’t always obvious at first glance.
- Avoid downed power lines. If any trees or branches have fallen on electrical wires, do not touch them. Call your utility provider right away.
- Watch for unstable trees. A tree that is leaning, cracked, or partially uprooted may still fall without warning.
- Check for structural damage. Inspect your home, fence, or shed before moving around your yard.
Never attempt to climb a damaged tree or use chainsaws around unstable branches without the right training and equipment.
Document the Damage
Once it’s safe, take photos and videos of the damage before you start any cleanup. These records are valuable if you need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.
- Photograph fallen trees and broken limbs.
- Capture wide shots of your yard along with close-ups of damage to structures.
- Include time and date stamps if possible.
Proper documentation ensures you have proof for insurance adjusters and can help speed up the claim process.
Clear Small Debris
While you should leave large tree removal to professionals, homeowners can handle some light cleanup. Clearing small debris can reduce hazards and make your yard more accessible.
- Pick up twigs, small branches, and leaves from your lawn, driveway, and walkways.
- Bag debris according to your local yard waste guidelines.
- Avoid stacking wet branches near your house, as they can attract pests.
Remember: Do not attempt to cut or move large limbs, especially those tangled in power lines or leaning on structures.
Inspect Your Trees
Storms can weaken trees even if they look fine at first glance. Check for:
- Cracked branches that may still be hanging, but could fall later.
- Split trunks, which indicate serious structural damage.
- Uprooted roots or soil heaving around the base of the tree.
- Leaning trees that weren’t leaning before the storm.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call a certified arborist or tree service professional. They can assess whether the tree can be saved with pruning and cabling, or if removal is the safest option.
Avoid DIY Tree Removal
After a storm, many homeowners are tempted to grab a chainsaw and start cutting. However, storm-damaged trees can be extremely dangerous. Tension in bent or hanging branches can cause them to snap unexpectedly. Likewise, cutting the wrong section of a leaning tree can make it fall in an unpredictable direction.
Professional tree service companies in Jacksonville, like All State Tree & Turf, have the right equipment—cranes, stump grinders, and safety gear—to handle large removals without putting you or your property at risk.
Call in Professionals for Major Damage
If a storm leaves behind uprooted trees, fallen trunks, or branches blocking driveways and roofs, you’ll need professional help. Certified arborists can:
- Remove dangerous branches safely.
- Use crane-assisted removal for large trees near homes or power lines.
- Grind stumps to clear space for new landscaping.
- Provide emergency storm recovery services 24/7.
In hurricane-prone areas, working with a trusted tree service in Jacksonville, FL, ensures your yard is restored quickly and safely.
Plan for Future Storm Resilience
Once the immediate cleanup is done, think ahead. Preparing your yard before the next storm can minimize future damage.
- Schedule regular tree trimming. Removing weak or overhanging branches reduces the chance of them breaking during high winds.
- Remove hazardous trees early. Don’t wait until a storm exposes problems.
- Plant wind-resistant species. Some Florida-native trees are better suited to withstand hurricanes.
- Work with a certified arborist. They can evaluate the health of your trees and recommend proactive care.
Preventive maintenance not only protects your property but also saves money on emergency services in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Storms can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps immediately after one hits your yard makes all the difference. Start by ensuring safety, documenting damage, and handling small debris. For major tree damage, always call in professionals with the proper expertise and equipment.
If you’re in Jacksonville and need help with storm recovery, tree trimming, or removal, All State Tree & Turf offers expert services to restore your property and prepare it for future storms. With certified arborists and advanced equipment, we ensure your trees—and your home—are in safe hands.
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