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Storm damage · Hurricanes
Hurricane Tree Cleanup
After a hurricane, the trees that matter first are the ones on houses, across driveways and on lines. Everything else can wait for crews to become available and for the county's debris pickup to start.
Call availability varies by area and time of day. Calls are answered by an independent tree service provider.
What to deal with first
Sort the damage into three groups and call in that order.
- Act now
A tree is on an occupied house or blocking the only way out
Call for emergency removal now.
- Act now
A tree is on a power line
Call the utility. Stay away.
- This week
Limbs are hanging broken in the crown over a walkway or roof
Keep people away and schedule removal.
- Plan it
Trees are down in the yard, away from structures
Wait for crews and the debris program.
- This week
A tree is leaning but standing
Have it inspected. Some can be saved.
Hazards you might not see
Hangers
Broken limbs caught in the crown can fall days later.
Root plates
An uprooted tree's root plate can tip back upright when the trunk is cut.
Spring poles
Small trees bent under a fallen trunk can snap back violently.
Downed lines in debris
Wires can be buried in branches.
Generator fumes
Never run a generator in a garage or near open windows.
How curbside debris pickup works
After declared disasters, many counties and cities run curbside debris collection, often reimbursed by FEMA. Residents are typically asked to put debris at the curb in separate piles: vegetative debris, construction debris, appliances and hazardous waste.
Debris should not block storm drains, fire hydrants or mailboxes, and should not be stacked under power lines or against trees. Programs usually set a deadline after which they stop collecting.
Tree companies hired privately may haul debris themselves or move it to the curb for the county. Ask which they will do.
How common Gulf and Atlantic trees fare
| Tree | Hurricane behavior | Common damage |
|---|---|---|
| Live oak | Very wind-firm | Some limb loss; rarely uprooted |
| Sabal palm | Very wind-firm | Fronds stripped; trunk usually stands |
| Laurel and water oak | Poor | Trunk breaks and uprooting |
| Slash and loblolly pine | Moderate to poor | Snapped trunks |
| Queen palm | Poor | Snapped trunks, especially when overtrimmed |
Spotting storm-chaser tree crews
- Door-to-door offers right after the storm
- Legitimate companies are usually busy with their own customers.
- Pressure to sign immediately
- Especially assignment of benefits forms handing over your insurance claim.
- Large payment up front
- Pay deposits only to companies you have verified.
- No local address
- Ask for a local business license and proof of insurance.
- Out-of-state plates
- Not proof of fraud, but a reason to check carefully.
How a hurricane cleanup job runs
Make the site safe
Hanging limbs and leaning trees are dealt with first.
Remove trees from structures
Lifted off and the roof tarped.
Clear access
Driveways and paths opened.
Process debris
Cut to length for the curb or hauled away.
Assess survivors
Damaged trees are evaluated for pruning or removal later.
Not every damaged tree has to go
After big storms, healthy trees are sometimes removed in the rush. A live oak that lost a few limbs, or a palm stripped of fronds, may recover completely. Trees that should come out are those with split trunks, more than half the crown lost, or exposed and broken roots.
If unsure, wait until urgent work is done and have the tree looked at. See can a storm-damaged tree be saved?.
Hurricane cleanup questions
Does FEMA pay to remove trees from private property?
Generally FEMA reimburses local governments for public debris programs. Individual assistance may cover some removal for uninsured homeowners in specific circumstances.
How soon can a tree company come after a hurricane?
Trees on occupied homes are first. Yard trees may wait days or weeks after a major storm.
Can I put tree debris at the curb myself?
Yes, following the county's sorting and placement rules.
Should I trim my trees before hurricane season?
Removing dead limbs and weak trees helps. Over-thinning live crowns does not. See storm preparation pruning.
Where do I start with trees on cars and lines?
Trees on lines go to the utility first; see tree removal near power lines. For vehicles, see tree on car removal.
Need a crew to look at it today?
Call and describe what the tree is on and whether lines are involved. You are connected with an independent tree company that handles urgent work in your area.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day