The beautiful canopy of trees that provides comforting shade from Florida’s scorching sun also can create serious hazards for Florida homeowners after a storm.

Stay Safe

Your safety should always be the priority. Stay clear of downed power lines and notify your power company immediately if you see one. Also, stay clear of unstable trees. A leaning, unstable, or partially damaged tree still poses a threat.

Document Everything and Contact Your Insurance Company

Next, document the damage thoroughly. Take clear notes, photos, and/or videos of the affected area(s) before making any temporary repairs or removals. Contact your homeowners insurance company as soon as possible if you need to report a claim.

Protect What You Can

Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage, if you can do so safely. For instance, if a tree falls and breaks a window, cover up the window to prevent rain from entering.

Understand Your Coverage Limits

Most policies provide limited coverage for tree removal if the tree falls on your home, fence, or other insured structures. But they typically do not provide coverage for trees that fall without causing damage to an insured structure or for the removal of debris from your yard alone.

Rely on Professionals

If you need assistance with your trees, never hire unlicensed contractors. Florida law requires tree service professionals to carry an Occupational License. It is important that the tree service company you hire also carries personal and property damage liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before work begins. Your insurer may recommend or approve specific vendors for debris removal.

Prompt reporting, thorough documentation, and the use of qualified professionals will help you navigate the claims process smoothly and protect your property investment.

How to Spot Potential Tree Problems

It’s important to look for signs of potential issues to prevent damage or further damage to your tree or the surrounding area. Always contact a professional arborist for assessment. Possible areas of concern include but aren’t limited to:

• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
• Hollow spaces and decay
• Trees that look one-sided or seem to lean significantly
• Branches hanging over or touching the roof
• Limbs close to or in contact with power lines (Contact your utility provider for assistance.)
• Mushrooms growing from the bark or roots
• V-shaped forks rather than U-shaped ones. V-shaped are more likely to split.
• Crossing branches that rub or interfere with one another

Have a certified arborist inspect all mature trees every few years to assess overall health and help mitigate any potential risks.

Good Pruning Habits

Similar to spotting potential rot, disease, and weakness in trees, maintaining good pruning habits also can help prevent many problems.  If you have concerns about what works best for the trees in your yard, contact a certified arborist or tree service for advice.

Help prevent future losses by scheduling regular tree maintenance, especially pruning large or diseased branches before hurricane season. Healthy trees are less likely to cause severe damage

For more information about your tree-related coverage, review your policy details or contact your Citizens agent to answer any questions you may have.