Hire a qualified tree professional, and be careful working on your own
Qualified tree professionals should be identified before they are hired to cut and clear trees for a fee after a storm. Though individuals may possess tree maintenance equipment, residents still should be cautious, especially if the offer comes with a fee.
University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has some valuable tips to help guide residents through the process to restore their property safely.
First, hire a tree care professional. These experts have the necessary equipment and insurance to take down trees in open areas and remove dead or hazardous limbs.
Situations that require advanced training are best handled by arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA-certified arborists are qualified to remove a leaning tree or broken limb that is near a potential target, such as your home. They can reach limbs that require climbing, possibly restore a damaged tree to save it, and prune to promote good structure.
Before conducting any tree work, be sure to check if a permit is needed by visiting the Tree Resources page.
Use These Questions to Help You Find a Qualified Arborist:
Are you insured for property damage, personal liability, and worker's compensation?
If you hire an uninsured company, you may be held responsible for medical bills and lost wages for injured workers.
Are you certified by the International Society of Arboriculture?
Being certified requires professional experience and knowledge of the best techniques in the industry. Arborists attend training courses and continuing education classes to learn the latest research.
Do you follow ANSI Z133.1 and ANSI A300 guidelines?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) prints these two guidelines, with which all tree care professionals should be familiar. ANSI Z133.1 represents safety standards for tree care operations in the United States. ANSI A300 represents the best management practices in the industry for pruning and other tree-care operations.
Estimates: What are the procedures involved, equipment used, price, and time frame?
Get more than one written estimate. Keep in mind that specialized equipment, qualified skills, and insurance will cost more. Good tree work is worth the additional investment; poor work may cost more in the long run.
Doing It Yourself? Stay Safe!
Homeowners can get seriously injured doing their own tree work. It is always a good idea to consult a professional before undertaking any major restoration or removal. Professional tree workers are required by law to wear personal protective equipment: hard hat, gloves, goggles, chaps, and appropriate footwear. If you decide to do some of the cleanup yourself, remember to follow these guidelines:
Do not use a chain saw if you are not experienced in operating it or you are not physically fit.
If you must use a chain saw, work only on the ground.
Never do any tree work that involves felling trees, climbing of any kind, or using ropes. Get a professional to help you with these situations.
Only qualified line-clearance arborists are allowed to work near electrical lines.
Call the power company to report tree limbs that have fallen on a power line.
Assume all power lines are energized and do not touch. Improper use of generators may energize lines without warning.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert. For the latest emergency-related information visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information and helpline.