Welcome to
The Pro's Corner
A collection of short articles focused on storm prep and hurricane readiness in Florida. These are not meant to be how-to articles, so be sure to contact a professional before trying big projects.
A Florida Native's Guide to Hurricane Prep
By Steven Kelly, Florida Native - 44 years
May 2025
Doing Nothing is the Worst Possible Choice
The Gulf Coast has experienced incredible growth, and with it, a wave of new residents. Many newcomers haven’t lived through a hurricane and may not realize the necessary precautions to brace for the storm. But as a Florida native, I can tell you this: Florida doesn’t play around when it comes to hurricane season.Every year, these storms are growing stronger, moving faster, and hitting harder. If you think waiting until the last minute to prepare is going to cut it, think again. When winds hit triple digits and the streets start flooding, it’s too late to call for help. I’ve been hunkered down during numerous hurricanes when news reports confirm that all services are suspended. That includes emergency response—forget about a plumber or tree removal company. You will wish you had called a professional for a storm-readiness inspection before the storm.
The Trick to a Good Defense is a Strong Offense
While your roof seems like your first line of defense, you can expand your protective perimeter by cutting back heavy branches that overhang your home. Dead, dying, or diseased branches can fall like missiles, damaging your property. Leaves can back up your gutters and flood your foundation. My point is simple: hurricane prep isn’t optional. It’s survival.
Here are some of the things you can do to prepare your home for the next storm:
Trees: Dead limbs, overhanging branches, and root-unstable trees are a major threat. Don’t just eyeball it—get a pro on-site.
Gutters & Drains: Clogged gutters and poor drainage are a fast track to roof leaks, flooded crawlspaces, and thousands in water damage.
Loose Debris: That "yard art" becomes shrapnel when the wind gets going. Secure or remove anything not bolted down.
Fencing: All fence posts should be anchored in concrete and the panels should be properly braced/ fasted. If not, they become a liability.
Water Flow: Poor grading or drainage around your foundation can lead to costly damage. Water always finds a way—and usually it’s into your house.
Get a Free Storm-Readiness Inspection
Your home is your sanctuary, your family's refuge, and your greatest financial asset. In the case of Floridians, that just happens to be in the path of Nature's fury. While insurance checks can replace most things, they can't replace your family's health and peace of mind.Unless you really know what you're doing, it's best to consult a professional before taking on big jobs. A decent-sized branch cut the wrong way can kill you. The good news is that most reputable tree service companies will offer a free quote.A quick Google search will show you a couple good options. I recommend Storm Prepperz for a few good reasons:
They respond super fast.
They don't limit their scope to trees- they also inspect drains, gutters, fence posts, lose debris, water flow, wind hazards, etc.
They're locals who know exactly what Florida storms are like.
An inspector arrives on-site, by appointment, within 24 hours.
The person they send is professional and courteous.
For no charge whatsoever, this company will walk your property, point out vulnerabilities, and give you an honest action plan—no pressure to sign a contract and no surprise bill. Just sound advice from people who know what they're talking about.
Pro Tip: Storm Prepperz also offers flexible payment options and special discounts for veterans, first responders, linemen, seniors, and single parents.
Public Service Announcement
Your homeowner's insurance requires that you take any necessary precautions to protect your property.
If they can prove that you neglected to perform preventative maintenance, they can lawfully deny your claim.
That could mean you're paying out of pocket for potentially everything!
What would you do if you lost your home to a storm and your insurance company abandoned you?Ask yourself-
"Can I swing that?"
Why Regular Trimming Could Save Your Home (and Your Wallet)
The Hidden Dangers of Overgrown Trees
by- Lee H., Palm Harbor, FL
Licensed Arborist, 4/2025
That gorgeous oak in your yard might look majestic, but during hurricane season, it can turn into a 2-ton wrecking ball with roots. Overgrown trees are one of the most overlooked threats to your home—and they’re responsible for millions in property damage every year in Florida alone. Just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s safe.When was the last time you had your trees inspected by someone other than that one know-it-all neighbor with an electric chainsaw and a YouTube account?You cannot underestimate the immediate dangers overgrown trees pose to your home, vehicles, lawn- even your neighbor's property. That's right- if debris from your unkept trees damages your neighbor's property, you can be held responsible for the damages. This money won't come from insurance companies, it'll have to be paid out-of-pocket.
What Makes Overgrown Trees So Dangerous?
Weak or Dead Limbs: These snap off in heavy winds, smashing windows, fences, cars, and sometimes people.
Overextended Branches: Especially ones hanging over your home, driveway, or power lines—prime targets for hurricane-force winds.
Unbalanced Tree Growth: Can lead to top-heavy trees that are more likely to uproot in soggy soil.
Encroaching Roots: Overgrown trees aren’t just a canopy problem. Roots can disrupt foundations, break pipes, and destroy driveways.
Think of tree trimming like a haircut—skip it for too long, and eventually it gets out of control, looks terrible, and costs more to fix.
Why Regular Tree Trimming Makes Sense
Aside from the obvious safety factor, trimming your trees:
Reduces insurance risk and premiums
Boosts curb appeal and property value
Improves tree health (yes, they can get sick too)
Letting branches fester until they snap is like never changing your car's oil—sooner or later, something’s going to blow. And just like oil changes- tree maintenance is not optional, it's mandatory.
We All Need a Little Love Sometimes
Common Tree Species in St. Petersburg and How to Care for Them
by- Lee H., Palm Harbor, FL
Licensed Arborist, 4/2025
Hey there, fellow St. Pete residents! If you're anything like me, you probably appreciate the lush greenery that makes our city so beautiful. From shady oaks to vibrant palms, trees are a big part of what makes St. Petersburg feel like home. But with our unique climate and occasional wild weather (hello, hurricane season!), knowing which trees thrive here and how to care for them is super important.So, let's chat about some of the common tree species you'll see around St. Petersburg and get you clued in on how to keep them happy and healthy. Because healthy trees not only look great but are also much more resilient when those Florida storms roll in!Speaking of being prepared, this article is sponsored by Storm Prepperz. Have you thought about getting your trees ready for hurricane season? It's something we take seriously here in Forida, Storm Prepperz even has a handy checklist to help you out.
Live oaks (Quercus\ virginiana) and laurel oaks (Quercus\ laurifolia) are prominent features of the St. Pete landscape, each with its own distinct characteristics. The majestic live oak is a symbol of the South, renowned for its incredible longevity and impressive stature. These trees are typically wider than they are tall, with massive, sprawling branches that can create a canopy that's double the width of the tree's height. This broad, low-hanging canopy is what provides such exceptional shade, a cherished attribute in Florida's intense heat.The leaves are small, thick, and leathery with a dark green, glossy upper surface, and they are considered evergreen, as the tree retains its leaves until new growth appears in the spring. Live oaks have a deeply furrowed, reddish-brown bark that becomes rougher with age. Their wood is strong and highly resistant to decay, which is why they are so resilient and can live for hundreds of years, often over 300. This strength also makes them more resistant to the high winds of hurricanes.In contrast, the laurel oak is a faster-growing tree with a shorter lifespan, typically living only 50 to 70 years. While it also offers good shade, its growth habit is different. Laurel oaks tend to be taller and have a more symmetrical, oval-shaped canopy that is not as broad as a live oak's. Their leaves are thinner and shinier, and they are considered semi-evergreen, as they shed their leaves in the early spring just before new ones emerge.The bark of a young laurel oak is relatively smooth and dark gray, developing only shallow fissures as the tree ages, unlike the live oak's deeply furrowed bark. Because of its fast growth rate, the wood of a laurel oak is weaker and more susceptible to decay, which can make it more prone to damage during strong storms. While both trees are native to Florida and are a vital part of the local ecosystem, these key differences in their structure, lifespan, and resilience can make a significant difference when choosing a tree for a residential landscape.
Care Tips: Generally, oaks are pretty self-sufficient once established. However, regular tree trimming can help maintain their shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. This is especially important for younger trees to encourage good structure. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. If you're concerned, it's always best to consult with a local St. Petersburg tree care professional. Mature oaks usually don't need a lot of fertilization, but a soil test can tell you if anything is lacking.
A Sunshine State Staple: The Palm Tree
From the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic, palm trees are an undeniable symbol of Florida. They define our landscapes, provide a sense of tropical paradise, and are a source of pride for homeowners and communities alike. However, their beauty and resilience are not a given; they require careful and consistent maintenance, especially for residents on the Gulf Coast where hurricane season is a significant annual concern.Florida's palm population is incredibly varied, featuring both native and introduced species that thrive in our unique climate. The state's official tree, the Cabbage Palm (sabal/ palmetto), is a native icon known for its hardiness and ability to withstand strong winds. It is a staple in landscapes for its tall, smooth trunk and dense crown of fan-shaped fronds. Other common palms include the elegant Royal Palm (roystonea/ regia) with its distinctive bulging, smooth trunk and the classic Coconut Palm (cocos\ nucifera), which immediately evokes a beachside atmosphere. The Foxtail Palm (Wodyetia/ bifurcata) is another popular choice, recognizable by its bushy, full fronds that resemble a fox's tail.While palms are built to endure, they are not immune to the stresses of a tropical environment. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring their health and structural integrity, which becomes critically important when a hurricane threat looms. Here's what every Florida resident needs to know:
Care Tips: Palm tree care in St. Petersburg mostly involves proper pruning. Avoid over-pruning, which can actually stress the tree. Focus on removing dead or yellowing fronds. Also, be cautious about DIY trimming on your taller palms – it can be dangerous, and you might accidentally damage the tree. For hurricane and storm readiness in St. Pete, proper palm pruning can help reduce wind resistance, but it's a delicate balance. If you're unsure, give a local Florida expert a call.
Healthy Trees = Healthy People
Caring for your trees is an investment in the beauty and safety of your property. By understanding the needs of these common St. Petersburg tree species, you can help them flourish for years to come. And when it comes to ensuring your trees are ready to weather any storm coming to Tampa Bay, remember that proactive hurricane preparation is key. Don't wait until the last minute – reach out to your local tree trimming and storm prep company.Thanks for reading, I hope you got a little something from this. If there are topics you would like us to write about drop us a note. We will credit you in the article if we do. Professional industry workers are welcome to submit content.Stay safe, friends!