ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Hurricanes and tropical storms hit Florida almost every year, often causing extensive damage to landscapes including trees, but homeowners can easily make trees more resistant.
Chris Hayes likes to refer to himself as a tree surgeon, and after 12 years in the business, it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two.
An important focus Hayes says is trimming and the removal of dead or broken limbs.
The man responsible for that task is climber Xavier. Watching the skill that it requires and the danger that it presents, it’s no wonder that tree climbing and cutting is recognized as one of the most dangerous industries, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Before any cutting begins, Hayes always identifies which trees need attention.
“On certain trees, especially laurel oaks, you want to remove anything that could fall,” Hayes said, pointing to a huge yellowing, crinkled leaf covered branch.
Then there are trees that are sick due to disease, root damage or animal activity, all of which can severely weaken a tree.
“Termites, insects, or like a racoon inside your tree means there’s a large area inside the tree, so the wood can be compromised, and the tree can crack, fall right on your house,” Hayes said.
Hayes says, though, the worst thing someone can do is go overboard, such as over-trimming, which can severely impact a tree’s ability to gather light and thrive.
“If the tree can’t photosynthesize because you’ve removed 20% of the side of the tree, that’s just less light that the tree is taking in,” he said.
Hayes also wants homeowners to be conscious about potentially removing trees that don’t need to go, as they can serve as wind screens and block flying debris.
“When you’re considering removing a tree, try not to overreact. Use common sense,” he said.
As for bracing, Hayes says to make sure the brace can yield to the movement of the tree.
“They either have to be put on so they can self-adjust or you’re going to have to have the tree service back out to adjust so it doesn’t bite into the tree,” he said.
Lastly, Hayes says to avoid using anything metal as it’s damaging to the tree.