TAMPA — Hurricanes can have a lasting impact on trees and their ecosystems.
The effects of high winds, rain, and flooding are still visible from Maria Morales’ doorstep in Sulphur Springs after back-to-back hurricanes.
“Look at the mess,” said Morales.
Trees toppled over onto roofs, cars, and homes.
According to CoreLogic, the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida is estimated to be between $21 billion and $34 billion, with insured losses ranging from $17 billion to $28 billion.
“This area got hit relatively hard,” Tom Conte, a certified arborist and general manager of Mid-Florida Tree Service, said. “This is the worst one out of my 54-year career.”
Conte’s team is removing a tree that fell on this home. It took down power lines and damaged water meters.
“We’re taking things out of people’s living rooms. This is one of the more tricky ones,” said Conte.
While they remove broken trees, they’re also checking on the health of others.
”I always was fascinated by why these trees come down. A lot of people don’t understand that there is a difference between a healthy tree and a structurally sound tree,” said Conte.
Conte says tree services are in great demand at the moment, especially since hurricane season isn't over yet.
Meanwhile, Morales says cleaning up after each storm has become expensive.
“I just don’t like the trees coming down,” said Morales.
Getting to the root of the problem, if any, is what Conte says arborists are for.
He recommends that homeowners consult these professionals to help minimize future damage. The tree industry is regulated by law. Homeowners and arborists are required to take photos to justify the removal of any tree.