Before the Storm: Why Tree Inspections Are a Florida Must-Do
- Conrad Tree
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
TLDR:
Hurricane season in Florida is no joke. If your trees aren’t ready, your home may be at serious risk. Tree inspections identify weak limbs, diseased trunks, and structural hazards before storms hit. In this blog, we’ll walk through what a pre-hurricane tree inspection includes, how it helps protect your property, and how Conrad Tree Service can give you peace of mind before the next storm rolls in.
It only takes one storm to change everything. In Florida, hurricane season isn’t just a headline — it’s a full-on event that rolls in every year with wind, rain, and unpredictability. And while you may be stocking up on batteries, gas, and bottled water, have you looked up at the trees in your yard lately?
Trees may look healthy and strong, but hidden issues can turn them into ticking time bombs once the wind starts howling. One falling limb or uprooted trunk can damage roofs, cars, power lines — and lives. That’s why tree inspections before hurricane season aren’t just helpful — they’re essential.
What Is a Tree Inspection, Anyway?
A tree inspection is a professional assessment of the health and structural integrity of the trees on your property. But it’s not just a glance from the driveway. At Conrad Tree Service, we conduct thorough, on-site evaluations led by Certified Arborists, trained to identify hidden problems before they become disasters.
What’s Included in a Hurricane-Season Tree Inspection:
Root zone analysis: Looking for signs of decay, fungus, poor drainage, or shallow root systems that could cause a tree to uproot.
Trunk and bark examination: Identifying cracks, cavities, disease, or insect damage that weakens structural integrity.
Canopy assessment: Checking for dead, hanging, or overcrowded branches that are more likely to snap in high winds.
Species-specific risk review: Some tree types (like laurel oaks) are more prone to storm damage than others. We evaluate each tree accordingly.
Proximity check: We assess the tree’s distance from your house, garage, power lines, and fences to determine risk levels.
Recommendations: We provide a clear, no-fluff breakdown of necessary pruning, bracing, removal, or other services to help storm-proof your property.
How Tree Inspections Reduce Storm Damage Risk
Most hurricane-related property damage caused by trees is 100% preventable. That's right — dead limbs, unstable trunks, and overgrown canopies don’t stand a chance against 75+ mph winds. Tree inspections allow you to address risks before they’re ripped apart by a storm.
Think of it like this: Would you ignore a slow leak in your roof before a downpour? Of course not. The same applies to your trees.
With a proactive inspection from Conrad Tree Service, you can:
Prevent falling limbs from damaging your roof or windows
Avoid costly cleanup from uprooted trees
Minimize power outages caused by downed branches on lines
Keep your neighbors — and their insurance companies — happy
Ask Yourself This:
If a hurricane hit tomorrow, would your trees be ready?If the answer is “I’m not sure,” then it’s time to book a professional tree inspection.
Why Conrad Tree Service Is Ocala’s Trusted Choice
We’re not just tree guys — we’re Florida locals who’ve seen firsthand what hurricanes can do to unprepared properties. Since 1971, Conrad Tree Service has been helping homeowners across Ocala and Marion County protect what matters most with expert tree care backed by ISA-Certified Arborists, state-of-the-art equipment, and decades of storm experience.
Our team handles:
Residential, commercial, and municipal tree inspections
Preventive pruning and tree trimming
Tree removal and emergency response services
Arborist reports and consulting
We don’t believe in scare tactics or pushy upsells. Just honest, professional service from a team that knows how to spot problems before they become catastrophes.
When Should You Schedule Your Tree Inspection?
Ideally, before hurricane season begins — which starts every year on June 1 and runs through November 30 in Florida. But if we’re already in the season and your trees haven’t been inspected? Don’t wait.
Mid-season is better than post-disaster.
FAQ: Pre-Hurricane Tree Inspections
Q: How long does a tree inspection take?
A: It depends on the number and size of trees on your property, but most residential inspections take about 30-60 minutes.
Q: Can I do it myself?
A: You can look for obvious signs of decay or damage, but many issues are internal or high up in the canopy — places only a trained eye (and proper equipment) can reach safely.
Q: What if a tree needs to be removed?
A: We’ll explain your options, handle any necessary permits, and remove the tree safely, including stump grinding if needed.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Tree inspections start at a modest cost depending on property size and number of trees. It’s a small price compared to the cost of storm damage repairs.
4 Hidden Tree Hazards You Might Miss Without an Inspection
Hollow trunks – These can look completely normal on the outside but collapse in high winds.
Overextended limbs – Long, unbalanced branches are more prone to break.
Invasive root rot – Fungal decay at the base can cause sudden tree failure.
Bark cracks and seams – Indications of past stress or structural weakening that can worsen during storms.
You’d never guess some of these issues exist until it’s too late — that’s why we always recommend a thorough inspection before storm season.
Storm-Proof Your Property — Starting with the Trees
Homeowners often think about shutters, sandbags, and generators during hurricane season, but tree maintenance is often overlooked — until it’s too late.
Prevention always costs less than repairs. And when it comes to trees, inspections are your best line of defense.
Let Conrad Tree Service help you prepare your landscape for whatever this year’s hurricane season brings.
Ready to schedule your tree inspection?
Call Conrad Tree Service today at 1(352) 867-1123 or visit us online at www.conradtree.com to request a quote or consultation. Let’s keep your trees strong and your property safe this storm season.
Sources:
Florida Division of Emergency Management - Hurricane Prep
University of Florida IFAS Extension: Trees and Hurricanes
ISA – International Society of Arboriculture
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