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Want to learn how to hurricane-proof homes? If you do it properly, it can help keep you safe, prevent expensive damage, and eliminate the need for costly repairs. 

Whether you’re new to hurricane country or are a seasoned veteran, there’s always something new to learn. If you’re wondering how to hurricane-proof your house, we’ve assembled a guide.

We’ll cover tips for both your interior and exterior. That way, when a hurricane hits, you’ll have a storm-proof house. Let’s get started!

1. Check Out the Roof

Have you been putting off a roof inspection? A loose shingle can wreak untold havoc once a hurricane hits. 

It may seem like a tiny thing. But hurricanes bring high winds, flying debris, and untold amounts of rain. All that rain, leaking into your home, can cause danger, damage, and stress.

Fix any loose shingles while you’re up on the roof. Even if you aren’t at risk for leaks, this will keep loose shingles from flying away. A hurricane will weaponize any loose debris, which means securing shingles will help keep everyone safe.

You should also consider hurricane straps. These galvanized steel supports help make sure your roof stays attached to the house frame. Experts don’t recommend installing these yourself.

Instead, hire professionals to do this part of hurricane proofing. It will pay off in the end when it comes to your safety and your home value!

2. Preparing Trees for Hurricanes 

If you’re wondering how to prepare trees for hurricanes, you’re not alone. This is an important step to make sure you, your home, and any passerby stay safe. 

Cut off any tree limbs that overhang your roof. They can shed leaves or pine needles, which can clog your gutters. This can result in disastrous leaks.

You should also monitor the health of your trees year-round. That way, you can cut down weak, rotting trees before they become an issue. 

It’s also important to keep your landscaping trimmed. Your goal when it comes to hurricane proofing is to reduce the number of flying objects that wind can lift.

3. Prepare Your Interior 

Many guides to hurricane-proof homes focus on the exterior. While boarding up windows and securing lawn furniture is important, remember to focus on the inside, too. 

You should always follow all evacuation orders. But whether you end up leaving town or sheltering in place, have a room prepared. 

Depending on the layout of your home, try to pick a small room with no windows. This will help keep you safe. You should also pick an upper-level room if that’s possible.

Place a table in the middle of the room, and pile any valuables on it. Make sure items are in a waterproof, fireproof box if possible. When you pile it on a table, this ensures items will stay dry even if your house begins to fill with water.

You should also stock this room with flashlights, candles, water bottles, snacks, blankets, and other items.

Hurricane-Proof Homes

Crafting hurricane-proof homes is an art form. It may feel like you need to plan for everything in advance. 

Make sure to take it one step at a time. If you’re looking for help to hurricane-proof your home, contact us today! We can help.

The nation’s oldest city has been recognized as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation since 1983.

The residents and administrators of St. Augustine pride themselves on this recognition. They strongly value the trees and their contribution to the beauty of the ancient city.

To preserve the beautiful landscapes encompassing the city, there are strict guidelines regarding tree removal. St. Augustine, FL, outlines these guidelines online and has severe penalties for violators of these statutes.

Consequently, many residents opt to hire a professional tree service. St. Augustine, FL, offers a variety of licensed professionals that can tackle the job.

However, for those interested in knowing a bit more about the tree removal process, we’ve outlined the necessary steps required to remove a tree in St. Augustine.

Tree Removal in St. Augustine, FL: Permit Requirements

St. Augustine trees with a trunk of 3 inches in diameter or greater require a permit to remove. Be sure to measure the tree trunk 4.5 feet from the ground to comply with the guidelines.

Any tree surpassing this size requires a building permit. This will require an application and site plan outlining nearby structures, site improvements, and tree credits.

Certain tree species, referred to as “Significant Trees,” require additional information such as an arborist report and review from the Zoning Board. You can find the list of tree species considered “Significant” outlined on page five of the Planning and Zoning application.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Equipment

Once you’ve obtained the necessary permit (if applicable), it’s time to remove your tree. However, safety should be your top priority, as removing a tree can be very dangerous.

Even if you’re doing light tree trimming, you should always be equipped with the proper safety gear. This should include eye protection, a hard hat, gloves, and hearing protection. Larger jobs may require rope guards, a safety harness, and safety chaps as well.

From there, you will need a chainsaw. Gas-powered chainsaws are typically more powerful, but electric chainsaws are still capable of handling lighter jobs. Regardless, make sure your chains are sharp to avoid kickback.

Step 2: Start With Your First Cut

With the tree on your left, cut approximately a quarter of the tree’s diameter at a 70-degree angle. The first cut should be made in the direction you want the tree to fall.

Step 3: Create the Notch

Now that you have a 70-degree vertical cut in the tree, you need to make a second cut horizontally. This cut should be made at the bottom of where your first cut ends. This will create a notch in the tree.

Step 4: Make the Felling Cut

Once you have the notch cut out of the tree, you need to move to the opposite end of the tree. Proceed to saw several inches horizontally. The goal is to saw just enough to insert a tree-felling wedge.

After that, insert the wedge and start sawing around it. Continue sawing until the tree is on the verge of falling. Once the tree begins to fall, step back in the opposite direction of the path of the tree.

Step 5: Stump Grinding

Once you’ve removed your tree, you’ll be left with a stump. There are several different home remedies for removing stumps.

Many people attempt to remove the stump by burning it or using chemicals. Although this may work for smaller stumps, larger stumps or hardwood stumps will require stump grinding. Stump grinding machines are expensive, so hiring a professional is typically your best option.

Tree Service in St. Augustine, FL: Hire the Pros

When it comes to tree removal, St. Augustine, FL, doesn’t make the process easy. You have to obtain permits through an extensive application process. Plus, certain tree species can make the process that much more difficult.

Your best option is hiring a professional tree service. St. Augustine, FL, offers a variety of skilled contractors that can handle the job quickly and efficiently.

If you’re looking for a professional tree service company, Affordable Tree and Landscape offers some of the most competitive pricing in the St. Johns county area. We’re licensed, insured, and have more than 20 years of experience. Be sure to contact us today, and let’s discuss your next project!

Are you looking to spruce up your St. Augustine yards?

We all know tree trimming and pruning are important to the health of our yards. But sometimes, if a tree dies, it needs removing. Or, it might get too close to your home, putting its structure in danger. If you’ve never faced this challenge, you might not know if you need a permit or not to remove it.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for our guide on permits for tree removal in St. Augustine FL.

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Over recent years, there have been changes to the rules regarding what Florida homeowners can do with trees on their property.

In the past, when regulations required a tree removal permit, Floria homeowners were in constant doubt as to whether or not they could remove dangerous plants from their property without getting in legal trouble.

A 2019 law has made moves to stop this confusion.

Now, homeowners have much more control over whether or not those overgrown trees come down or not. Tree removal in St. Augustine, FL, is our area of expertise – so we’ve done the research and collated everything you need to know about Florida tree removal. Read on to find out exactly what’s changed.

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When it comes to choosing the best tree service company for your tree’s needs, there’s a lot that you should take into consideration. Below, we will discuss what those things are and why they are important.

Are They Certified, Licensed, and Insured?

Working with a certified and accredited company is extremely important. Credentials from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) help customers by ensuring that they are choosing a company that is knowledgeable about the service they are providing. Those looking to gain credentials from the ISA have to go through advanced training, and often choose to pursue further professional development – meaning that they are up to date on information about their service…. (more…)

Are you looking for affordable landscaping and tree care? Are you in the St. Augustine area or any of the surrounding areas? Look no further – we’ve got you covered!

Why Should You Trust Us With Your Tree and Landscaping Needs?

Jack Leake, our owner, not only earned his degree in Forestry from the University of Tennessee but is also a certified arborist and has lived and worked in St. Augustine, Florida, for over 19 years. Meaning he knows his stuff about trees and landscaping and knows the area like the back of his hand. 

With Jack’s expertise, he has trained his team to be able to answer any questions about what types of trees and other various plants to plant, and why to plant those specific ones. It’s because of Jack’s training that our team shares a strong sense of dedication and passion when it comes to our profession and our clients…. (more…)