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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS AFTER THE STORM
- If you have a
downed tree in your yard and it is not blocking a road or has not
downed a power line, it is your responsibility to remove the tree.
Downed trees on private property are the responsibility of the
homeowner.
- If a tree has
downed a live power line, call 9-1-1
- Trees on public
property and trees on the swale will be handled by debris removal
teams. Damage assessment team will be conducting a grid-by-grid
search of all communities as soon after the storm as it is safe to
do so. There will be coordination as required between the state,
city and County, as roads fall under the jurisdiction of each of
these entities. Priority will be given to clearing major arteries
and roads that lead to emergency facilities, such as hospitals.
Trees can incur
serious damage during a weather-related storm, resulting in storm
debris.
- During a storm
with winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour, small branches break off and
leaves are stripped away.
- As winds
increase, heavier branches break off, often leaving the tree trunk
standing but not dead.
- Winds over 100 to
125 miles per hour can strip a tree of its bark, if the tree is
well-rooted. A branchless tree with its bark off will die.
Before removing
fallen trees, always call 800-432-4770 for the location of utility
lines. Gas, electric, telephone, water, sewer and cable lines may be
entangled in the root system of the fallen trees. The call and the
location service are free.
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CARING FOR
TREES |
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Before the Storm |
- Trim trees
and shrubbery regularly by cutting weak branches and thinning
foliage to decrease the chance that plants will be uprooted.
- Do not
attempt to trim any vegetation growing on or near overhead power
lines. Only specially trained line-clearing professionals should
work around power lines.
- Please
refrain from trimming trees once a hurricane watch has been
posted as the trimmings may become projectiles during the storm.
Be sure you
consult with your local municipality for any specific provisions
regarding tree pruning in your area. Residents without experience
using a chain saw should seek professional assistance, or the
assistance of someone familiar with operation of the equipment.
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After the Storm |
- Trees that
have been overturned are not necessarily lost.
- If the tree
is large, cover the roots with burlap, heavy cloth, or soil, and
keep the roots moist. Contact a professional landscape company
to determine whether the tree can be safely reset.
- If the tree
is small, set it back into its hole, brace it, cover the roots
with soil, and water thoroughly as if it were newly planted—at
least 3 times per week for the first two months and 1-2 timers
per week thereafter until fully reestablished.
- Broward
County will remove trees from public right(s)-of-way only.
- If the tree
has been inundated with salt water, the roots should be washed
to remove any salt.
- Before
removing fallen trees, call 800-432-4770 for the location of
utility lines. The call and service are free.
Click here
for the article, “Management
Tips for Storm-Damaged Trees"
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HIRING A TREE TRIMMER
Beware of unlicensed
tree trimmers, who may be cheaper, but often deliver poor quality
work, resulting in greater long-term costs. To protect homeowners from
amateur tree trimmers and ensure the health, safety, and welfare of
the community, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners passed
an ordinance in 2000 requiring licensing for all commercial tree
trimmers. Homeowners with hat-racked, unsightly or abused trees are
subject to fines.
- Get written
estimates from different tree companies.
- Verify the
company's occupational license.
- Check the
company's insurance for property damage and personal liability. Call
the insurance company to verify that the appropriate coverage is in
effect.
- Ask to see a copy
of the company's tree trimmer license and training card. Because
some unlicensed companies may attempt to present false licenses or
training cards, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the
official tree trimmer license, certified arborist card and training
certificate. Samples are available online at www.broward.org/bio.
Click on
“Uplands/Trees Program” and choose “Broward County Tree Trimmer
Licensing Ordinance.”
- Call the
Biological Resources Division at 954-519-1456 to verify a tree
trimmer's license, or
click here
for a complete list of licensed tree trimmers in Broward County.
Click on
“Uplands/Trees Program” and choose “List of Licensed Tree
Trimmers.”
FOR STORM
DEBRIS CLEANUP INFORMATION, CALL:
Coconut Creek
954-973-6771
Cooper City 954-434-2300
Coral Springs 954-344-1001
Dania Beach 954-924-3742
Town of Davie 954-797-1240
City of Deerfield Beach 954-426-6887
City of Fort Lauderdale 954-828-8000
City of Hallandale Beach 954-457-1616
Town of Hillsboro Beach 954-427-4011
City of Hollywood 954-967-4200
City of Lauderhill 954-730-3085
City of Lauderdale Lakes 954-535-2700, ext. 3
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea 954-776-0576
Lazy Lake 954-565-1567
Lighthouse Point 954-946-7386
City of Margate 954-972-8126
City of Miramar 954-704-4431
City of North Lauderdale 954-724-7070
Oakland Park 954-630-4430
Parkland 954-753-5040
Pembroke Park 954-966-4600, ext. 1100
Pembroke Pines 954-583-1830
Plantation 954-452-2535
Pompano Beach 954-786-4030
Sea Ranch Lakes 954-943-8862
Southwest Ranches 954-343-7474
Sunrise 954-888-6000
Tamarac 954-597-3700
Unincorporated Broward County 954-765-4999
Weston 954-385-2000
West Park 954-963-5955
Wilton Manors 954-390-2190
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