Precision hazard elimination near a vulnerable home
On September 10th, our team successfully removed a hazardous camphor tree and 2000-pound barricade positioned dangerously close to a home on Live Oaks Boulevard in Longwood, completing both tasks in just two hours.
A two-hour hurricane preparation project involving the precision removal of a camphor tree and massive barricade from high-risk positions near windows and roof structures.
On Tuesday, September 10th, our team arrived at Dan's property on Live Oaks Boulevard in Longwood to address two significant storm preparation concerns. The primary focus was a mature camphor tree positioned dangerously close to the house, creating an immediate risk as hurricane season intensified. Camphor trees, while beautiful, have relatively brittle wood and aggressive root systems that make them particularly hazardous during storms when located near structures. Adding to the complexity, Dan also needed removal of an unusual hazard—a makeshift 2000-pound barricade that had been placed near a window, which could become a dangerous projectile during high winds. This combination of natural and man-made hazards required immediate attention to ensure the property's safety before the next severe weather event.
Upon our 8:30 AM arrival, we conducted a thorough assessment that confirmed the significant challenges of this project. The camphor tree was situated extremely close to the house, with branches extending directly over the roof and adjacent to windows. This positioning eliminated any possibility of conventional felling techniques, as even minor miscalculations could result in substantial damage to the home. The massive barricade presented its own set of challenges, requiring careful planning for safe dismantling and removal without damaging the nearby window or surrounding landscape features. Our assessment also considered the tree's structural characteristics, identifying potential weak points and determining the optimal sequence for dismantling to maintain control throughout the process. This comprehensive evaluation was essential for developing a removal strategy that would prioritize both safety and property protection.
Based on our assessment, we developed a specialized removal plan centered around comprehensive rigging techniques. For the camphor tree, we established a system where virtually every cut section would be secured with ropes before cutting and then carefully lowered to the ground in a controlled manner. This approach required strategic anchor points and precise cutting sequences to ensure each section responded as intended. Our climbers positioned themselves to make cuts that would create manageable pieces while maintaining the tree's stability throughout the process. For the 2000-pound barricade, we implemented a separate rigging system designed to safely dismantle and lower the components without risking damage to the nearby window. The entire strategy prioritized methodical, controlled removal that would eliminate any chance of property damage, even if it required additional time and effort compared to more conventional approaches.
With our plan established, our team began the careful process of removing both hazards. For the camphor tree, our climber ascended to the highest sections first, working systematically from top to bottom and from outside to inside. Each branch was secured with ropes before cutting, with ground crew members maintaining precise tension to control the descent path. This methodical approach prevented any contact with the roof or windows, despite the extremely close proximity. The ground team coordinated continuously with the climber, ensuring each piece was safely on the ground before proceeding to the next cut. For the barricade removal, we disassembled the structure in sections, using mechanical advantage systems to safely control the weight of each component as it was lowered. Throughout both operations, we maintained constant awareness of the property's vulnerable points, adjusting our techniques as needed to ensure zero impact to Dan's home.
Despite the technical challenges and high-risk nature of the project, our experienced team completed the entire operation in just two hours. By 10:30 AM, both the hazardous camphor tree and the 2000-pound barricade had been safely removed from Dan's property without a single instance of damage to the house, windows, or surrounding landscape. The efficiency didn't come at the expense of safety or precision—each element of the removal was executed with the same careful attention throughout the process. After the removal, we conducted a thorough cleanup of the area, ensuring no debris remained that could become problematic during high winds. Dan expressed particular appreciation for both the quality of work and the speed with which we addressed these significant hazards, giving him peace of mind as hurricane season intensified. This project exemplified our commitment to providing hurricane preparation services that effectively eliminate property risks while maintaining absolute safety throughout the process.
The Live Oaks Boulevard project demonstrates the importance of professional expertise when addressing complex hurricane hazards near homes. What made this project particularly noteworthy was the combination of challenges—a precariously positioned camphor tree and an unusually heavy man-made structure, both situated in high-risk locations relative to the house. Our team's ability to safely remove these hazards in just two hours showcases the value of proper planning, specialized techniques, and experienced execution in tree and hazard removal operations. For Dan, the project delivered more than just hazard removal—it provided critical peace of mind knowing that two significant threats to his home had been eliminated before the next severe weather event. This type of proactive hurricane preparation is invaluable in Florida's storm-prone environment, potentially preventing thousands of dollars in damage and the associated stress of storm recovery.
Don't wait until storm season to address dangerous trees. Our precision removal services can safely eliminate hazards without risking damage to your property.