After the Event

• 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 teams 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.
• 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.
• 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 three times per week for the first two months and 1-2 times per week thereafter until fully reestablished.
  If the tree has been inundated with salt water, the roots should be washed to remove any salt.
• Make sure newly planted trees and recently reset trees are properly staked and braced.
• For a complete database of native trees and plants, and guidelines to help you select trees that do well in the South Florida environment, visit the Naturescape Web site.
  
  
   

Updated May 2012