TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- As Hurricane Irma continues its approach, locals are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.
From Canopy Road to Downtown, it's no secret that Tallahassee and the surrounding cities have an abundance of trees...trees that don't always withstand the elements.
"Down south, [there are] lots of palm trees. They can really take those winds and they can go back and forth," says Rheny Mendez, a tree climber with Bartlett Tree Experts. "A lot of, especially these tall pines, they can only go far so much until they snap."
And once a tree gets damaged, it's more likely to become sick, and possibly die.
"Anytime you have a lot of broken trees, well they emit chemicals and sap that are like the dinner bell being rung for insects and diseases," explains Todd Degner, the local manager at Bartlett Tree Experts.
After Hurricane Hermine hit last year, we saw a lot of downed and damaged trees, which is now serving as a wake up call ahead of Hurricane Irma.
"Since that storm, more people are more cautious, and even really looking up at the trees and seeing how much damage we had," continues Mendez. "They don't want it to happen to them."
Though potential affects from Hurricane Irma are still days away, many people in the Capital City are trimming, cutting, and removing trees.
"We're definitely seeing a rise now though from folks who maybe had recommendations months and months ago to remove trees who haven't followed up on those," says Degner. "Gosh, this week those phone calls are being followed up on.
Once Irma passes through, Degner and his crew plan on assisting with any tree removal needed.
It's recommended that any damaged trees are taken care of as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming sick and causing future problems.
