Yes! We actually experienced hurricane-force winds when Ike came through last year, and numerous homes on our block were damaged by tree falls - we watched it happen from our garage during the storm. Katrina and Wilma also affected us. This is an older neighborhood with lots and lots of very large trees. Ike happened about a month after the large oak fell, so I was a basket case throughout the storm. I now have a not-so-irrational fear of one of the remaining trees falling on the house, and do intend to find someone to assess the health of them before the spring monsoon season arrives. Yes, the trees around this house are either original growth or planted at the time of house build (1955), and are quite huge and very close to the house. I have an 18 month old son and worry constantly about the possibility of a fall. That huge pine Ken mentioned is two trees whose base grew together... they were tethered together up high at one point, but the tether has broken. That tree sits right outside our front door. The fact that the corner oak fell during a still early morning (i.e. no wind or rain at the time) underlines the fact that it could happen any time. Amazingly, so far we have no significant foundation damage per the home inspector 2 years ago. Again, thank you all for all your help. I'll work on clearing the base of the "sandbox pine" and will seek certified help on the remaining giants. You guys may be hearing from me again as I continue my work.

Also it is my understanding when you cut the top of a tree, rot will develop at the cut and slowly destroy the tree. If you think it must go take it out, It you want to give it a chance give it a chance, BUT don't cut of the top. If you want to take it out go down to the rental agency and get an appropriate size chain saw. Since it is a pine, cut the branches on the opposite side from the direction you want the tree to fall and cut it down using the proper techniques. Around here you can rent a chipper for about $175/day, and a chain saw for about $50. Cut the trunk in to 14 to 20 foot lengths and split them so they can be added to the chipper. You will then have accomplished two thing, gotten rid of the tree and gained some good mulch for around your yard. Lastly BE CAREFULL. Learn about the chain saw, and think through every cut be for you even start the saw. Besides it is fun cutting down the tree then feeding the branches into the chipper.

I don't know how quickly you want shade, but my house was new 8 years ago in a subdivision that used to be a cane field, so no trees. We have two very fast growing crepe myrtles that we planted five years ago that survived 30+ inches of rain in Tropical Storm Allison and one of them was even uprooted! (Not from the wind but because the ground got so soggy - we had at least a foot of standing water on our lot for 2 days). They were unscathed in Katrina (it was a category 1 or 2 where I live), 60 miles Southeast of New Orleans. They are fifteen feet tall and wide. We also have pecan trees that are 7 or 8 years old and they are about 12 feet tall with a canopy of 8 feet in diameter.

I had to bring mine in as well. We were away for a total of 5 days due to severe flooding in our town in S. LA. When I got home many had lost most of thier leaves and some of the leaves on top are light green and cupped shaped now. I put them back outside- hope they live! Good luck to you all..