If one looks at the benefits of shade in the warm humid SE US (A/C energy savings, cooler outdoor spaces, aesthetics), the frequency of tree damaging storms in the area (60+ years for a pine to get large), the inherent danger of staying in your home regardless of trees, periodic tree condition evaluations, and post storm insurance, I know I wouldn't have an issue with it.

Most hurricane wind prone areas tend to be less prone to downbursts, tornados, and ice storms as well.

Bottom line...if a tree damaging storm of any type can be expected fairly frequently (<15yrs), plant wisely. If the storm frequency is >50yrs, plant what you want. In-between, do what you feel comfortable with.

Individual existing trees damaged by site development can blow down at some point anywhere much wind ever occurs.

The damage from trees is overrated. Look around you how many trees to you see? How many have come down in storms in the last 5 years. I have lived east of Raleigh NC for nearly 40 years. Relative to the number of trees, an insignificant number have fallen. I have lived through nearly a dozen hurricanes, and while we have lost trees, we have never had significant damage to the house from falling tree. Maybe this afternoon one will come down in as the remnants of Michael pass over us but that still will not bad, one in 40 years.

In the mean time I have enjoyed the shade and other benefits of trees.

I lost 8-10 large trees in two storms this summer alone, and those were just ordinary storms and not hurricanes. Generaly I want trees that grow wide like oak closer to the house, rather than tall trees like pines that get more speed on their way down.

Well, growing up with a father who was a State Farm agent for 40 years, and my having worked for State Farm for many years, I look at having massive tall trees right next to one's house in hurricane areas as a claim waiting to happen.

At some point, local towns and cities are going to have to stop planting massively tall trees in these locations, and stop allowing local residents to plant them, too. We need to get our heads out of the sand, and accept what is happening, and we have to adjust our priorities. Yesterday, on CNN they were showing a pine tree right next to a house and the tree was hanging right over it, blowing nearly sideways!! They were saying it was looking like it was going to fall over any minute on the house. How can people live like that! .No amount of shade is worth that. And besides, planting a 100-150ft tall tree......... for shade? Really??? Good grief.

My sister lived in Florida for a long time, and she lived on a large property with hundreds of pine trees. Her home looked positively swamped out, but she had shade. lol It was like midnight 24/7 at her house! She was in heaven. I'm the complete opposite. I crave light, and heat.

My sister had several trees come down, but none that were right up against her house. She was lucky in that regard..