Living in Saint Petersburg, FL, means enjoying sunny skies, warm breezes, and beautiful days outdoors nearly year-round. But with all that time spent outside, it’s easy to forget about the large structures in our backyards—especially those that have seen better days. Playsets, once the center of endless fun, often become forgotten fixtures after the kids grow up, or worse, after they fall into disrepair.
And when hurricane season rolls around, that old, broken playset isn’t just an eyesore—it becomes a serious safety hazard.
While many homeowners focus on roof inspections and tree trimming to prepare for storm season, few consider how a deteriorating wooden or metal playset could turn into airborne debris with just one strong gust of wind. In this blog, we’ll walk you through why playset removal matters in hurricane-prone regions like Saint Petersburg, FL, how to safely remove one, and why professional junk removal might be the smartest and safest route.
Why Broken Playsets Are a Hazard in Saint Petersburg, FL
Wind and Weather Don’t Mix with Rotting Wood and Rusty Bolts
Florida is no stranger to extreme weather. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the state experiences more hurricanes than any other in the U.S.—averaging about 40% of all hurricanes that hit the U.S. mainland. And in Saint Petersburg, the coastal location makes us even more vulnerable to high winds and flying debris.
Broken playsets, especially older models made of untreated wood or metal, are often:
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Unanchored or poorly secured
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Structurally compromised due to rot, rust, or insect damage
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Loaded with loose parts and hardware
All of these factors combine to make an unstable structure that can quickly turn into dangerous projectiles during storms.
Liability Risks for Homeowners
A broken playset is more than a structural concern—it’s also a legal one. If a detached piece of equipment damages your neighbor’s property, you could be held financially responsible. And should someone get hurt while on your property—even if it’s a trespassing child—you could face serious liability concerns under Florida’s premises liability laws.
Removing these hazards before hurricane season isn’t just responsible—it could save you thousands in potential damages.
Signs It’s Time to Remove Your Old Playset
Not sure if your playset qualifies as a safety risk? Here are some signs that it’s time to take it down:
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Cracked, splintering, or rotting wood
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Exposed nails, screws, or rusted fasteners
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Unstable or leaning structure
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Missing swings, slides, or climbing components
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Insect infestations (termites are common in Florida)
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Loose footing or broken anchors
Even if only part of the playset looks compromised, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Florida storms are unpredictable, and even the smallest unsecured parts can cause big damage if picked up by the wind.
Why DIY Playset Removal Isn’t Always a Good Idea
It’s Not as Simple as Grabbing a Wrench
Playsets might look like overgrown furniture, but they’re usually built to last—secured with concrete footings, heavy-duty bolts, and multiple attachments. Taking one apart without the right tools or experience can quickly turn frustrating and even dangerous.
Here are a few DIY pitfalls to consider:
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Risk of injury: Removing large or rotting beams, dealing with rusted fasteners, or climbing unstable platforms increases the chance of injury.
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Disposal logistics: Once it’s disassembled, you still have to figure out how to haul off and dispose of the materials, which may not all be curbside pickup eligible.
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Time and labor: A full playset removal can take hours or even days without help, especially in the Florida heat.
Disposal Isn’t Always Straightforward
Playsets are often a mix of materials—treated wood, plastic, rubber, and metal. In Pinellas County, not all of these materials are accepted at curbside pickup or public dumps. According to the City of St. Petersburg’s Sanitation Department, larger bulk items may require special pickup scheduling or separate drop-off at a city-approved disposal site.
That’s where professional junk removal services come in handy.
How Professionals Like King Of The Haul Safely Remove Playsets
Step 1: Inspection and Assessment
When you contact King Of The Haul Junk Removal, our team starts with a safety inspection. We’ll evaluate the condition, materials, and stability of the playset and determine the safest removal method. This is especially important in Saint Petersburg where environmental factors like salt air and humidity can accelerate wood and metal degradation.
Step 2: Strategic Disassembly
We don’t just hack it down—we take it apart piece by piece, using the right tools and safety protocols to avoid injury and property damage. We bring:
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Protective gear
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Commercial-grade tools
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Trained labor
And unlike DIY attempts, we handle the mess from start to finish.
Step 3: Environmentally Responsible Disposal
Sustainability matters. That’s why we sort recyclable materials from non-recyclables, donating or recycling parts whenever possible. In 2023 alone, King Of The Haul diverted over 12 tons of junk from landfills across the Tampa Bay area.
We also follow all local disposal guidelines and permit regulations, so you don’t have to.
Hurricane Season: The Best Time to Let It Go
Proactive Safety Planning
According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, homeowners should “eliminate loose and hazardous objects” from their yards before peak storm activity, which typically begins in August and lasts through October. Broken playsets are often overlooked in this process, yet they pose just as much risk as tree branches or patio furniture.
By scheduling removal before a major storm alert, you avoid the rush and reduce your risk of damage and liability.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Playsets often hold sentimental value—but holding onto them out of nostalgia can endanger your property and loved ones. Once the structure is compromised, it’s no longer safe to keep around. Removing it before the storm season ramps up gives you one less thing to worry about when the next weather alert hits.
What to Expect When You Book with King Of The Haul
We’ve made it our mission to make junk removal as easy and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
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Same-day or next-day scheduling (subject to availability)
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Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
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Professional, uniformed crew
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Complete cleanup after removal
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Licensed and insured service providers
We’re based right here in Saint Petersburg, FL—so we know exactly what local homeowners are up against during hurricane season. We’ve removed everything from rusted swing sets to fully sunken trampolines, and we do it all with speed, safety, and care.
Bonus: What Else Should You Remove Before the Storm?
While you’re already clearing out your backyard, this is a great time to assess other storm hazards. Consider removing or securing:
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Broken patio furniture
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Old BBQ grills
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Unused sheds or garden structures
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Damaged fences or trellises
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Loose construction materials
King Of The Haul offers full-service junk removal, so if you’ve got multiple items piling up, we can take care of them all in one visit.
For Junk Removal Services in Saint Petersburg, FL, Contact King Of The Haul Junk Removal Today
Getting rid of a broken playset doesn’t have to be a headache—especially when you have local pros ready to do the heavy lifting.
King Of The Haul Junk Removal offers fast, affordable, and fully insured junk removal services throughout Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re clearing space, prepping for a hurricane, or just ready to reclaim your backyard, we’re here to help.
Call us today or book online to schedule your playset removal and enjoy peace of mind this hurricane season.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—get ahead of the storm with King Of The Haul.