Large Oak Splits, Damaging House and Closing Road

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The street may be named "Lofty Pines Circle East," but it was a majestic oak that ripped apart Tuesday morning.

"It was a strong burst of wind and it split the tree," said Ralph Yarbrough as he surveyed the damage.

"I was at work and I got a phone call that said the tree had come on the house, so I just came right over."

Yarbrough was stunned when he came around the corner to see half of the oak on his roof, the other half completely blocking the road and sidewalk.

He remembers planting the oak tree back in the early 1970s.

"When we built the house," said Yarbrough. "About a year later we had our first child, Shawn, and we planted this tree when he was born. It was just a little sapling, and it was barely over my head!"

But now the giant oak tree is a giant insurance claim.

"The ceiling is gone 'cause there's a hole up there, but we really don't know the extent of the damage because everything is still up on the roof," said Yarbrough.

And, despite the mess, Ralph Yarbrough is grateful.

"That no-one was injured! Of course that was my first question. This (the tree and damaged roof) can be replaced."

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