I don't think I'd want root ball wood for structural applications but fancy wood stocks for rifles often have a butt stock from the root area with beautiful grain.
Scott,Sam, it depends upon how saturated with water that the ground is. When Fran came through, the high winds followed several days of rain, so the root structures were weakened when the winds hit and were more easily uprooted.
If a hurricane arrives that was not preceded by a lot of rain, then the trunks may shear instead.
Scott,
Have you cut Live Oak?
Got a yard full of older live oak and sand laurel oak. Next question is, am I ready to build a boat?