
Are your trees ready for hurricane season?
- Francisco Gutierrez Cruz
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Preparing your trees for hurricane season is a smart step in protecting your property and ensuring safety. Here are some key actions you can take:
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🌳 Tree Maintenance & Preparation
1. Inspect Your Trees Thoroughly
Look for dead or dying branches, signs of disease, or structural weaknesses.
Check for cracks in the trunk or root issues (like heaving soil or leaning trees).
2. Prune Strategically
Remove dead, weak, or crossing branches.
Thin the canopy to reduce wind resistance (but avoid over-pruning).
Raise the crown if branches hang too low near your house, cars, or walkways.
Avoid "topping" trees—this harms the structure and health of the tree.
3. Cabling & Bracing
If a tree has a split trunk or large limbs, consult an arborist about adding support cables or braces.
4. Remove Hazard Trees
Trees too close to structures or in poor condition might need to be removed, especially if they're:
Leaning significantly
Rotting or hollow
Already uprooting
5. Mulch Carefully
Use organic mulch around the base to help with moisture and root health—but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.
6. Avoid Fertilizing Before a Storm
Fertilizing in late summer can trigger new growth that is vulnerable to wind damage.
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🌀 Before a Storm
Secure or remove any loose hanging items in the trees (swings, bird feeders, etc.).
Do a final check for hanging branches or debris that might fall.
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🌿 After a Storm
Inspect your trees for damage.
Don’t try to remove large limbs or trees yourself—hire a certified arborist if it’s hazardous.
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🛠️ When to Call a Pro
If you’re unsure, it's worth hiring an ISA Certified Arborist. They can provide expert assessments and safe tree work.
Would you like help creating a maintenance calendar for hurricane season?
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