Are your trees ready for hurricane season?

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?