Preparing Trees for Hurricanes

Hurricane season is here again, officially lasting June 1st through the end of November. Let's review some important things.

Tropical Cyclones, that is tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes, threaten Florida every year, and often cause extensive damage to landscapes and surrounding structures. You can easily help make your landscape more hurricane-resistant, so that it's less likely to suffer damage during a major storm with a few simple considerations and a little pre-planning.

Before a storm threatens, consider doing the following:

• During a hurricane, having the right tree in the right place can help protect your property from strong winds by acting as a wind-break. However a poorly maintained tree will likely do more harm than good. Improperly pruned trees face a greater likelihood that they might break or fall during the storm. Many fallen and damaged trees often seen after a storm may be from the improper cutting or pruning of trees. It is important that your trees are serviced by a trained professional well before a storm threatens. It is important to remember, never begin any pruning during a Hurricane, or Tropical Storm, Watch or Warning.
• Ideally you should have your trees pruned during the tree species dormant season or during early spring but it’s never too late. Ask Mid Florida Tree Service about trimming your particular species. A tree more likely to survive storms is compact, with a low center of gravity; a strong, sturdy trunk; and a deep, symmetrical root system. The native live oak is a great example of a "survivor" tree, given the right environment and care during its life. Whereas, a more vulnerable tree during storms is one with a high center of gravity, a dense canopy, a decayed trunk, two or more trunks, or shallow roots. Shallow roots result from shallow soil or a high water table. Remember that any tree is more susceptible to toppling during a storm if it suffers from construction damage to roots, poor growing conditions, small root zones, and disease or insect problems.
• Ensure that your trees have been cleared of deadwood. Deadwood invites pests, and breaks away into projectiles too easily during a storm.
• Work with a licensed and insured certified arborist.
• Don't over-do the trimming or pruning. A certified arborist will ensure that the canopy is preserved, taking no more than 25% of it's normal growth. Correct pruning is likely the most important part of helping healthy trees survive hurricanes.

An Arborist can also help you to train young trees so they develop a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches along a dominant trunk and help maintain this form as far up into the tree as possible while it grows by reducing the length of competing stems and branches.

Avoid cutting the root system. If there is a conflict between the root system and a structure or project, let the arborist review the situation and determine if it's safe to prune the roots.

Ensure proper disposal of cut wood. Loose branches and logs have the potential to become projectiles during a severe storm.

Have all stumps ground down below grade. Stumps above grade pose a tripping hazard, regardless of season.

Mid Florida Tree Service has the experience and knowledge to help ensure your trees and yard are as ready as possible from potential storm threats.