Hurricane season brings strong winds and heavy rains that can be devastating to unprepared landscapes. Trees, in particular, are susceptible to damage, which can pose risks to property and personal safety. This guide will help you prepare your trees to withstand the harsh conditions of hurricane season.

Assess and Inspect

Start with a thorough inspection of all trees on your property. Look for signs of disease, decay, or damage such as:

• Dead or hanging branches
• Cracks in the trunk or major limbs
• Leaning trunks or exposed roots
• Mushrooms or fungi, which indicate decay

Pruning and Trimming

Proper pruning can significantly reduce the risk during a storm:

• Remove dead, damaged, or diseased limbs to prevent them from becoming windborne debris.
• Thin the canopy to allow wind to pass through more easily, reducing the force on the tree.
• Avoid over-pruning, which can weaken the tree. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the tree’s crown in a single season.

Support Young Trees

Young or newly planted trees may need extra support:

• Use stakes and ties to stabilize young trees. Ensure the ties are not too tight to allow some movement, which encourages stronger root growth.
• Consider a professional arborist’s advice on bracing larger, more mature trees.

Check the Soil and Roots

• Ensure that the soil around the trees is firm and well-drained. Saturated soil can cause trees to become uprooted more easily.
• Add mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and provide nutrients, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Plan for Regular Care

• Establish a regular care routine for your trees throughout the year. Healthy trees are more resilient and can recover from damage more effectively.
• Schedule an annual check-up with a certified arborist to help identify potential issues early.

Create a Cleanup Plan

• Have tools on hand for post-storm cleanup, such as chainsaws, pruners, and safety gear.
• Familiarize yourself with local services and contractors who can assist in tree removal or heavy pruning.

Conclusion

Taking proactive steps to prepare your trees for hurricane season can minimize damage and keep your property safe. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk, proper tree care can significantly mitigate the potential for harm. Remember, the best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the wind starts blowing.