Are you ready for hurricane season in Central Florida? While you might have your emergency kit prepared and shutters ready to go, many homeowners overlook one critical aspect of storm preparation: their trees. At We Do It All Trees & Landscape, we’ve seen firsthand how proper tree maintenance before hurricane season can mean the difference between safety and severe property damage.
Hurricane season in Florida officially runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring in August and September. As Central Florida residents, we understand the unique challenges our local climate presents, especially when it comes to protecting your property from powerful storms.
Why Hurricane Tree Preparation Matters for Central Florida Homeowners
The stakes couldn’t be higher when it comes to hurricane tree preparation. During major storms, trees can become dangerous projectiles, threatening not only your property but also your family’s safety. Consider these sobering facts:
- A single falling tree can cause over $10,000 in property damage
- Properly maintained trees are 90% less likely to fail during storms
- Insurance may not cover damage if trees weren’t properly maintained
- Emergency tree removal during or after a storm costs significantly more than preventative care
“We had Robert and his crew trim our oak tree branches over the driveway and backyard and trim our palm trees before a big storm during hurricane season,” shares De Andra, a satisfied customer.
“Robert was easy to communicate with. He’s very helpful, kind, professional. His prices are extremely reasonable (he beat out every company’s estimate).”
When to Start Your Hurricane Tree Preparation in Central Florida
Don’t wait until there’s a named storm in the forecast! The best time to prepare your trees for hurricane season is well before the threat of a storm. We recommend beginning your tree assessment and maintenance in April or May, at least 4-6 weeks before hurricane season officially begins.
This timeline allows for:
- Thorough professional assessment of your property
- Scheduling necessary trimming or removal services
- Proper healing time for pruned trees before storm season
- Addressing any underlying tree health issues
Your Complete Hurricane Tree Preparation Checklist for Central Florida Properties
Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure your trees are ready to withstand hurricane-force winds:
1. Conduct a Professional Tree Assessment
Have a certified arborist evaluate your property, focusing on:
- Tree health and structural integrity
- Proximity to structures and power lines
- Signs of disease or pest infestation
- Root system stability
2. Strategic Tree Trimming and Pruning
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches
- Thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance
- Maintain the tree’s natural shape while creating better airflow
- Address crossing branches that could damage each other during high winds
3. Tree Removal Considerations
Some trees may need to be removed before hurricane season if they:
- Show significant signs of disease or decay
- Have structural defects that cannot be corrected
- Are too close to structures or power lines
- Are non-native species that are prone to failure (like Australian pines)
4. Proper Mulching Techniques
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base of trees (avoiding the trunk)
- Extend mulch to the drip line when possible
- Use proper mulching to improve root health and stability
5. Soil and Root Management
- Address soil compaction issues
- Ensure proper drainage around valuable trees
- Consider root barriers for trees near foundations or hardscapes
6. Young Tree Protection
- Install proper supports for recently planted trees
- Use flexible ties that allow some movement while providing stability
- Remove supports once trees are established
Warning Signs Your Trees May Be Hazardous During Hurricane Season
Not all tree risks are obvious to the untrained eye. Here are key warning signs that your trees might pose a hazard during hurricane season:
- Leaning trunks: Trees that develop a sudden lean may have root problems
- Multiple trunks: Trees with V-shaped connections rather than U-shaped ones are more prone to splitting
- Cracks in the trunk or major branches: These indicate structural weakness
- Hollow areas or visible decay: These compromise the tree’s structural integrity
- Root issues: Exposed, damaged, or decaying roots reduce stability
- Previous property damage: Trees that have dropped large branches previously are likely to do so again
- Recent construction: Trees near recent excavation or construction may have damaged root systems
“Robert and his crew did an awesome job and went out of their way to do extra things to make my trees and property look wonderful,” says Lisa, another satisfied customer. “They trimmed my trees, removed a tree, did stump grinding, pruned the vines off of my trees and fences. I really appreciate all their hard work and my trees look much healthier!”
Professional Tree Services vs. DIY: Making the Right Choice for Hurricane Preparation
When it comes to hurricane tree preparation in Central Florida, knowing what you can safely handle yourself versus when to call professionals is crucial:
Safe DIY Tasks:
- Removing small, fallen branches
- Basic mulching around trees
- Monitoring trees for changes after storms
- Documenting tree conditions with photos
- Clearing small debris from around tree bases
When to Call Our Professional Tree Service:
- Trimming branches near power lines (NEVER attempt this yourself)
- Removing large limbs or performing major pruning
- Assessing tree health and structural integrity
- Removing hazardous or large trees
- Installing cabling or bracing systems for valuable trees
- Emergency services after storm damage
Remember: Attempting tree work without proper training and equipment can be extremely dangerous and may cause more harm than good.
Emergency Tree Services During Hurricane Season
Despite the best preparation, storms can still damage trees on your property. We Do It All Trees & Landscape offers 24/7 emergency tree services throughout hurricane season for Central Florida residents. Our emergency response team is equipped to handle:
- Fallen trees on structures
- Hazardous hanging limbs
- Leaning trees threatening property
- Storm-damaged tree removal
- Priority service for dangerous situations
“I had a tree go down in a hurricane requiring stump grinding/removal,” shares Greg, a customer from our service area. “I called a few places but We Do It All was the most responsive. They visited my house same day, gave me an estimate (which I thought was very fair) same day, and they took care of all the work the following day.”
Protect Your Property This Hurricane Season
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to address your tree concerns. Proper hurricane tree preparation not only protects your property but also preserves healthy trees that add value and beauty to your landscape.
As a family-owned business serving Polk County, Hillsborough County, and surrounding areas for over 10 years, We Do It All Trees & Landscape understands the unique challenges Central Florida homeowners face during hurricane season. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help you prepare your property for whatever Mother Nature brings.
Contact us today at (813) 588-0120 for a free assessment of your trees and a customized hurricane preparation plan. Remember, when it comes to hurricane tree safety, proactive care is always more affordable than emergency response!
