As summer ends, Hillsborough County should prepare for peak hurricane season. Historical data from 1944 to 2020 shows a sharp rise in storm activity after August, peaking through September and October. The graph below highlights this trend, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures now. With a few proactive steps, your HOA can minimize storm damage and speed up recovery.
Prep Work That Pays Off:
Trim trees the right way: Not all pruning helps. Avoid over-trimming palms (skip the “hurricane cut”!) only remove dead fronds below a horizontal line to keep them strong.
For other trees, focus on removing weak or dead branches. Partner with certified arborists to assess risky trees. Healthy, well-pruned trees bend rather than break in storms.
Secure potential projectiles: Walk your community now to spot unsecured items: patio furniture, décor, and loose yard tools. Assign storage areas for these items and remind residents to stow them when storms threaten. A quick sweep prevents flying debris that damages homes and blocks drains.
Post-storm safety first:
After a hurricane, avoid rushing to clear fallen trees. Mark hazardous areas (keep a distance twice the tree’s height) and wait for professionals. Chainsaws in untrained hands cause injuries. It’s best to leave it to the experts.
Patience beats replanting: Salt spray and flooding stress plants. Wait 4–6 weeks before removing “dead” greenery. Many recover with fresh water and time. Use this period to plan upgrades: replace damaged plants with storm-resistant species like live oaks or Simpson’s stopper.
Did certain areas flood repeatedly? Consider rain gardens or permeable pavers to improve drainage.
By trimming wisely, securing loose items, and planning cleanup together, your community can weather the season with confidence. Let’s make this hurricane season our most prepared yet!
Team Up for Success:
A resilient community thrives on teamwork:
- Host a prep workshop with local arborists or UF/IFAS experts.
- Create a “hurricane hub” on your HOA website for checklists, contractor contacts, and updates.
As your Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Community Association Liaison, I’m here to help your community:
- Share educational resources from UF/IFAS Extension.
- Host workshops on sustainable landscaping.
- Answer questions about plant selection, best management practices, and more.
813-744-5519 ext. 54142
Together, we can create a resilient, beautiful community that thrives in every season!
Resources:
- Hillsborough County Stormwater Program & Fees: https://hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/roads-and-sidewalks/stormwater-program
- Hillsborough County Water & Sewer: https://hcfl.gov/residents/property-owners-and-renters/water-and-sewer
- Hillsborough County’s Stormwater Assessment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvhuVTwNqB4
- UF/IFAS Hillsborough County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/lawngarden/florida-friendly-landscaping/
- Tampa Bay Waterkeeper: https://www.tampabaywaterkeeper.org/stormwater
- Local Hurricane Prep Guide: https://www.weather.gov/media/mob/pdf/GulfCoastHurricanePrep.pdf
- Mikes Weather Page: https://spaghettimodels.com/
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