On July 23, 2026, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension, in partnership with the National Weather Service and industry experts, hosted Hurricane Preparation 2026, a workshop designed to help homeowners, landscape professionals, and community leaders prepare for the hurricane season.
The program starts with “Lessons We Learned from the Last Hurricane Seasons,” presented by Henry Mayer (UF/IFAS Miami-Dade County Extension). The session reviewed how recent storms and hurricanes affected Florida’s urban forests and highlighted the importance of proper tree selection, structural pruning, routine maintenance, and planning ahead of storms. These lessons reinforce the importance of proper tree care, and well-maintained trees are more likely to withstand high winds and recover after hurricanes or storms.
2026 Hurricane Preparedness Presentation
Attendees also learned an update on the 2026 hurricane season outlook from Robert Garcia of the National Weather Service in Miami, who explained how to interpret forecasts, watches, warnings, and other weather products so people can make informed decisions before and during a storm or hurricane.
Hurricanes Outlook 2026 Presentation
The workshop continued with John Roberts (UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Extension), who highlighted the benefits of selecting small and medium-sized trees that are better suited for residential landscapes. He explained how choosing the right tree in the right place (RTRP) can minimize conflicts with buildings, utilities, and infrastructure while providing long-term environmental benefits.
Lastly, Keith Harned of SFM Services, Inc. who has extensive experience working with contractors, cities, and municipalities, highlighted the importance of hurricane pre-planning and mitigation. He demonstrated how proactive preparation before a storm can reduce damage, improve safety, and help community recover quicker after a hurricane.
Hurricane Disaster Relief – Learned Lessons Presentation
As another hurricane season unfolds, one message remains clear: effective preparedness starts long before severe whether threatens a community. By choosing the right trees in the right place, maintaining them properly, understanding weather forecasts, and developing a hurricane response plan, Florida communities can become more resilient and better prepared for future storms and hurricanes.
If you are interested in another Hurricane Preparedness Workshop, mark your calendar, August 21 at UF/IFAS West Palm Beach
For information contact John Roberts at jwr.09@ufl.edu
Be Safe and Stay Informed!
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Process: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used Microsoft CoPilot and ChatGPT in order to assist with writing process. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the publication.
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