Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season

• Flooding
• Erosion
• Wind directions
• Tree failure (and the potential impacts to your property)

Live oak, Photo credit: A. Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension

1. Prune trees PROPERLY

To prune or not to prune, that is the question.  First and foremost, properly planted and maintained trees are the best defense against any potential hurricane damage. But, if it has been a while since you pruned your trees, make sure that you follow this checklist:

• Remove any dead or broken branches
• Stake leaning trees and leave newly planted trees staked
• Remove limbs that overhang structures
• Prune your trees with a healthy central leader in mind

Be wary of services willing to “hurricane prune” your trees and palms! Always contact a Certified Arborist and make sure any pruning does NOT include topping, tipping, or lion-tailing.

Cabbage palm. Photo credit: A. Yasalonis, UF/IFAS Extension

Palms must be pruned properly as well.ONLY remove dead leaves (completely brown) and never prune above the 3:00 and 9:00 hands on a clock.  For more information on properly pruning palms go here.

This blog post from UF/IFAS Extension Monroe County is really helpful in determining how and when to prune your trees before a hurricane.

2. Clean gutters

3. Make a plan for potted plants 

4. Anchor and/or brace outdoor structures and consider how to deal with potential wind damage to solid fencing.

5. Take photos and document your property before the storm.