Hurricane Season Prep: Protecting Your Trees and Yard

Living in Florida means preparing for hurricane season every year. Running from June through November, hurricane season brings high winds, heavy rain, and the risk of falling trees and branches. Taking proactive steps before a storm hits can protect your home, your family, and your trees.

Inspect Your Trees Before Storm Season

The most important step is having a professional inspect your trees before hurricane season begins. A trained eye can identify:

• Dead or weakened branches that could become projectiles
• Trees with structural defects or cracks
• Root problems or signs of decay
• Trees with dense canopies that catch wind like a sail

What to Look For

Dead wood — Any dead branches should be removed immediately. In high winds, dead branches break off and can damage your roof, vehicles, or even injure someone.

Dense canopies — Trees with thick, unthinned canopies act like a sail in high winds. Thinning the canopy allows wind to pass through, dramatically reducing the risk of the tree toppling.

Leaning trees — A tree that has started leaning may have root damage. Have it evaluated by a professional — it may need removal.

Cracks or splits — Visible cracks in the trunk or major limbs are warning signs of structural failure.

After the Storm

Once the storm passes, inspect your property for:

• Fallen or hanging branches
• Uprooted or partially uprooted trees
• Trees leaning against structures or power lines

Never attempt to remove large fallen trees yourself, especially if they're near power lines. Professional tree service companies have the equipment and training to safely remove storm-damaged trees.

Need Storm Prep or Cleanup?

At Lopez Tree & Landscape, we offer pre-hurricane season tree inspections and trimming, as well as emergency storm cleanup services throughout Sarasota and surrounding areas. Licensed, insured, and ready to help. Call (941) 840-1984.