tree diseases and the symptoms to watch for

3 Tips To Get Your Trees Ready For Hurricane Season

26 May 2015

Wesley Perry

If you live in an area that is affected by hurricanes, you probably already know that hurricane season can put you and your property at risk. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June until November, and if you live in the Eastern Pacific, your hurricane season runs from May 15 until November 30. Regardless, if hurricanes do affect your area, you need to do what you can to prepare your trees for the upcoming season. Doing so will help prevent damage both to your trees and the rest of your property.

1. Trim Them Back

Now is a good time to prune your trees to ensure that they are ready for hurricane season. Long, unhealthy branches can put your trees more at risk of wind damage. Plus, these branches can be more likely to snap and break, which means that they can hit your home, vehicle or other property and cause damage. Trees that touch power lines and other utility lines should also be removed; during storms, they could become active from wet and damaged power lines, or they could increase the chances of damaging the utility lines. If you aren't sure which limbs need to be trimmed, it's a good idea to hire a tree service before the beginning of hurricane season. Throughout the season, keep your eye out for long, thin branches that might need to be removed.

2. Add Additional Support

Some trees need additional support to make it through these storms. Consider adding additional soil or mulch around trees that seem to need some support; if you do so well in advance of hurricane season, you can help improve the chances that your trees' root systems will take hold of this new soil. Very young or small trees should be supported with stakes and garden twine to help prevent them from snapping.

3. Remove Dead Trees

Trees that are decaying should be removed prior to hurricane season. Since decayed trunks can make trees more prone to damage during storms, these trees could be more likely to fall and hit your home or other property. If you notice that the trunks are soft, look moldy or otherwise appear as if they are rotting, then these trees will probably need to be removed. If you are unsure of which trees should be taken off of your property, ask someone who works for a tree service for advice and tree cutting services.

Preparing your property for hurricane season is important. These three steps can help you ensure that your trees are ready for the periods of heavy wind, rain and more that can come along with these nasty tropical storms. 

To learn more, contact a tree service company like R. L. Elliott Enterprises, Inc.

Share