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Managing Trees & Palms for Hurricanes
While hurricanes can damage, or even destroy, trees, there are practices we can employ to increase resiliency. Properly planted and maintained trees are the best defense against hurricane damage.
We live in a beautiful community along the Gulf of Mexico. Living in South-west Florida comes with weather challenges; the biggest being the hurricane.
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Tree management for hurricane resiliencies and survivability is a commitment. Be sure to have your trees evaluated by a professional about every two years.
Hardwood Trees
Large, beautiful canopy trees are focal points throughout the city and in landscape designs. While there is no magic solution to prevent tree damage or loss in a storm, there are steps that can aid in the resiliencies and long-term survivability of these valued canopies.
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The best way to protect your landscape from hurricane damage is planning. Choose species that are wind resistant, and plant them away from utilities and structures. Select trees from the nursery that have straight (not circling) roots, one dominant trunk, and branches that are spaced apart from each other.
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Correct pruning is the most important part of helping trees survive hurricanes. Train young trees so they develop a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches along a dominant trunk. For mature trees, prune your trees before hurricane season.
When pruning your canopy trees, keep the following in mind:
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Remove limbs that overhang structures
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Remove trees that are a potential hazard
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Proper Palm Trimming
Contrary to the name, a “Hurricane Cut”, is NOT in the best interest of a palm.
Removing too many green fronds reduces photosynthesis and the amount of food the tree can manufacture to sustain itself.
Repeated over pruning leads to early decline. It also predisposes the bud or growing point of the palm to damage by high winds.
Green fronds originating at or above the horizontal (think of clock hands at 9 and 3) should not be removed.
After the Storm
Once the storm has passed, you are ready to survey the damage and begin clean-up.
Be sure to carefully explore your surroundings as down wires, unstable debris, and sharp materials will be present.
Use caution when moving large debris or branches near downed trees as they may “snap” back up-right.
It is important to hire licensed and insured contractors for restoration, repair, and/or removal work.
Re-stand or Remove?
Fallen or leaning medium-aged and mature trees usually suffer severe major root breakage. Once cut or broken, these roots will not reconnect well into the soil and are unlikely to develop the root structure needed to keep the tree erect.
Also, large broken roots can decay or rot, making the tree unstable. It is a hard decision to remove canopy, but removal and replanting is the best long-term action that can be taken.
Hiring a Certifies Arborist
It is best to hire a Certified Arborist to prune (manage) your trees. These professionals are trained in proper pruning techniques, safety, and are up to date on the latest recommendations through continuing education classes. You can find a local Certified Arborist by visiting treesaregood.org, from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).