Falling trees and tree limbs are one of the primary causes of storm damage here in Gainesville, FL. Learn how to begin prepping your trees for hurricanes!
Prepping Your Trees for Hurricanes: Tips for Floridians
The Wood Doctor
Why Prepping Your Trees for Hurricanes Is Important
Falling trees and tree limbs are one of the primary causes of storm damage during hurricanes. Therefore, it's important to deal with problematic trees ahead of time. Although we've already been in hurricane season for a couple of months, we all know that the peak of hurricane season is in September and October for us here in North Central Florida. This means that now is the best time to start prepping your trees for hurricanes!
It's important to consider the following as we head into peak hurricane season:
- Understanding the risks
- Assessing tree health
- Pruning for safety
1. Understanding the Risks
The main threat that hurricanes pose to trees is straight-line winds and gusts. The other issue is that heavy rains during hurricanes often "loosen" trees' root systems--causing them to uproot and topple over. This is even true for healthy trees! Uprooted trees and falling branches cause devastating damage to property and structures.
The best steps of action you can take when prepping your trees for hurricanes is to trim or remove trees that have branches overhanging structures like your home or business. Any dead or dying trees or tree limbs should also be removed well ahead of any storms. Failing to do so may result in catastrophic damage to your property.
2. Assessing Tree Health
When prepping your trees for hurricanes, it's crucial to have a professional tree inspection or "tree health assessment." A tree service professional will evaluate your trees for signs of disease, dead branches, and structural weakness. If you've never had your trees inspected by a tree service professional, doing so well ahead of the storm is the best time!
3. Pruning for Safety
One issue a thick tree canopy poses is excessive wind resistance during gusts or straight-line winds. One method of prepping your trees for hurricanes involves "thinning" the canopy to reduce this resistance.
A tree service professional will employ proper tools and techniques to effectively prune your trees. It's best that you don't attempt this yourself because you may end up doing more harm than good. Tree pruning is essential to prep your property ahead of the storm!
Prepping Your Trees for Hurricanes with The Wood Doctor In Gainesville and Micanopy, FL
It's important to call certified tree professionals with experience and knowledge when prepping your trees for hurricanes. Tree pros will carry proper licensing, insurance, training, and equipment to handle pruning and removal. Local companies also adhere to ordinances and follow safety standards.
Prioritize your tree care here in Gainesville, FL by trusting the experts at The Wood Doctor Tree Service!