UF/IFAS experts offer critical advice on preparing your trees and plants for the next big storm.
Hurricane season is an annual reality in Florida, and while homeowners often focus on protecting their homes from wind and water, the landscape outside is just as vulnerable. With residential losses from Hurricanes Milton and Helene in 2024 topping $5 billion, a significant portion of which was tied to landscape damage, experts are urging Floridians to take proactive steps to secure their yards.
Michael Orfanedes, a commercial horticulture agent at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), reminds property owners that a storm-ready property means caring for the yard as much as the home itself.
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“Having properly trimmed trees in advance of storm season is one of the most proactive things a homeowner or property manager can do to reduce tree losses and storm damage to property,” he explained.
Common Mistakes and Proactive Solutions
Many homeowners make critical mistakes that increase their risk of storm damage. According to Orfanedes, the top three errors are:
- Improper tree trimming: Failing to trim trees correctly before a storm can lead to catastrophic damage. The goal is to remove cracked or broken limbs and shorten branches that hang over roofs or near buildings, always cutting back to a lower limb. Never “top” a tree with indiscriminate stub cuts, as this harms the tree and creates weak, new growth that is prone to breaking.
- Leaving unsecured outdoor items: Patio furniture, garden tools, and potted plants can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Always bring them inside or secure them properly.
- Ignoring the sprinkler system: Oversaturated soil from irrigation can make trees and shrubs more susceptible to being uprooted during a storm. Turning off your sprinklers well in advance is a simple but effective preventive measure.
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Identifying High-Risk Trees
Knowing when a tree poses a risk is crucial. Be on the lookout for trees that lean severely, have uneven or lopsided canopies, or show signs of advanced trunk decay. Large, broken, or decayed roots, as well as extensive damage from lawn mowing, can also compromise a tree’s stability. If you notice significant cracks or hollowed areas in the trunk or major limbs, it’s time to call a professional. For a thorough assessment, Orfanedes recommends contacting an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) who holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification credential.
Coastal Landscape Challenges
For those in coastal areas, storm surge and saltwater intrusion present unique challenges. Saline or brackish water can kill turf and many sensitive plants. However, a resilient coastal landscape is possible by selecting salt-tolerant plants like seagrape, beach sunflower, and sea oats. To mitigate erosion and flooding, consider building sea walls, landscape berms, or planting durable, salt-tolerant vegetation. If your property is inundated with saltwater, repeated irrigation after the floodwaters recede can help leach the salts out of the soil, giving your plants a fighting chance.
“While you can trim trees any time of the year in South Florida, doing it well in advance of storm season is best,” Orfanedes advises. “Don’t wait until a storm is imminent, as the trimmed branches themselves can become dangerous debris if left outdoors.”
Taking these steps now can help ensure your landscape survives the next major storm, saving you from costly repairs and giving you peace of mind.
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