Key Steps to Protect Your Trees Before a Hurricane in Florida

2 October 2025

Florida’s beauty comes with a trade-off: hurricane season. While residents often prepare their homes and stock up on supplies, one area that’s often overlooked is tree care. Properly preparing your trees before a storm not only protects your property but also helps reduce the risks of downed power lines, blocked roads, and costly damage.

At Albert & Ellis Landscaping & Tree Service, we’ve spent over a decade helping homeowners and businesses across Tampa Bay keep their landscapes safe and storm-ready. Here are the key steps you can take to protect your trees before a hurricane hits.

Lumberjack in orange vest using a chainsaw to cut logs in a forest.

1. Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection

A certified arborist or trained tree service professional can spot issues the average eye may miss. Weak limbs, cracks in the trunk, or signs of disease can make trees more vulnerable to breaking in high winds. A pre-hurricane inspection allows you to handle problems before they become dangerous.

 

2. Trim and Prune Strategically

Regular pruning is essential in Florida’s storm-prone climate. Before hurricane season, have large or overgrown trees trimmed to:


●  Remove dead, weak, or diseased branches

● Thin dense canopies so wind passes through more easily

● Reduce “sail effect” from oversized limbs that act like wind catchers


Avoid over-pruning, which can stress the tree. The goal is balance and stability, not excessive cutting.

 

3. Secure or Remove Hazardous Trees

Not every tree is a candidate for saving. If a tree is leaning dangerously, has extensive root damage, or is located too close to your home, it may need to be removed before hurricane season. Though tree removal is an investment, it’s often far less costly than the damage a falling tree can cause during a storm.

 

4. Protect Young or Newly Planted Trees

Young trees don’t yet have deep root systems. Before a hurricane:


● Use strong stakes and ties to anchor them

● Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and stabilize the soil

● Water adequately in the days leading up to the storm (healthy roots anchor better)
 

5. Check for Power Line Risks

Trees growing near power lines pose a major safety hazard. If branches are already close to or touching power lines, call your utility company or a licensed tree service provider for proper clearance. Never attempt to trim branches near power lines yourself.

 

6. Remove Debris and Loose Items

Fallen branches, palm fronds, and yard debris can quickly become projectiles in hurricane winds. Clearing out loose wood and keeping your yard tidy reduces both the cleanup after the storm and the potential damage during it.

 

7. Create an Ongoing Tree Care Plan

Tree protection isn’t a once-a-year task. Regular maintenance throughout the year—such as seasonal pruning, pest control, and soil health monitoring—helps keep trees strong, healthy, and more resilient when storms arrive.

Florida’s hurricanes are unpredictable, but preparing your trees doesn’t have to be. With proactive care and expert guidance, you can minimize risks, protect your property, and keep your landscape thriving year-round.

At Albert & Ellis Landscaping & Tree Service, we specialize in storm prep, tree trimming, and emergency response. Let our experienced team help you safeguard your property before the next storm season arrives.

📞 Call us today for a storm-readiness consultation and peace of mind this hurricane season.

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