It’s that time of year again, Central Florida. As we turn over our calendars to June, we’ve all got one thing on our minds beyond summer fun—the start of hurricane season. The time has come to carefully check our supplies, secure windows, and turn a cautious eye towards the trees that surround our homes. While we might enjoy the majesty of nature throughout the year, we’re also aware that these beautiful trees can become a hazard when winds begin howling. But don’t worry! Our experts have you covered with some basic steps you can take to ensure your trees are ready to face hurricane season safely.
Understanding the Timeline of Hurricane Season
Although we can’t predict ahead of time exactly when storms will strike, hurricane season in the Atlantic can run from June 1st through November 30th. For us in Central Florida, we especially put up our guard around the time from August to October. Sometimes quickly and seemingly from nowhere, this is when we’ll notice tropical systems forming in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
Although we might dread the coming storms, the predictability of this weather cycle gives us a major advantage: foresight. Before hurricane season comes around, we’re able to be wise, take advantage of the time we have, and prepare for any outcomes in advance.
Why Tree Safety Matters
Not sure why all the fuss about tree safety? Be certain of one thing: unchecked trees can pose a great amount of danger when a hurricane strikes. High winds can turn a seemingly-stable tree into damaging projectiles in the form of branches—or even whole trees themselves. Different species of trees can be more wind resistant than others, and a tree care specialist can help you identify which might be more dangerous in a storm. An old oak or towering pine could easily cause damage to your house or car—or even to your own safety.
Once the storm is over, you’ll have to expect cleanup concerns, too. Uprooted or broken trees can cause a major mess—leaving plenty of debris to clear before getting back to normal. These trees can block roads, damage power lines, and generally make life a little more frustrating and difficult.
So, when you consider all this, it becomes clear that tree care isn’t just for you and your own home. It’s about keeping the entire community safe—and making recovery more timely.
Getting a Pre-Storm Inspection
So, what can you do ahead of the storm to assure a quick return to normalcy post-hurricane? This is where our expert tree service comes into play. Our Certified Arborists can help provide pre-storm inspections, spotting potential hazards before they can cause troubles throughout hurricane season.
We look for things like dead, diseased, decayed, or damaged branches and trees—or branches rubbing together. Also, we’ll help identify branches that might be creeping dangerously close to your roof or utility lines. These hazards might cause the most damage in a storm situation. Another concern comes in the form of dense canopies. These may catch high winds, a bit like the sails on a boat—leading to increased risk of damage in a storm.
While your untrained eye might not catch these safety hazards, our Orlando arborists are trained to pick them out. More hidden concerns might include weak tree joints, lopsided crowns, improper branch angles, signs of interior rot, or co-dominant stems. Specialized knowledge can help identify trees with lower wind resistance or signs of previous improper trimming. With more professional recommendations under your belt, our team is happy to help you identify what needs to be done to prepare trees for hurricane season.
Timing Your Pre-Storm Tree Service
So—when’s the right time to get inspected for storm season? It’s crucial to start this process early. You’ll want to start preparing weeks—or even months—before the hurricane season is forecasted to peak. You don’t want to be caught getting branches trimmed for safety concerns when a storm is already on the horizon. Instead, take ample time to address any issues raised during the inspection and avoid that last- minute rush altogether, so you can focus on keeping yourself and your family safe.
Like most steps taken while preparing for a hurricane, tree inspections and maintenance aren’t a quick and total fix. They require enough time to address potential problems fully. If you wait until a storm has already been forecast, you might find yourself waiting. There’s plenty of other homeowners who will also need services on a tight schedule during this time! Instead, we suggest scheduling that inspection ahead of the game—and as soon as possible. Our team is happy to help!
Undertaking Storm Cleanup
Once the storm has settled and the hurricane has passed, it can leave a trail of destruction in its wake. Here is where the ongoing process of repair and cleanup truly begins. During this time, it can be heartwarming to watch neighbors and communities work together to remove debris and get back on their feet. But, when it comes to larger-scale tree damage, professional help is often necessary.
Tree Work Now is experienced in quick and comprehensive tree cleanup in the aftermath of a storm. We prioritize situations where dangerous fallen trees or hanging branches pose threats to homes or families, and we understand how stressful this time can be. Therefore, we stay well-equipped to help and communicate with clients throughout the storm cleanup phase.
So, as you gear up for this coming hurricane season, don’t forget to pay attention to your trees, too. As a critical part of your preparations, your trees can make or break your property’s wellbeing in the wake of a storm. Be proactive and schedule a pre-storm inspection, and you too can reduce risk to your home and enjoy a simpler post-storm cleanup.
From pre-inspections to the aftermath of a hurricane, Tree Work Now is here with our Central Florida community each step of the way. We’ll harness our professional Orlando arborist expertise to help you, your home, and the community weather the storm. Stay safe out there and remember—we’re in this together!
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