How Pre-Storm Pruning Can Help Prevent Hurricane Damage

In preparation for hurricane season in Palm Beach, you’ve likely stocked up on supplies and secured your shutters. But have you considered your trees and how pre-storm pruning can prevent damage to (and from) your trees?

If you’ve been through one of Florida’s tropical storms before, you likely already know how quickly trees on your property can turn into dangerous projectiles during high winds and heavy rain. Tree pruning, often mistaken as a cosmetic treatment for unruly branches, can help reduce the risk of hurricane damage to your home and loved ones.

Key Takeaways

• Pre-storm pruning reduces wind resistance and branch hazards.
• Proper pruning promotes healthy growth, strengthening the tree to withstand strong wind and heavy rain.
• Watch for signs like dead or broken branches, disease, an overgrown canopy, and leaning trees; these indicate a need for pre-storm pruning.
• If you have concerns about your trees, call a certified arborist to inspect your trees for safety hazards.

2 Ways Pre-Storm Pruning Reduces Your Risk of Hurricane Damage

Most of us here in Palm Beach have witnessed in real life what kind of chaos follows a hurricane. Downed power lines, branches thrown against houses, and storm surges that bring high water levels and flooding are all grim reminders of the destructive force a hurricane can unleash.

But the danger doesn’t stop there. Flooding saturates the soil around trees, turning once firm support into mushy soup. This creates the perfect recipe for disaster, oftentimes causing trees to uproot completely.

In a desperate attempt to eliminate any potential hazards, your first instinct might be to cut down every tree on your property. The good news is you don’t have to take such an extreme approach. Instead, let’s look at the ways that properly pruning your trees can reduce your risk of storm damage.

1. Reduce Wind Resistance with Specialized Pruning Techniques

Did you know some species of trees resist wind better than others and that older, larger trees are more likely to fail in hurricanes? A large, dense canopy acts like a giant sail in a storm, catching wind and putting unnecessary stress on branches and the trunk, making it more likely to lose branches. Tree pruning on young and mature trees alike can significantly reduce wind resistance. Here’s how:

• Thinning the Canopy: By selectively removing branches, particularly those in the interior of the canopy, we can create a more open structure. This allows wind to pass through more easily, reducing the overall force exerted on the tree.
• Crown Raising: This technique removes lower branches, allowing wind to flow more freely beneath the canopy. This is particularly beneficial for houses located directly under large trees.
• Crown Reduction: A targeted reduction in the canopy’s overall size can be performed for larger trees. This helps lessen the wind load without sacrificing the tree’s beauty and shade.

Think of it like driving during a high windstorm. A tall SUV with a large surface area catches more wind, making it more likely to sway or even be tipped over. A dense tree canopy acts the same way.

By reducing the density of the canopy through proper pruning, we can significantly reduce the wind’s impact on your trees, making them more resilient during a hurricane.

2. Prune Trees Correctly to Eliminate Hazards

When a hurricane comes barreling towards Palm Beach Island, dead, diseased, or weakly attached branches become the first casualties, snapping and falling with devastating force.

A large branch crashing through your roof can cause significant structural damage, leading to costly repairs and potential displacement from your home. Falling branches can also seriously threaten anyone caught outdoors during a storm. This includes your family, neighbors, and emergency personnel responding to the situation.

A single falling branch can trigger a domino effect of damage. That one branch could strike power lines, causing outages and electrical fires.

By pruning your trees, you not only remove these hazards and help reduce subsequent storm damage to your property, but you also contribute to the overall safety of your community.

Signs Your Tree Needs Pre-Storm Pruning

It’s no surprise that a healthy tree is a more resilient tree. Proper pruning isn’t just about removing unwanted branches – it’s a necessary service that promotes healthy growth and strengthens your tree from the inside out.

But if you aren’t a tree care expert, how can you tell your southern magnolia trees or beautiful, tall palm trees need a visit from a certified arborist? Here are some key signs to watch for:

• Dead, Diseased, or Broken Branches: These are the most obvious danger signs. Dead branches are brittle and can easily be snapped. Broken branches, even if they seem minor, can become entry points for disease and further weaken the tree.
• Signs of Disease: Keep an eye out for discoloration of leaves, unusual growths on the bark, or premature leaf drop. These can all indicate underlying problems that could make your tree more susceptible to storm damage.
• Overgrown Canopy: A dense, overgrown canopy puts tremendous strain on the branches and trunk, increasing the risk of breakage. Pruning can help thin the canopy.
• Leaning Trees: Leaning trees can be a sign of root damage or instability in the soil. This makes them particularly vulnerable to falling over during a hurricane. While severe leaning may require more extensive work, pruning can often correct minor leaning issues and improve the stability of the tree.

Benefits of Hiring a Certified Arborist for Pre-Storm Pruning Rather than DIY

Tree pruning may seem straightforward, but proper technique is crucial for optimal results and tree health. Here’s why hiring a certified arborist, such as the team at Coastal Gardens, is the smarter choice:

• Expert Knowledge & Training: Our team of tree care specialists, led by an ISA-certified arborist, have the experience and qualifications to identify potential problems and perform safe, effective pruning that is specific to your tree species. We’re tree care experts, and your trees are in good hands.
• Right Tools for the Job: We possess specialized equipment to safely and efficiently prune even the tallest trees on your property. No tree is too big or too small for our tree care crew.
• Insurance & Peace of Mind: Certified arborists are insured against accidents, giving you peace of mind knowing your property is protected.

Don’t Wait for the Storm: Prepare Your Trees with Coastal Gardens

With hurricane season on the horizon, taking action is your best choice. Coastal Gardens has been servicing Palm Beach for more than ten years, providing expert tree care, designing hurricane-resistant landscapes, and, more importantly, giving peace of mind to countless homeowners. With us, you can breathe easy, knowing your trees are ready to weather the storm alongside you.

Schedule your tree pruning services today by calling 561-308-7604 or requesting an appointment online.