As hurricane season approaches, it is to ask yourself, am I ready? How do I prepare my trees and yard for the upcoming storms? Hurricane season can be devastating to properties if the proper precautions are not taken. Understanding how and when to start preparing for hurricane season can be beneficial in the long run.
Trees
While some trees, such as palm trees, are built to withstand tropical storms and hurricanes, other trees need to be prepared for hurricane season. So when should you start getting your trees ready for hurricane season, and what needs to be done to make them more secure?
Pruning is an important part of maintaining any tree. When preparing for hurricane season, trees should be pruned while they are dormant. The majority of the tree’s weight should not come from the top, but instead from the inside. The interior branches should be pruned to allow wind to flow through the tree. No more than 25% of the canopy should be removed, and the root system should be left alone. Rotting and dead branches should also be removed from the tree. Once pruning is done, all debris should be picked up and disposed of.
Yard
When it comes to getting your yard ready for hurricane season, the most important thing to think about is debris removal. Getting debris and yard furniture out of your yard is important because anything that is not attached to the ground is at risk for becoming a projectile during a storm. Minimizing projectile objects is important in keeping your home and family safe.
Cleaning is another important step in preparing your yard for hurricane season. Cleaning things like gutters, driveways, decks, and porches helps to reduce work after the storm and ensures your home’s drainage systems are clear and unobstructed.
Above all else, before a storm, turn off the power. Turning off your home’s power will ensure the safety of you and your family and protect your home from power surges.
Hurricane season is just around the corner. Are you ready?
