GARDENING in FLORIDA Hurricane Tree & Palm Prep Starts Now!
Season 2, Episode 1795, Mar 05, 07:01 PM
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It's hard to believe that hurricane season is around the corner, but June 1 will soon be here. Theresa Badurek talks about how to prepare trees for hurricane season in Pinellas County. Badurek is an Urban Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Program Leader and Certified Arborist FL-1307A for UF/IFAS Extension, Pinellas County.
Prepare trees for hurricane season in Pinellas County by hiring a certified arborist to prune and thin canopies, removing dead or weak branches, and improving structure, ideally in late winter or early spring. Key actions include reducing wind resistance, clearing limbs 4-6 feet from roofs, and inspecting for decay.
Pre-Season Tree Hardening (Months in Advance)
Prepare trees for hurricane season in Pinellas County by hiring a certified arborist to prune and thin canopies, removing dead or weak branches, and improving structure, ideally in late winter or early spring. Key actions include reducing wind resistance, clearing limbs 4-6 feet from roofs, and inspecting for decay.
Pre-Season Tree Hardening (Months in Advance)
- Professional Inspection: Hire an ISA certified arborist to evaluate tree stability and identify hazards.
- Structural Pruning: Thin the inner canopy to allow wind to pass through, reducing the sail effect.
- Remove Deadwood: Clear all dead, diseased, or damaged limbs that can become projectiles.
- Reduce Weight: Trim back overly long or heavy branches, especially those hanging over homes or power lines.
- Clear Rooflines: Maintain at least 4 to 6 feet of clearance between trees and structures.
- Avoid Topping: Never "top" a tree; this creates weak, dangerous growth and makes trees more hazardous in future storms.
Palm Tree Care hurricane cut only prune totally dead
- Do Not Over-prune: Avoid removing green fronds; only remove dead or brown fronds (hanging below 9 and 3 o'clock) to prevent weakening the tree.
- Spacing: Ensure palms are not crowded, as they handle winds better with adequate spacing.
Specific Tree and Site Precautions
- Secure Young Trees: Stake newly planted trees using 2x4s and straps for support.
- Monitor Ficus: Do not remove the aerial roots of Ficus trees, as these help support the tree.
- Check Soil: Ensure trees are not in confined, shallow soil, which limits root growth and stability.
As Storm Approaches
- Remove Loose Items: Remove or secure any potted plants, hanging baskets, or gardening tools that could be blown around.
- Do Not Prune Immediately Before: Avoid last-minute, heavy pruning, which stresses the tree just before high winds.
Ensure all contracted tree work is performed by licensed and insured professionals familiar with Pinellas County's specific tree species.
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