Tree Preparation Before Hurricane Season

During the summer of 2005, was one of the worst hurricane seasons on record. Contributing to the disaster, immense cost and cleanup, when trees had fallen down. In some situations, trees had caused many utilities and cable lines to fall. That added to the cost of repair, and loss of vital services, for duration of time. Besides danger, trying to remove branches or trees, near down active electrical power lines. Precautionary steps should have been taken to minimize or eliminate these damages. Before, the beginning of the new hurricane season, which begins June First, homeowners should evaluate their trees, to be trimmed by professional landscapers.

This will reduce resistance, and tree toppling, from hurricane wind force. During winter months, optimal time trimming trees, when trees are not actively growing, and don't not need protection from sunburn. During the process of trimming, cutting out the dead, diseased, and damaged wood, and remove watersprouts (Usually grows from previous pruning. Where the branch rubs against other branches or prevents sunlight that section, should be cut away.) Also, remove from trees, any coconuts, fruits, and any fallen debri, which can fly through the air, and cause damage, during a hurricane or tropical wind force. The debri or branches should be hauled away, as soon as possible.

Certain types of trees should not be planted or should be removed, prior to hurricane season. These trees cause most damage, during a hurricane force winds. These trees include: Australian pine tree, Mahogany, Ficus, Laurel Oak, Queen Palm and Tabebuia. Australian Pine has shallow roots. During a storm, the tree can fall down, and will be expensive to remove, including the root balls. Mahogany trees have brittle wood, and branches, that break apart during low wind speed.

These trees can grow to seventy feet. Ficus trees have shallow large root balls and a dense canopy, making the tree perceptible to fall, during wind speeds of 60 mph, and causing plenty of destruction. When a Ficus tree falls, the roots of the tree will be uprooted, and cause damage to fences, underground utilities, and plumbing. Laurel Oak trees, which are at least 40 years old, are perceptible to wind damage. Queen Palm trees roots will be pulled out of the ground, and snap at the trunk, by heavy wind speed. Tabebuia trees will fall down, by wind speed of at least 25 mph.

Certain types of trees, will tolerate better hurricane force winds, and cause the least amount of damage. These trees include: Live Oak, Pygmy Date Palm, Canary Island Date Palm, Ironwood, and Sabal Palm. Live Oak trees are likely to tolerate heavy wind force, but on occasion, will split in half or fall over. Preferable the tree should not be planted, on residential properties with small yards. Pygmy Date Palm grows up to ten feet with single or multiple trunks and tolerates heavy wind force. During hurricanes Andrew and Wilma, these trees faired well, during speeds more than 120 mph. Canary Island Date Palms can grow up to 60 feet, and withstand heavy gusty wind force.

Unfortunately, these trees sometimes have pest problems, and retails, about $1,000 a tree. Ironwood trees are very strong resistant against hurricane winds. These trees grow about 40 - 50 feet, and wood has been used to built boats, tool handles and candlesticks. Sabal Palm trees known to withstand winds of more than 145 mph. These trees grow to about 50 feet, however are less attractive, than other palm trees.

Deciding what trees to plant, best to consult a reputable tree specialist or an Arborist. The specialist can access your trees, and provide advise for maximum hurricane safety. When hiring an Arborist, must have a passed an examination to become certified by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and continued education. Locating a tree trimmer, should be license by the State, have insurance for any property damage, personal liability, workers compensation, and provide references.