Hurricane Tree Trimming in Southwest Florida

Trimming your trees in preparation for Hurricane season is an important part of being a homeowner in Southwest Florida. Whether you're in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, or Naples we can help you evaluate and trim your trees in preparation for hurricane season.

Hurricane Season generally lasts between June through November in Florida.

Our state resources make great recommendation in order to be ready for a potential hurricane:

https://www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/hurricane-tree-preparation.page

Getting Ready Before a Major Storm

Improperly pruning trees before a storm can increase the possibility they will break or fall more easily during the storm. The large amounts of fallen and damaged trees usually seen after a storm are from improper cutting or pruning of trees.

Several months prior to hurricane season, do the following:

Prune trees during the tree species dormant season or during early spring.

Make sure the lawn care worker or tree trimmer is a certified arborist. Ask to see their registration or license and insurance.

• Never "top" or "hatrack" any tree. "Hatracking" is the term used when a tree is cut or chopped so badly that it is left with few or no leaves on the branches.

• Do not remove more than 25 percent of the tree canopy.

• Do not cut the tree root system.

• Remove mainly the interior branches. This will thin the canopy of the tree and allow the winds to pass through it more easily.

• Make sure to correctly dispose of all tree cuttings since branches and stumps left out in the open can become projectiles during a storm.

• Once the tree trimming has been completed, schedule a bulky waste pickup.

Because a well-cared-for tree is one of the best ways to protect your home from storm damage, saving as many trees as possible is to your benefit. Here are some simple guidelines for post-storm tree clearing and salvage:

• Survey the area for downed power lines.

• Cut any downed trees or branches blocking major roadways in order to help clear a path for emergency vehicles, utility trucks and other heavy machinery.

• Survey your property and remove trees or branches that are blocking access to your home.

• Cut any leaning or split trees that have a high probability of falling and causing additional damage to lives or property.

• Remove trees that are blocking access to utility poles or boxes. Remember that the wires may be live, so do not attempt to remove trees leaning on power lines.

• A partially uprooted tree can be saved by digging out the roots and standing the tree back upright. Big trees may need a come-along or backhoe to pull the tree back up.