Hurricane preparations should include the landscape
Hurricane season will start on June 1. Meteorologists and emergency operation center managers
have three words of advice: prepare, prepare, prepare.
We all know that there are lots of things we need to do well in advance of a hurricane heading in
our direction, from having adequate food and water on hand to getting important papers together
for evacuation.
You have a family disaster plan for what you would do in case a hurricane strikes. You checked
your disaster supply kit and obtained and/or replaced any items you need.
Our landscapes also require some attention and thought when it comes to preparing for and
dealing with the aftermath of the high winds and heavy rains that hurricanes bring.
Do not wait for a major storm to form in or enter the Gulf before you carefully check large shade
trees on your property to make sure they are in good shape and structurally sound. Trees should
be examined periodically for health and potential hazards.
In particular, look for any large dead branches in the trees. These should be removed, especially
if they pose a threat to the house.
Also, look for branches that hang over the house near the roof. The high winds of hurricanes can
cause trees to bend somewhat and branches to flail around considerably. These branches can
cause extensive damage to the roof and should generally be removed.
Trees that are one-sided or leaning should be pruned to balance out the canopy. After the
prolonged rain associated with many hurricanes, the soil may be so soft that trees can topple over
if the weight is not properly distributed.
Look at the overall condition of the trees in your landscape. A tree that is sickly or low in vigor
and shows significant signs of rotten or decayed areas in the trunk or termite damage should be
cut down if it poses a threat to buildings. If it’s a large tree, you should also consider how it
might affect neighboring properties.
It is best to have this kind of work done by professional, licensed arborists. Arborists are trained
individuals who make a career of caring for the urban forest.
It’s a good idea to contact more than one company and get estimates before you have the work
done. And do make it a point to be present when the work crew is there, so you can make sure
what is done is what you wanted.
Well before a hurricane threatens, if you are the organized sort, make a list of things outside that
need to be brought inside and where to put them, and make a list of things that need to be tied
down.
Buy the necessary equipment, including anchors. Estimate how long it will take to secure things.
You can make these lists part of your family’s emergency plan.
Should a hurricane head our way, it’s important to secure loose objects in your landscape. Look
around your grounds for container plants, hanging baskets, tools, lawn furniture (including porch
swings), toys, bicycles, bird feeders, wind chimes, barbecue grills, playhouses and doghouses.
These items can become destructive missiles during high winds and should be stored indoors, in
garages or sheds, or anchored securely in place.
If you have removed the stakes from young trees planted within the past one to three years,
consider re-staking them just before a hurricane to prevent them from blowing over. Make sure
the stakes are driven deeply and securely into the ground.
Don’t wait for a tree to let you know it is sick or dangerous! Be proactive. Look over your trees.
If you see something suspicious, call a certified arborist. A healthy tree is a safe tree!
Now is the time to take care of these tree issues. Do not delay.
