Hurricane season in Florida runs from June through November, and while protecting your roof and windows is often top of mind, many homeowners forget about one of the most common causes of property damage during storms: trees.
Falling limbs, uprooted trees, and even flying debris from weak branches can cause major destruction to homes, vehicles, and power lines. At Sunnyside Scapes, we specialize in tree trimming and care across Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. Here’s how to properly prepare your trees before a storm hits.
Why Tree Preparation Matters
Strong winds don’t just knock over dead trees, they can tear healthy limbs from unmaintained trees, turning them into dangerous projectiles. Unbalanced trees or those with dense, untrimmed canopies are more likely to fall during hurricanes or tropical storms.
Proactive tree care is not only safer, but often more cost-effective than cleaning up after storm damage or filing insurance claims.
Step 1: Schedule a Professional Tree Inspection
Before the peak of hurricane season, it’s important to have a certified tree professional assess the health and structure of your trees. A tree that looks fine from the outside may have internal decay or weak branch unions that make it vulnerable in a storm.
In areas like Sarasota and Venice where palms, oaks, and ficus trees are common, inspections should check for:
Cracks in limbs or trunk
Dead or diseased branches
Shallow root systems
Unbalanced canopy growth
Step 2: Trim and Thin Tree Canopies
Tree trimming is one of the most effective ways to reduce wind resistance. Thinning the canopy allows wind to pass through more easily, reducing the risk of toppling. Removing deadwood and overhanging branches also helps protect your home and nearby structures.
Our team at Sunnyside Scapes offers professional tree trimming services that not only improve safety but promote long-term tree health.
Step 3: Remove Dead or Dangerous Trees
If a tree is already compromised, whether it’s leaning, cracked, or showing signs of internal rot, it’s often safer to remove it before hurricane winds have the chance to do it for you. Our experts provide tree removal in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding areas with full debris cleanup.
Step 4: Secure or Remove Loose Yard Debris
Branches, logs, and even stumps left in the yard can become hazardous during a storm. Once your trees are trimmed, make sure any leftover debris is properly cleared or secured. We can haul away debris or convert branches into mulch upon request.
Step 5: Support Young or Vulnerable Trees
Newly planted or top-heavy trees may benefit from staking during hurricane season. However, it’s important to stake them correctly to avoid damage to the root system. Our team can recommend the safest approach for your landscape.
Protect Your Property Before the Storm
At Sunnyside Scapes, we understand Florida’s weather patterns and how to prepare your trees for them. We proudly serve Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch with reliable tree trimming and removal services that help reduce storm risks and improve safety.
Whether you need a full tree inspection, selective trimming, or emergency removals, we’re here to help you weather the season.
Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule your pre-hurricane tree assessment.