June 1st is the start of Hurricane Season. Here are some tips to get your property and your plants prepared for the season.
- Ensure that new or small trees plants are secured and tied down firmly.
- Cut weak trees and branches that touch buildings and other property.
- Trim all foliage so wind can flow freely through it to avoid plants from being uprooted.
- Clear out any yard of any loose items that can become projectiles – broken parts of furniture or fencing, lumber, or tools.
- Make space indoors to bring in potted plants when a storm is imminent.
- Keep your lawn trimmed to ensure you are ready for possible weeks of not being able to tend to it.
- Try to avoid major construction projects during this season to avoid having to move a large amount of materials out of the way.
In the long run, if you are thinking of preserving trees for a long time stick to Florida natives, or hurricane resistant trees and plants with more flexible branches. The key is keeping your yard clean and trim to ensure preparation is much easier if a storm is on the way.