In Central Florida, the trees and palms on your property can be your biggest asset or your biggest liability when a hurricane or tropical storm comes through. Most storm damage to homes, cars, sidewalks and common areas comes from limbs, fronds and whole trees that were already weak before the wind picked up. The good news is that most of that risk can be reduced with a little planning before the season gets busy.
Here is a practical hurricane prep guide for homeowners, HOAs, CDDs and commercial property managers in Orlando and the surrounding area.
When to Start: Before the Storm Is on the Radar
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The best time to prepare trees and palms is late winter through spring, before the season starts. Once a named storm is in the forecast, tree crews are booked solid, debris pickup is suspended in many areas, and fresh cuttings left at the curb can become projectiles. Planning ahead also lets your crew do proper pruning instead of rushed, heavy cuts.
1. Walk the Property and Look for Warning Signs
Start with a simple walk-through and note any tree or palm that shows:
- Dead or broken limbs, especially ones hanging over roofs, driveways, parking areas or sidewalks
- Cracks or splits in the trunk or where large limbs meet the trunk
- Mushrooms, soft wood or cavities near the base, which can mean root or trunk decay
- Trees leaning more than they used to, or soil heaving on one side
- Limbs touching or close to power lines (these must be handled by the utility or a qualified line-clearance crew)
On HOA and commercial properties, pay close attention to entrances, playgrounds, pool decks, parking lots and walkways where people and vehicles gather.
2. Prune to Let Wind Through, Not to Strip the Tree
Proper storm pruning removes dead, weak and crossing branches and lightly thins a dense canopy so wind can pass through instead of catching it like a sail. It should not remove large amounts of healthy growth. Over-thinning, lion-tailing (stripping the inside of every branch) and topping all make trees weaker and more likely to fail in high winds.
Live oaks, laurel oaks and other large shade trees common in Central Florida benefit most from structural pruning done every few years by an experienced crew. Learn more about our tree trimming and pruning service.
3. Trim Palms the Right Way (Skip the Hurricane Cut)
Before storm season, remove dead and drooping brown fronds, seed pods and flower stalks. Those are the pieces that break off and fly in strong winds. Leave the healthy green fronds in place.
The so-called “hurricane cut,” where a palm is trimmed down to a few fronds pointing straight up, actually weakens the palm, slows its growth and can make the head more likely to snap. A full, healthy canopy helps protect the bud at the top of the palm. For more detail, read our guide on when to trim palm trees in Central Florida, or see our palm tree trimming and removal service.
4. Remove Trees That Are Already Failing
Some trees can’t be saved with pruning. Dead trees, trees with major trunk decay, and trees with large splits close to a house or building are better removed on your schedule than by the storm. Taking them down ahead of time is safer, cleaner and usually far less disruptive than emergency removal after a hurricane. See our tree removal service.
5. Check Drainage Before the Heavy Rain
Hurricanes and tropical storms in Central Florida often bring more water damage than wind damage. Saturated soil also makes trees much easier to uproot. Before the season:
- Clear gutters, downspouts, catch basins and drain inlets
- Look for low spots where water stands for days after a normal rain
- Make sure water is directed away from foundations, sidewalks and parking areas
- Fix problem areas with regrading, French drains or catch basins
Not sure which fix you need? Read French drain vs. catch basin, or learn about our drainage and French drain installation service.
6. Secure the Rest of the Landscape
- Stake or brace young and newly planted trees
- Swap loose decorative rock near windows and glass doors for mulch or larger stone
- Bring in or tie down planters, furniture, signs and decorations
- Check irrigation controllers and turn systems off once a storm is forecast
7. Have a Storm Cleanup Plan
After the storm passes, stay away from downed power lines and leaning trees, and photograph damage for insurance before anything is moved. Avoid using a chainsaw on large, tangled or hanging limbs yourself; storm-damaged wood is under tension and can move without warning.
For HOAs, CDDs and commercial properties, it helps to agree on a storm response plan with your landscape contractor before the season: who to call, which areas get cleared first (entrances, roads, sidewalks and amenities), and how debris will be handled. Learn more about our storm cleanup and emergency tree service.
Hurricane Prep Checklist
- Walk the property and flag dead, cracked, leaning or decaying trees
- Schedule structural pruning before June
- Trim dead palm fronds and seed pods (no hurricane cuts)
- Remove trees that are already failing
- Clear drains and fix standing-water areas
- Secure young trees, loose rock and outdoor items
- Set up a storm cleanup plan with your landscape contractor
Get Your Property Storm-Ready with Oakcrest Outdoors
Oakcrest Outdoors helps homeowners, HOAs, CDDs, resorts and commercial properties across Orlando and Central Florida prepare for hurricane season with tree trimming, palm trimming, tree removal, drainage solutions and storm cleanup, all at very reasonable prices. We also serve Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Lake Nona, Winter Park and the rest of our service area.