How to Prune to Prep for Storms
Aug 06th 2018
During hurricanes and tropical storms, one of the biggest causes of property damage is trees. Strong winds and rain can uproot shrubs and trees, strew branches across your landscape, and threaten your property’s structural integrity. These tips from Gainesville lawn care company Evergreen Lawn Care can help you prevent tree damage.
Ways to Prevent Storm Damage in Gainesville, FL
Along with strong winds and heavy rains, falling trees and landscape debris can damage property and cost Florida home and business owners thousands of dollars in repairs. Year-round preventive measures, such as planting native species, pruning trees regularly and removing hazardous trees and branches, can help minimize damage from hurricanes, tropical storms and other turbulent weather.
Prune Trees & Shrubs Regularly
Excessively bushy trees often fail to adequately feed all of their branches. Thus, pruning trees and shrubs regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent unhealthy limbs, which can unexpectedly break, fall and damage surrounding structures. Among strong winds and heavy rains, even seemingly healthy limbs and branches can be serious hazards to anything around them. Schedule pruning and trimming services frequently to keep your trees healthy during any season.
Remove Hazardous Trees
When a storm is in the forecast, it’s important to remove hazardous trees from your landscape before they have a chance to cause damage. Trees may be considered hazardous if they have:
- Deep, hollow holes
- Vertical cracks or depressions in the trunk
- Many dead branches
- Decay
- Trunk rot, fungi, or harmful pests
- Leaning trunks
Keep Trees & Shrubs Healthy
Periodically checking up on the health of your trees and shrubs through Gainesville landscaping is recommended year-round, but it is especially important before a storm. Check whether your plants have enough water, fertilizer and mulch covering their roots and the base of their trunks.
Plant Native Species
When searching for trees and shrubs to add to your landscape, consider choosing native species. Trees and shrubs native of Florida are better equipped to handle storms than non-native plants, which may require more effort to maintain. Planting Florida-friendly varieties, such as Sabal palmetto, can improve the health of surrounding plants, attract native wildlife species and provide protection during storms. To learn more about the benefits of native plants, contact the experts in landscaping Gainesville, FL, residents trust at Evergreen Lawn Care.
Benefits of Pre-Storm Pruning & Trimming
The key to minimizing the risk of property damage is proactive storm preparedness. While there is no such thing as a storm-proof landscape, regular maintenance by a certified Gainesville landscaping company can help make your trees and shrubs more resistant to storms. Benefits of pre-storm pruning and trimming include:
- Enhancing Aesthetics: Pruning a tree or shrub is a simple way to help maintain natural shape and a good appearance.
- Improving Health: Branches are susceptible to death, breakage and rotting due to fungal and insect infestations. Hiring professional lawn care experts to prune away affected branches is necessary to restore the health of the tree.
- Preventing Disaster: During a storm, unhealthy limbs and branches can pose a serious threat to anything around them.
Lawn Care in Gainesville, FL
Home and business owners deserve the best lawn care in Gainesville, FL. Evergreen Lawn Care provides superior service for residential and commercial properties, including pre-storm preparation and post-storm cleanup services. Our team can help the trees, shrubs and other plants on your property stay healthy and withstand seasonal changes. For lawn service Gainesville, FL residents can count on, contact us today!
