Hurricane season will officially start in about 3 weeks (on June 1 to be precise) and meteorologists and emergency operation center managers have three words of advice: prepare, prepare, prepare.
You should have a family disaster plan for what you would do in case a hurricane strikes. 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.
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 structurally sound. Trees should be examined periodically for health and potential hazards.
In particular, look for any large dead branches in the trees. Large dead branches should be removed, especially if they pose a threat to the house.
Also, look for branches that extend over the roof. The high winds of hurricanes can cause trees to twist and branches to flail around considerably. These branches can cause extensive damage to the roof and should generally be removed.
Look for abnormal or unusual growths on tree trunks or limbs. If you see fungal growths that look like mushrooms (known as conks) on a tree trunk then the trunk likely has heart rot or decay. The presence of this fungus is particularly serious if several conks are present. To determine if the tree is unsafe, you need to know how extensive the decay is. Contact a certified arborist immediately if you see conks growing on the trunk of a tree.
Cavities and hollows in trunks and branches are typically the result of long-term decay that followed some type of injury. The injury often occurred many years ago. If a tree has a cavity or hollow, you should have the tree inspected by a certified arborist. Hollow trees are not always at risk of falling down so each situation must be carefully assessed. A tree cavity is similar to a cavity in your tooth. Without proper treatment, the situation will only get worse.
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.
It’s a good idea to obtain at least two 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 items. 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 anchored securely in place or moved indoors inside garages or well-anchored sheds.
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 help ensure that they will not be blown 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 safer tree!
Now is the time to take care of these tree issues; do not delay.