Hurricane season brings unique challenges to League City homeowners, with trees often becoming either protectors or hazards during severe weather. Taking proactive steps before storm warnings appear can significantly reduce damage to both your trees and property.

The Timing Factor: Don’t Wait

The best time to prepare trees for hurricane season is well before June 1st:

Late winter/early spring pruning allows trees time to heal
Last-minute cutting can actually weaken trees
Emergency work just before storms is often limited and expensive

Strategic Pruning Priorities

Focus on these pruning techniques to increase wind resistance:

Thin the canopy to reduce wind resistance (but never remove more than 25% of living branches)
Remove crossing branches that could damage each other in high winds
Eliminate dead or diseased limbs that would be first to fall
Create balanced branch distribution around the trunk

Root System Support

Healthy roots anchor trees during high winds:

Apply proper mulch (2-4 inches deep, not touching the trunk)
Avoid digging or construction near root zones
Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
Consider deep root fertilization for stressed trees

Identifying and Addressing Hazards Early

Professional assessment can identify issues that make trees vulnerable:

Decay pockets or hollow areas
Poor branch attachments with included bark
Leaning trees with recent root damage
Species particularly vulnerable to wind (like Bradford pears)

Creating a Storm Response Plan

Know what to do when storms approach:

Have professional contacts ready for emergency storm cleanup
Document tree conditions with photos for insurance purposes
Understand which trees pose the greatest risks
Have evacuation routes planned that avoid hazardous trees

Professional Assessment Value

Our certified arborists provide:

Hazard evaluations specific to hurricane resistance
Customized pruning plans for wind tolerance
Documentation for insurance purposes
Priority response agreements for post-storm services

While no preparation can guarantee trees will survive major hurricanes, proper care significantly improves their chances while reducing risks to your property. Schedule a pre-hurricane season assessment today to identify and address potential problems before storms arrive.