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Hurricane Season and Your Trees: Preparing Your Landscape for Storms

3/4/2025

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​Hurricanes are a common threat in Baton Rouge, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that can severely damage trees and landscapes. Proactive tree care before storm season can minimize risks, protect your property, and reduce cleanup costs. In this guide, we’ll cover how to assess and prepare your trees for hurricane season to keep your landscape safe and resilient.
Picture of tree with wind damage in Baton Rouge

Assessing Tree Health Before Hurricane Season

Before a storm hits, it’s important to evaluate the condition of your trees to identify potential hazards.
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Look for Weak or Dead Branches
  • Weak, dead, or broken branches are more likely to break off during high winds.
  • Regularly inspect your trees and remove unstable limbs to reduce potential damage.
Check for Structural Defects
  • Trees with multiple trunks or weak branch unions are more susceptible to splitting.
  • Leaning trees may indicate root damage or instability and should be assessed by a professional.
Inspect for Disease or Decay
  • Trees affected by rot, fungus, or insect infestations are more likely to fall during storms.
  • Addressing disease and pest issues before hurricane season strengthens tree resilience.

Proper Tree Maintenance to Minimize Storm Damage

Routine tree maintenance is key to reducing storm-related damage.
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Regular Pruning
  • Trimming trees properly can reduce wind resistance and prevent overgrowth.
  • Removing excess branches ensures trees are less likely to break under high winds.
Deep Root Watering & Mulching
  • Strong roots help trees stay anchored during storms.
  • Applying mulch around tree bases improves soil moisture and root stability.
Bracing and Cabling
  • Weak trunks and heavy branches can benefit from structural support.
  • Professional bracing and cabling can reinforce vulnerable trees, reducing breakage risk.

Choosing Hurricane-Resistant Trees for Your Landscape

Some tree species are better equipped to withstand hurricanes than others.

​Best Wind-Resistant Tree Species
  • Live Oak – Strong, deep-rooted, and highly wind-resistant.
  • Bald Cypress – Flexible, flood-tolerant, and resilient in storm conditions.
  • Southern Magnolia – Dense wood and strong structure make it more durable.
Avoid Trees Prone to Storm Damage
  • Water Oaks – Weak wood and shallow roots make them highly susceptible to storm damage.
  • Pines – Tall and brittle, prone to snapping in strong winds.
  • Shallow-Rooted Species – Trees with weak root systems can easily topple over in storms.
Spacing and Placement Strategies
  • Avoid planting trees too close to power lines, structures, or driveways.
  • Space trees properly to allow for strong root development and wind flow resistance.

What to Do With Trees After a Hurricane

Once the storm has passed, evaluating tree damage is crucial for safety and recovery.

Assess Tree Damage
  • Look for hanging branches, split trunks, and exposed roots.
  • Trees leaning significantly may pose a risk and need immediate attention.
Remove Hazardous Trees Safely
  • If a tree is at risk of falling, consult a professional for safe removal.
  • Avoid handling large fallen limbs or uprooted trees on your own.
Tree Recovery Tips
  • Proper watering, mulching, and pruning can help stressed trees recover.
  • Monitor tree health for signs of delayed damage in the weeks following the storm.

Get Prepared For Storm Season
Preparing your trees before hurricane season can protect your landscape and property from severe damage. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, and choosing storm-resistant tree species can make a significant difference. If you need assistance with tree preparation or post-storm care, contact a professional tree service to ensure your trees remain strong and resilient year-round.


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Peak Hurricane Season and Tree Service

9/3/2018

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​September is the most active month of hurricane season. Most of you have been through it before and are prepared in the event another storm hits here. Below is a refresher for how to prepare for a hurricane.
Picture of fallen trees after a hurricane in Baton Rouge Louisiana
Here is a basic hurricane prep kit:
  • one gallon of water per day per person
  • flashlight, batteries
  • three day supply of non-perishable food
  • pet food
  • baby supplies
  • prescription medicine
  • local map
  • first aid kit
  • dust mask
  • can opener
  • moist towelettes
  • whistle
  • battery powered radio
  • wrench/pliers

Prep kit extras:
  • tarps
  • duct tape
  • backup generators
  • extra gas cans
  • playing cards
  • full gas for vehicle
  • propane or charcoal grill
  • solar charge kit for phone

Inspect your trees today. If they appear unhealthy, contact an arborist. If they have dead branches, have them removed. Tree companies can get booked up once there are hurricane storm path models projecting your area being possible. Contact a tree service company sooner than later for better scheduling.
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In the event of a hurricane, bring in outdoor furniture and potted plants. Board up windows and doors you deem necessary.
Charge all phones and tablets fully before a hurricane strikes. Charge extra battery kits also. Fill a bathtub with water to use for cleaning in case the water stops working. If there is an evacuation order, get out early. Traffic will cause gridlock quickly. We hope to avoid any hurricanes this seasons and hope you are safe in the event we do encounter one.
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Get Tree Service Before the Hurricanes Start - New Orleans and Baton Rouge Tree Service

6/1/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture of fallen tree removal after hurrican in New Orleans
Not a happy car owner.
Hurricane season is upon us yet again. After closely watching subtropical storm Alberto make landfall, it is certainly here. Hurricane preparedness saves lives. We are repeatedly informed to make sure our family has enough food, water, hygiene supplies, batteries, and gas to last in case disaster strikes. We are asking you to take a look at one more thing that could become deadly, your large trees.
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If you have a large tree on your property, have one of our arborists take a look at it for free. Healthy trees often have dead wood hanging from limbs that can cause damage in a storm. A large tree could have a lot of branches that generate wind resistance. A few select cuts will reduce the chance of the tree falling during strong winds. It can also look better and allow light to pass through to the plants below, making them healthier and better looking.
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The most dangerous situation is if you have a dead or dying tree. A large dead tree during a hurricane can kill. It is safer to have dead trees removed immediately. These are the first trees to fall during a storm and tend to be the ones on the news shows firmly through the roof of someone’s home. Even if you are insured and no one gets hurt, it will take months to get everything repaired and replaced. 
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Be on the safe side. If you live in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or anywhere in Louisiana between, get one of our arborists to inspect your tree’s health today for free. Contact us today to get it scheduled.
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    Loves the outdoors and has a great appreciation for trees.

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