Storm Season Prep: Protect Your Trees Before June 1st

June 1 shows up faster than most people expect, and tree crews book solid well before the first storm appears on the radar. After DIY Tree Maintenance: What Homeowners Can Safely Do, here is the schedule we give homeowners around Pinellas County for getting trees ready.

A downed oak blocking a neighborhood street after a storm.

Why Pre-Season Prep Matters

Florida's hurricane season (June 1 to November 30) brings sustained winds, gusts over 100 mph, and torrential rain. Trees that are structurally sound and properly pruned are far more likely to survive intact, and far less likely to damage your home, power lines, or neighbors' property.

Your 6-Week Pre-Season Checklist

6 Weeks Before June 1 (Mid-April):

• Schedule a professional tree assessment with Anthony's Tree and Stump Service

• Identify trees with structural issues: cracks, weak branch unions, heavy deadwood

• Note any branches currently touching or near your roof, power lines, or structures

4 Weeks Before (Early May):

• Complete all recommended pruning work

• Remove dead or hanging branches (these become dangerous projectiles)

• Thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance, but don't over-prune

2 Weeks Before (Late May):

• Clean up all debris from pruning work

• Check that young or newly planted trees are properly staked

• Ensure drainage around tree bases is clear (waterlogged soil makes for unstable roots)

1 Week Before:

• Do a final walk-through and photograph your trees (helps with insurance if damage occurs)

• Move outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations away from trees

• Review your emergency contact list (Anthony's Tree and Stump Service, your insurance, utility company)

Red Flags That Need Immediate Attention

Call Anthony's Tree and Stump Service right away if you notice:

• A tree that has developed a new lean

• Large cracks in the trunk or major limbs

• Mushrooms or fungal conks at the base (indicates root rot)

• Branches with large, dead sections

• Soil heaving or exposed roots on the windward side

• Trees with multiple trunks that are splitting apart

What NOT to Do

Don't top your trees: Cutting off the top of a tree (called "topping" or "hat-racking") doesn't make it safer. It creates weak, fast-growing sprouts that are MORE likely to fail in winds.

Don't over-prune: Removing more than 25% of a tree's canopy in one season stresses the tree and reduces its ability to photosynthesize.

Don't wait until a storm is forecast: Tree crews get booked solid before hurricanes. Schedule your assessment and work in April or early May.

After the Storm

Once winds have died down:

• Wait for all-clear from authorities before going outside

• Photograph any damage before cleanup (for insurance)

• Don't approach trees near downed power lines, call your utility company

• Call Anthony's Tree and Stump Service for professional assessment of damaged trees

Heavy limbs on a lawn after a storm. Photograph damage before cleanup.

Coming Up Next

Next is Common Tree Diseases in Florida: Spot the Signs Early, a look at the fungal and bacterial problems that show up on Pinellas and Hillsborough trees.

Talk to Anthony's Tree and Stump Service

If a tree on your property worries you, call us at (727) 254-0338 or request an estimate. We serve homeowners and businesses across Pinellas and Hillsborough counties from our Oldsmar office.