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January 12, 2025
Adan Brown
7 min read

Preparing Your South Florida Landscape for Hurricane Season

Essential steps to protect your landscaping investment and prepare for severe weather in Broward County.

Hurricane Landscape Preparation

Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30

Hurricane season in South Florida runs from June 1st through November 30th, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Proper preparation can save your landscape investment and ensure faster recovery after storms.

Living in South Florida means dealing with hurricane season every year. At SaS Broward, we've helped countless homeowners and businesses prepare their landscapes for severe weather and recover afterward. Proper preparation not only protects your investment but can significantly reduce cleanup time and costs.

Pre-Season Preparation (April - May)

The best time to prepare your landscape for hurricane season is before it begins. Early preparation allows you to address issues when contractors are available and materials are readily accessible.

Tree Assessment & Maintenance

Trees pose the greatest risk during hurricanes, but proper maintenance can significantly reduce this danger:

Professional Inspection: Have a certified arborist evaluate all large trees
Pruning & Trimming: Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches
Crown Thinning: Reduce wind resistance by selective branch removal
Root Health: Ensure trees are well-anchored with healthy root systems

Drainage System Inspection

Proper drainage is crucial for handling the heavy rainfall that accompanies hurricanes:

Clean Gutters: Ensure water flows away from structures
Inspect Systems: Check for clogs or damage in underground systems
Grade Assessment: Verify proper slope away from buildings
French Drains: Install or maintain subsurface drainage

Hurricane-Resistant Plant Selection

When planning new plantings or replacing damaged vegetation, choose species that can withstand high winds and salt spray:

Hurricane-Resistant Trees

Live Oak: Deep roots and flexible branches
Bald Cypress: Native species with excellent wind resistance
Sabal Palm: Florida's state tree, highly wind-resistant
Gumbo Limbo: Flexible trunk and quick recovery ability

Wind-Resistant Shrubs

Coontie: Native cycad that's extremely hardy
Firebush: Flexible stems and quick recovery
Simpson's Stopper: Dense, low-growing native
Wild Coffee: Understory plant that bends with wind

72-Hour Preparation Checklist

When a hurricane watch is issued, you have approximately 72 hours to complete final preparations:

72h

Immediate Actions (72 hours before)

Secure outdoor furniture
Remove decorative elements
Trim overhanging branches
Clear drainage areas
48h

Plant Protection (48 hours before)

Water thoroughly
Stake young trees
Harvest fruits/vegetables
Protect delicate plants
24h

Final Preparations (24 hours before)

Turn off irrigation systems
Secure pool equipment
Final walkthrough
Prepare cleanup tools

Professional Services

At SaS Broward, we offer comprehensive hurricane preparation and recovery services:

Pre-Season Services

  • • Tree health assessments and pruning
  • • Drainage system inspection
  • • Hardscape security reinforcement
  • • Hurricane-resistant landscape design

Emergency Response

  • • 24/7 emergency tree removal
  • • Storm damage assessment
  • • Debris removal and cleanup
  • • Temporary stabilization services

Recovery Services

  • • Complete landscape restoration
  • • Insurance claim assistance
  • • Improved drainage installation
  • • Resilient replanting programs

Be Prepared, Stay Protected

Hurricane preparation is an essential part of landscape ownership in South Florida. By taking proactive steps before hurricane season and knowing how to respond afterward, you can protect your investment and ensure faster recovery.

The key to successful hurricane preparation is starting early, using appropriate materials and plants, and working with experienced professionals who understand South Florida's unique challenges.

Prepare Your Landscape for Hurricane Season

Don't wait until a storm is approaching. Contact SaS Broward today to schedule your pre-season landscape assessment and preparation services.