3 Quick Moves Before & After a Hurricane
1. Prune Lightly
Remove dead/diseased wood and crossing branches. Avoid heavy thinning right before a storm; it can stress trees.
Palms do not need pruning as they are adapted to wind storms. Removing fronds is of no benefit and is detrimental to the palm. Only coconuts and large palm seeds should be removed during hurricane season.
2. Secure loose items
Pots, umbrellas, lanterns, grill covers—store or strap down to prevent damage to windows and plants. If plants are too heavy to move, lay them flat between a hedge and your home’s foundation.
3. Irrigation OFF
Turn controllers to “Rain/Off” 24–48 hours before landfall to avoid waterlogging and to protect backflow devices.
