How to Prepare Your Trees for Hurricane Season in Hernando & Citrus County, FL

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The best time to get trees storm-ready in Brooksville, Spring Hill and Citrus County is late winter or spring, before the season starts: remove dead and dying trees, take out dead and hanging limbs, cut back branches over the roof, and thin dense canopies so wind can pass through.

E.J.R Tree Service LLC is a family-owned tree company in Brooksville. We do pre-storm trimming and removal all year, and we answer 24/7 after storms. Call (352) 777-1013.

Hurricane tree checklist

1. Look for dead or dying trees within striking distance of your house, driveway or power service line. These are the most likely to fail.
2. Check for leaning trees, especially if the lean is new or the soil is cracked or lifted on one side.
3. Look for trouble signs: large cracks in the trunk, mushrooms at the base, hollow or rotten sections, and big dead limbs.
4. Remove dead and hanging limbs before they become flying debris.
5. Clear limbs off the roof and away from gutters, screen enclosures and the house.
6. Thin, don't top. Proper crown thinning lets wind pass through. Topping a tree creates weak sprouts that break easily in the next storm.
7. Trim palms correctly. Remove dead fronds and seed pods, but leave the healthy green fronds. Over-trimmed palms are weaker, not safer.
8. Schedule early. Tree crews book up fast once a storm is in the forecast.

Which trees hold up best in Florida hurricanes?

University of Florida research on trees after major hurricanes found that live oak, sand live oak and sabal (cabbage) palm are among the most wind-resistant trees in Florida landscapes. Laurel oak, water oak and sand pine are among the least wind-resistant and are more likely to break or uproot. Laurel and water oaks are very common in Hernando and Citrus County yards, and they tend to have shorter lifespans and more rot as they age, so they deserve a closer look before storm season.

When to call a pro instead of doing it yourself

• Any limb or tree you would need a ladder or chainsaw overhead to reach
• Trees over or touching the house
• Trees near power lines (call your utility for anything touching the lines)
• Large dead or leaning trees

After the storm

Stay away from downed power lines, take photos for insurance, and call us for trees on your house, roof, driveway or fence. See our 24/7 emergency tree service page for what to do first.

Hurricane tree prep FAQ

When is the best time to trim trees for hurricane season?

Late winter through spring, before June 1. Dead or hanging limbs should come down as soon as you see them, any time of year.

Should I cut down every big tree near my house?

No. Healthy, well-pruned live oaks are some of the most wind-resistant trees in Florida. Focus on dead, damaged, leaning and poorly structured trees.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree before a storm?

Sometimes. See our guide to tree removal permits in Hernando and Citrus County.

How much does storm prep trimming cost?

Most single-tree trimming runs $150 to $1,500 depending on size. See our full tree service price guide.