Get Your Trees Storm-Ready Before Hurricane Season
Living in Tallahassee means dealing with serious weather. From June through November, we are in the path of tropical storms, hurricanes, and powerful thunderstorms that can bring down even healthy-looking trees.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here is what you can do now to protect your property.
Inspect Your Trees Before Storm Season
Walk your property and look for these warning signs:
- Dead branches hanging in the canopy
- Cracks in major limbs or the trunk
- Leaning trees that have shifted recently
- Root damage from construction or erosion
- Dense canopy that catches wind like a sail
If you spot any of these, call a professional arborist before storm season hits.
Pruning Is Your Best Defense
Proper pruning reduces wind resistance and removes weak branches before they become projectiles. Crown thinning allows wind to pass through the canopy instead of catching it.
Do not top your trees — that actually makes them more dangerous. Topping creates weak regrowth that is more likely to fail in a storm.
Know Which Trees Are Most at Risk
In the Tallahassee area, these species tend to be most vulnerable during storms:
- Water oaks — fast-growing but brittle, prone to splitting
- Laurel oaks — susceptible to root rot and internal decay
- Pine trees — tall and top-heavy, especially when surrounded by cleared land
- Bradford pears — weak branch structure, split easily
Live oaks, on the other hand, are remarkably wind-resistant when properly maintained.
After the Storm: What to Do
If a storm hits and you have tree damage:
- Stay away from downed trees and power lines
- Document damage with photos for insurance
- Call a professional — do not attempt to remove large trees yourself
- Be cautious of storm chasers offering cheap tree work with no insurance
Reed Tree Service offers 24-hour emergency storm response across North Florida and South Georgia.
Plan Ahead — It Costs Less Than Cleanup
Pre-storm pruning and hazard tree removal is always cheaper than emergency cleanup after a tree falls on your house, car, or fence.
Ready to get your property storm-ready? Call Reed Tree Service at (850) 570-4074 for a free estimate, or request one online. We serve Tallahassee and communities across North Florida and South Georgia.