The short answer
Before a storm: cut out dead and weak limbs, remove only the brown palm fronds, bring in anything loose, turn off the sprinklers, and clear the gutters. After a storm: stay away from downed lines, pick up debris, trim small broken branches, and call a certified arborist for big trees.
Skip the "hurricane cut" on palms
Cutting a palm down to a few fronds at the top does not protect it. UF/IFAS calls hurricane pruning a myth: the green fronds help hold the palm steady, and over-trimmed palms are more likely to snap. Remove only the fronds that are fully brown and dead, plus seed pods, and leave every green and yellow frond on the tree.
Handle dead limbs early
Dead, dying, and weakly attached limbs are what break off and hit roofs, cars, and fences. Take care of them in early summer, not the day a storm is named, when tree crews are booked up. Limbs over the house or near power lines are a job for a certified arborist.
Bring in anything loose
Potted plants, hanging baskets, yard decorations, and patio furniture turn into projectiles in high wind. Move them into the garage or a sheltered spot. Heavy pots that will not fit can be laid on their side between a hedge and the house.
Turn off the sprinklers and clear the drains
A tropical storm drops more water than any irrigation schedule, so shut the system off until the ground dries out. Clean out the gutters and make sure the downspouts point away from the house. Do not blow grass clippings or leaves into the street drain; clogged drains back water up into yards and streets.
After the storm
Walk the yard before you start cleaning. Look for branches on or near power lines, leaning trees, hanging limbs, and roots lifted out of the ground, and report downed lines to the power company. Pick up debris, trim the small broken branches first, and leave large damaged trees to an arborist.
Want the yard storm-ready?
Supreme Landscape removes dead palm fronds, lifts low limbs, trims hedges, and hauls the debris away across Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, and the rest of Hernando County. Call or text 727-809-8150 for a free quote.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Hurricane Landscaping; UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County: Preparing Palms for Hurricane Season in Central Florida
