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Hurricane-Season Tree Prep for Polk County Homes

Last updated October 19, 2026

Know the calendar

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. NOAA's Hurricane Research Division notes that August through October holds the large majority of tropical storm days and nearly all major hurricane days.

What research says about which trees survive

UF/IFAS researchers measured trees after multiple Florida hurricanes. In Hurricane Ivan, sand live oak, American holly, southern magnolia, live oak, wax myrtle and sabal palm had among the highest survival. Laurel oak had significantly lower survival than live oak and sand live oak across four Panhandle hurricanes, and water oak also fared poorly. UF/IFAS cautions that no tree is windproof and that soil, age, structure and health matter as much as species.

A pre-season checklist

1. Walk your yard and look for dead branches, cracks, cavities, mushrooms at the base, and trees leaning more than before.
2. Have an ISA-certified arborist look at large trees that could hit the house.
3. Prune for structure: remove dead, weak and crossing limbs. Avoid topping and over-thinning.
4. Trim palms by removing only dead fronds and seed stalks.
5. Keep limbs away from the roof and from service lines (your utility handles lines).
6. Photograph trees and your home now for insurance records.

If a tree is dangerous

Under Florida Statute 163.045, if an ISA-certified arborist or Florida licensed landscape architect documents that a tree on a single-family residential lot poses an unacceptable risk, local governments can't require a permit, fee or replanting. See our permit guide.

After the storm

Stay clear of downed lines, don't climb or cut trees under tension, and document damage before cleanup. For storm work, see emergency tree removal.

Frequently asked questions

When should I trim trees for hurricane season?

Before the season starts June 1, and well before the August–October peak NOAA identifies, when crews are busiest.

Which trees hold up best in hurricanes?

UF/IFAS lists sand live oak, live oak, southern magnolia, American holly and sabal palm among the best survivors in its hurricane studies. Laurel oak and water oak survived less well in Panhandle storms.