When Hurricane Winds Howl, Your Trees Can Be Your Property’s Best Defense or Worst Enemy

As storm season approaches, homeowners across Long Island and the Northeast face a critical decision: will their trees protect their property from hurricane-force winds, or become dangerous projectiles that cause thousands of dollars in damage? Because a well-cared-for tree is one of the best ways to protect your home from storm damage, saving as many trees as possible is to your benefit. You might be tempted to remove trees to minimize damage, but as various storms have hit, we’ve seen that neighborhoods with the most tree cover actually have the least amount of damage and debris. The secret is to have healthy, deeply rooted, well-maintained trees.

The Hidden Vulnerability: Why Healthy-Looking Trees Fail During Storms

The large amounts of fallen and damaged trees usually seen after a storm are from improper cutting or pruning of trees. Many property owners assume their trees are storm-ready simply because they look healthy, but appearances can be deceiving. Remember that any tree is more susceptible to toppling during a storm if it suffers from construction damage to roots, poor growing conditions, small root zones, and disease or insect problems. Trees planted in the last five years and very old, large trees are the most susceptible to hurricane damage. Young trees don’t have an extensive root system to anchor them in wind, while old trees often have some decayed and weak branches.

Properly pruning mature trees, especially those with Spanish moss like live oaks, ensures that wind can blow through the tree’s canopy. When a tree has not been maintained or pruned properly, the wind blows against the tree instead of through it, causing it to bend or snap.

The Science Behind Preventive Tree Treatments

Professional preventive tree treatments go far beyond simple pruning. Regular site visits to examine your property allow us to use preventive treatments to head off problems before they become a major issue. We prefer to use spot treatments whenever possible (rather than widescale spraying). We also use highly effective organic treatments whenever one is available.

These treatments address multiple vulnerability factors:

• Disease Prevention: Susan says that 80% of diseases that fruit trees get are fungal. Funguses like dark, damp environments (which is why pruning is half the battle). The best fungicide and bacteriacide is air. Good air circulation and sunlight can prevent a whole host of diseases.
• Pest Management: Because the timing of treatment and prevention efforts is critical, missing signs of possible infestations or infections can put the survival of your trees at risk.
• Structural Integrity: Tree Fertilization: A soil injection of fertilizer in the spring or fall will stimulate root growth and strengthen the tree’s ability to resist disease. Tree Pruning: Removing dead and diseased limbs reduces the amount of disease activity in your landscape and helps keep trees healthier.

Why Long Island Properties Need Specialized Care

For Suffolk County residents, finding expert Tree Spraying in Smithtown, NY services is crucial for proper storm preparation. At Jones Tree and Plant Care, we understand how much Long Islanders appreciate and enjoy a healthy, beautiful landscape. We take a total tree and plant care approach to enrich the condition of your soil, improve the growth of your plantings, and enhance the overall curb appeal of your Nassau or Suffolk County property. We are committed to offering treatments that are effective, yet safe for the environment, and affordable to you.

Jones Tree is owned and operated by Thomas Jones – New York State Board Certified Arborist, and member of the Long Island Arborist Association. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to providing scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Jones Tree and Plant Care will inspect your landscape, diagnose any problems, and make recommendations based on knowledge and expertise gained through over 10 years of experience in the industry.

The Economic Impact of Preventive Care

Preventing Expensive Repairs: The cost of repairing a roof or vehicle damaged by a falling tree far exceeds the cost of professional tree maintenance. Avoiding Medical Bills: Preventing injuries caused by falling branches can save you from costly medical expenses. Proper tree care is a critical component of storm preparedness that can prevent significant damage and save you thousands of dollars.

Consider that a single large tree falling on your home can cause $15,000-$50,000 in damage, while comprehensive preventive tree care typically costs a few hundred dollars annually. The mathematics of prevention are compelling.

Timing Is Everything: When to Schedule Treatments

Several months prior to hurricane season, do the following: Prune trees during the tree species dormant season or during early spring. Although hurricane season here is officially June 1 through November, 30, the majority of severe storms usually hit starting in September or October, which means you have time to take preventive action.

When are pest and disease treatments most effective? It depends on the plant and what you are treating. Some diseases are only stopped if your tree or shrub is treated before it is infected. Weather can impact when treatments are applied each year – especially in the springtime.

Beyond Pruning: Comprehensive Tree Health Management

Plant health care is an integrated approach to nurturing and maintaining the health of plants in any landscape. At Jones Tree and Plant Care, we focus on proactive treatment strategies that enhance the natural environment of your plants, helping them thrive in their natural settings. By addressing issues like nutrient deficiency, disease prevention, and pest control, our plant health care services in Suffolk County ensure your greenery is robust and beautiful year-round.

Healthy soil and well-mulched trees are more likely to withstand the forces of a storm. Ensure proper soil care and mulching to improve tree stability. This holistic approach addresses the tree’s entire ecosystem, from root health to canopy structure.

Take Action Before the Storm

Don’t wait until it’s too late; invest in professional tree care and protect your home and family this hurricane season. Investing in these services now can save you a lot of time, energy, and money in the future. Jones Tree and Plant Care tailors specific programs based on the needs of each individual customer and property. A total tree and plant care approach will improve growth, condition and curb appeal of your property, all while using environmentally sensitive, affordable treatments.

Storm season preparation isn’t just about boarding up windows and stocking emergency supplies. Your trees represent both your property’s greatest asset and its biggest potential liability. With proper preventive treatments, professional assessment, and timely intervention, you can ensure your trees stand strong when the winds begin to howl, protecting rather than threatening everything you’ve worked to build.