Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/blog/blogs/

Besides batteries and canned food, homeowners need to prepare for hurricane season by taking action and making informed choices on trees and landscaping.

Making sure that your trees have been trimmed back will minimize damage to property and power lines from falling trees and branches.

A wind-resistant, pruned tree has a better chance of surviving a hurricane than an unpruned tree.

Also diseased or dead trees may come down during the high winds and heavy rains. Look for trees and shrubs with diseased, oversized, lopsided branches.

An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture can make a professional assessment of your trees and recommend steps to prepare your property for a hurricane.

Reducing the chances of a tree or branches damaging your home can be as easy as planting trees away from your house and power lines. A selection of smaller trees and shrubs can be planted under power lines and close to your home.

Severe storms with heavy rains can soak the soil so thoroughly that tree roots cannot stay fastened in the ground during strong winds.

An arborist can apply aeration techniques to improve root growth and make sure roots don’t get washed out.

Picking and planting a wind-resistant tree can minimize the need for cleanup and not endanger lives and property. Native trees that survive are slower growing and have low centers of gravity and deep root systems. Check with an arborist for the right selection.

Planting trees together makes for a proven strategy against wind. Putting groups of mixed trees can improve wind resistance. The trees shield each other, your house and other landscaping.

Getting ready for a hurricane takes planning from an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and a call to Embark Tree and Landscape Services. Visit us at EmbarkServices.com to request a visit or call 713-462-3261.