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hurricane tree recovery

Reducing damage from storms with preventive action

Damage to trees from storms can be minimized by designing and implementing a tree management plan. Unfortunately, most folks are unaware that designing and executing a plan can help prevent problems.

Prevention strategies for new plantings

  • Design the site appropriately
  • Select the right tree for the right place
  • Choose good quality nursery stock
  • Plant trees appropriately
  • Preventively prune
  • Develop and execute a preventive maintenance plan including the procedures below.

Prevention strategies for existing trees

General Procedures

  • Root collar examination
  • Root depth determination
  • Rooting space evaluation
  • Lower trunk assessment
  • Middle and upper trunk assessment
  • Canopy and branches
  • Preventive pruning
  • Do not cut roots on existing trees

Special Situations

  • Leaning trees
  • Young trees
  • Mature Trees
  • Trees close to curbs/sidewalks
  • Trees in parking lot islands/medians
  • Isolated trees
  • Trees near buildings
  • Species of special concern
  • Species resistant to damage
  • What to do following a hurricane
  • Establishing a wind-resistant urban forest
  • Managing a wind-resistant urban forest
  • PowerPoints
  • More Solutions  
    • Lessons learned |
    • Treating damaged trees |
    • Restoration pruning |
    • Preventing problems |
    • Evaluating hazards |
    • Nursery concerns
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  • Last Modified: April 10, 2008