Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 in South Florida, and for homeowners and property managers, landscape preparation is an important part of storm readiness. Proper landscaping can minimize damage, reduce cleanup costs, and help your yard recover faster after a storm. Here is a comprehensive approach to hurricane-season landscaping.
Pre-Season Preparation (April-May)
Tree Assessment and Pruning
Trees are the number one cause of landscape-related storm damage. Before hurricane season:
- Hire a certified arborist to inspect large trees for dead branches, weak crotch angles, and structural issues
- Remove dead and dying branches that could become projectiles
- Thin dense canopies to allow wind to pass through rather than catching it like a sail
- Remove any tree within striking distance of your home that shows signs of disease or root damage
- Do NOT top trees — topping creates weak regrowth that is more dangerous in future storms
Strategic Mulching
Applied correctly, mulch helps your landscape weather storms better:
- Quality mulch protects root zones from wind-driven erosion
- Mulched beds retain moisture better, helping stressed plants recover faster after a storm
- Mulch insulates root systems that may be exposed by wind or flooding
Timing tip: Complete your major mulching before June 1. You do not want a fresh pile of unmixed mulch sitting in your yard when a storm approaches — it becomes uncontrolled debris.
Plant Selection for Wind Resistance
When replacing or adding plants, choose species with proven wind resistance in South Florida:
- Trees: Live oak, sabal palm (cabbage palm), gumbo limbo, pigeon plum, bald cypress
- Shrubs: Simpson stopper, cocoplum, firebush, sea grape, buttonwood
- Ground covers: Beach sunflower, railroad vine, muhly grass
Avoid brittle species like Norfolk Island pine, Australian pine (invasive), queen palm (shallow roots), and ficus (massive surface roots prone to upheaval).
During Hurricane Season
When a Storm Is Approaching
- Bring in or secure loose items: pots, garden tools, decorations, lightweight furniture
- Harvest any ripe fruits and vegetables from your garden
- Turn off irrigation systems (you will not need them, and power surges can damage timers)
- If you have a bulk mulch pile awaiting distribution, cover it with tarps or spread it before the storm
- Close pool screens if possible (they become dangerous in high winds)
Post-Hurricane Recovery
Immediate Actions (First 48 Hours)
- Safety first: Watch for downed power lines, hanging branches, and unstable trees
- Document damage: Photograph everything before cleanup for insurance purposes
- Clear access: Remove debris blocking driveways, walkways, and drainage
- Do not rush pruning: Resist the urge to immediately cut damaged trees. Wait for a certified arborist to assess — what looks dead may recover
Week 1-2 Recovery
- Remove obviously dead and broken branches
- Right any small trees or shrubs that were blown over — stake temporarily to allow root re-establishment
- Clear mulch that has washed into inappropriate areas (drains, walkways, lawn)
- Check irrigation for damage and make repairs
Week 2-4 Recovery
- Apply fresh mulch to beds where mulch was blown or washed away
- Add compost to areas where soil was eroded or damaged
- Replace plants that were destroyed
- Resume normal watering schedule (adjust based on rainfall)
Post-Storm Mulch and Soil Needs
After a significant storm, landscape material demand spikes across the region. To ensure you can get the products you need:
- Contact Coco Garden Supply early to place your post-storm order
- For large properties, request a bulk quote immediately — supplies can be tight after a major hurricane
- Consider ordering additional mulch to repair areas and build up erosion-prone spots
Long-Term Storm Resilience
Build your landscape to withstand storms over time:
- Replace weak or damage-prone trees with wind-resistant native species
- Maintain consistent mulch coverage to protect soil and root systems year-round
- Build up soil quality with annual compost applications — healthier soil supports stronger root systems
- Plant wind-resistant ground covers in exposed areas
- Keep trees properly maintained with annual pruning — a small investment that prevents massive storm damage
Browse our product catalog for post-storm recovery supplies, or learn about our professional services including debris pickup and grinding. Coco Garden Supply is here to help South Florida recover after every storm season.