Because it is the middle of the hurricane season, ideally you’ve already made the necessary preparations to protect your home against a storm. Part of ensuring a hurricane-proof home is taking the time to survey your yard and removing risks that could damage your home when powerful hurricane winds strike.
Prune Trees and Plants
Trim all trees and rotting or weak branches that are in contact with any part of your house. During a storm, forceful winds can make branches whip against windows and cause trees to snap and fall on the roof. You should also reduce tree or plant foliage to allow wind to blow unobstructed through the branches. This will lessen the chances of trees or plants becoming uprooted. It is best if you can schedule regular pruning so that you can alter the shape of your trees to make them more wind-resistant.
Clear Trees Away from Power Lines
Cut back trees that are close to power lines to prevent power outages that often happen during a storm due to tree limbs falling on wires. Allowing your tree to grow into a power line may get you penalized. However, never attempt to do this task on your own. Contact your electricity provider to have your tree trimmed. Usually, power companies provide tree-trimming services around their power lines.
Reduce Dangers
Make sure to remove any items in your yard that could become dangerous if caught up by strong winds during a storm, such as broken pieces of furniture, fallen branches, and old lumber. Also consider using softer gardening materials around your yard, like mulch instead of pea gravel or rock, which can also become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
Secure Loose Items
Move loose items indoors, such as umbrellas, barbecue grills, toys, potted plants, or tools. Keep scooters and bikes inside your garage. You can store your trashcans indoors or tie them together to a sturdy pole. If you have any loose house ornaments displayed outside, such as chimes, flags, and wreathes, bring them indoors.
Call a Professional
Getting your yard ready for the harshest weather is an important part of having a hurricane-proof home. Hiring professional tree-removal or tree-trimming service ensures that the job is done safely and properly. TalkLocal can connect you with three qualified contractors in minutes. Send us your request and we will search your area for the right professional to do the job. Our service is simple, fast, and free of charge.
