Storm Season in Jacksonville, FL: How to Protect Vulnerable Trees Before It’s Too Late

When storm clouds start rolling over Jacksonville, it’s not just your home’s roof or windows that need protection—your trees do too. With hurricane season arriving each year, the risk of fallen limbs, uprooted trees, and property damage becomes very real. That’s why now is the time to prepare.

At Bushor Tree Surgeons, we specialize in helping Jacksonville homeowners protect their trees before and after severe weather. Let’s walk through what you can do today to keep your trees (and property) safe.

Spotting Vulnerable Trees Before the Storm

Not all trees are equally storm-tolerant. Some species and structures are more prone to failure under pressure, especially in Jacksonville’s mix of sandy soils, high winds, and heavy rain.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Laurel oaks that are more than 40 years old often have hidden rot inside.
• Pines with long, unbalanced tops can snap or fall during strong gusts.
• Palm trees can suffer from root instability if improperly planted.
• Trees with multiple trunks (co-dominant stems) or visible cracks and hollows in the base or major limbs.

Catching these issues before a storm allows for corrective action—often avoiding full removal.

Routine Tree Inspections Matter in Jacksonville

In a region where tropical systems are expected, tree inspections are more than a “nice to have”—they’re essential. A certified arborist can assess health and structure in ways the untrained eye can’t.

These inspections can identify:

• Early signs of disease (like fungus at the trunk base)
• Insect damage (like bark beetles or borers)
• Root issues, including girdling or shallow growth
• Imbalanced growth patterns

After an inspection, we provide recommendations tailored to your property—sometimes that means trimming, sometimes bracing, and yes, sometimes removal. But it’s all about preventing a costly emergency later.

Tree Pruning for Wind Resistance

One of the most effective ways to prepare a tree for storms is proper pruning. In Jacksonville, where tree overgrowth is common in older neighborhoods, selective trimming reduces hazards while encouraging healthy growth.

Our team uses techniques such as:

• Crown thinning – to reduce wind resistance and let air pass through
• Crown raising – to eliminate low branches near walkways or roofs
• Deadwood removal – to clear out limbs that would otherwise snap under stress

We never “top” trees—this harmful practice weakens them and makes them more likely to fail. Instead, our trimming focuses on long-term structure and safety.

Structural Support: Cabling & Bracing

When a tree has sentimental or environmental value—but its structure raises concern—we don’t jump to removal. Structural support systems offer a middle ground.

Here’s how they work:

• Cabling: We install flexible steel cables high in the canopy to support heavy or weak limbs, reducing movement in strong winds.
• Bracing: Steel rods are installed lower in the trunk to reinforce splits or unions between trunks.

These techniques are especially helpful for large oaks and maples throughout Jacksonville that might otherwise fail under storm stress.

Root Protection: What’s Below Matters

Jacksonville’s sandy soils and frequent downpours can put tree roots at risk. When roots are weak, trees can become unstable—even healthy-looking ones.

Simple root care steps include:

• Mulching properly (2–4 inches, not touching the trunk) to retain moisture and prevent erosion
• Avoiding heavy machinery or cars near root zones
• Improving drainage to prevent standing water around the base

Healthy roots mean stronger, more resilient trees.

Emergency Tree Help: What to Do After the Storm

Sometimes, even the best preparation isn’t enough. A strong storm can bring down even healthy trees—or leave dangerous hangers and leaning trunks behind. In the aftermath, safety is the top priority.

Here’s what to do:

1. Stay clear of fallen or leaning trees, especially near power lines.
2. Do not attempt to remove large limbs or entire trees yourself—especially if they’re resting on structures or entangled in wires.
3. Call local experts who are licensed and insured, like Bushor Tree Surgeons. We’re equipped for storm cleanup, large removals, and crane-assisted extractions.

Our Emergency Services in Jacksonville Include:

• 24/7 dispatch for urgent tree removal
• Emergency crane removals for trees on homes, garages, or cars
• Debris clearing from driveways and property lines
• Hazard assessments for surrounding trees that might also be compromised

We’ve been through many storm seasons alongside our Jacksonville neighbors—and we know how to respond quickly, safely, and professionally when disaster strikes.

What If a Tree Falls After the Storm?

Even with all the right precautions, Jacksonville storms can still knock over trees. It’s a stressful situation—but there’s a smart, safe way to handle it.

First, stay safe:

• Keep your distance from any tree that’s leaning, cracked, or resting on a structure.
• Don’t go near it if there are power lines involved—even if the lines seem inactive.
• Don’t try to cut or move it yourself—many post-storm injuries come from well-meaning homeowners with chainsaws.

Then, take these steps:

1. Document the damage. Take photos and videos for your insurance provider. Include any structural damage to your property or fencing.
2. Call a certified tree removal company. At Bushor Tree Surgeons, we have the equipment and training to remove fallen trees safely—especially those that landed on roofs, fences, or powerlines.
3. Check your other trees. If one tree fell, others may have shifted underground or sustained cracks that aren’t obvious. We’ll inspect surrounding trees for hidden storm damage to help prevent the next emergency.

Jacksonville’s high winds and soft soil make post-storm instability common—especially in older neighborhoods or riverfront areas. Even trees that didn’t fall may need cabling, trimming, or removal to avoid future risk.

Let’s Get Ahead of the Weather

Storm season in Jacksonville is a fact of life. But that doesn’t mean damage is inevitable.

By:

• Inspecting your trees now,
• Pruning and reinforcing where needed,
• Taking care of root zones, and
• Having a plan for emergency support…

…you can avoid the most costly and dangerous outcomes.

At Bushor Tree Surgeons, we don’t just cut trees—we care for them. Our certified arborists and storm response crew are here to help you protect your landscape year-round. Whether you need a simple inspection or urgent post-storm help, we’re just a call away.

24/7 Storm Cleanup and Emergency Tree Services Available in Jacksonville and Nearby Areas

When storms hit, Bushor’s Tree Surgeons is ready to respond quickly across Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. Our emergency tree removal and storm cleanup services are available 24/7 in:

• Jacksonville
• Ponte Vedra
• Ponte Vedra Beach
• St. Johns
• Jacksonville Beach
• Atlantic Beach
• Orange Park
• Fernandina Beach
• Fleming Island
• Doctors Inlet

If you need urgent help after a storm—whether it’s a fallen tree, dangerous branches, or heavy debris—we’re just one call away.