Southern Standard Tree Service
(407) 913-7979 · southernstnd@gmail.com · Chuluota, FL
Central Florida Hurricane Tree Preparation Checklist
A printable pre-season checklist for homeowners across Seminole and Orange County. Hurricane season runs June through November in Central Florida. The trees that survive storms intact are almost always the ones that were inspected and properly trimmed before the first storm — not after. Work through this list each May.
Check each item before June
Pre-Hurricane Season Tree Checklist
🌳 Inspect Every Tree
- Walk the full perimeter of each tree, looking from multiple angles
- Check for a recent lean or lifted soil at the base (root failure warning)
- Look for large dead branches (“widow-makers”) overhead — especially over the roof, pool, or driveway
- Check the trunk for cracks, cavities, peeling bark, or soft spots
- Look for mushrooms or fungal growth at the base (signals internal decay)
- Note any tree where more than 50% of the canopy looks thin or dead
✂️ Trimming & Pruning
- Schedule thinning and deadwooding for all large shade trees before June 1
- Clear branches within 10 feet of the roofline
- Remove branches touching or crossing power lines (call utility or a licensed crew)
- Have palms trimmed — hurricane cut or species-standard, your choice
- Confirm all trimming is complete before the first named storm of the season
🏠 Protect Your Property
- Remove any tree identified as a hazard before storm season — not during
- Grind stumps that could become projectiles or block storm-cleanup equipment
- Clear gutters of leaves, seed pods, and debris from nearby trees
- Check that the crew you hire carries general liability AND workers' comp insurance
- Ask for a certificate of insurance before any tree work begins
📷 Document & Plan
- Photograph every significant tree now — date-stamped, for insurance evidence
- Locate and note your septic tank, irrigation lines, and underground utilities
- Save your tree crew's number in your phone before a storm hits: (407) 913-7979
- Know your homeowner's insurance policy: does it cover tree-on-structure damage?
- Confirm your tree service offers 24/7 storm response (Southern Standard does)
After a storm: stay away from any tree touching a power line and call your utility first. Call Southern Standard at (407) 913-7979 — we respond 24/7 during storm season and help document damage for your insurance claim.
Honest answers
Storm prep questions, answered
When should I trim my trees before hurricane season?
Aim to complete all trimming by May 31 — before the official June 1 start of hurricane season. Trees trimmed well before a storm have time to compartmentalize cuts and are generally more resilient than those trimmed in the weeks immediately before.
Does trimming trees really help them survive hurricanes?
Yes — thinning the canopy reduces wind resistance, which is the main cause of branch failure in storms. Deadwooding removes the branches most likely to fall. A properly trimmed tree is structurally better prepared. We also offer the hurricane cut for homeowners who prefer that look.
Do I need a permit to remove a hazard tree before hurricane season?
Rarely — but rules differ across Oviedo, Winter Park, Sanford, and unincorporated county land, and some protected species need approval. We determine whether a permit is needed and file it for you.
How do I document tree damage for my insurance claim?
Take date-stamped photos of every significant tree before storm season and again immediately after any storm damage. We also photograph and document the damage and completed removal work when we respond, so you have what your adjuster needs.
Get your trees storm-ready now
Call or text a photo of your trees — we'll assess what needs to come down or be trimmed before June.