Trees are one of the biggest causes of injuries and property damage during hurricanes. This is because diseased, damaged or dead tree limbs can quickly become dangerous and even deadly objects during powerful storms. Broken branches and flying limbs can come flying down on people, homes, businesses, cars and other structures.

1. The Importance of
Pruning Trees for
Hurricane Resistance
U.S. Lawns

2. Trees are one of the biggest causes of injuries and property damage during hurricanes. This is because
diseased, damaged or dead tree limbs can quickly become dangerous and even deadly objects during
powerful storms. Broken branches and flying limbs can come flying down on people, homes, businesses,
cars and other structures.
According to a study entitled "Pruning affects tree movement in hurricane force wind, "trees that are
pruned or thinned could receive less damage in windstorms and in turn, reduce the risk of falling tree
limbs to lives and properties.
Revealing Hidden Tree Problems
The tree pruning process reveals tree stresses that require bracing and cabling to stabilize the tree.
Without tree pruning, a commercial property owner or a homeowner might not know of their tree's
vulnerabilities until the tree is destroyed or damaged during a hurricane.
Additionally, tree pruning leads to the discovery of insect infestations and hidden tree diseases that could
weaken the tree and make it topple over in the event of a hurricane or a major storm.

3. Improving Tree Health
Based on the study, "Wind and Trees: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes," trees with poor structural integrity
are more vulnerable to strong winds and susceptible to breakage. This can be solved with strategic tree
pruning, which helps strengthen overall tree structure and improves the tree's strength and overall
condition. Pruned trees are healthier, stronger and more stable, making them able to withstand the impact
of hurricane-force winds.
It is also vital to have trees pruned well before the hurricane seasons begin. The pruning process creates
small wounds and trees need time to recover and replenish depleted energy sources. Delaying tree pruning
until right before hurricanes strike will only leave the trees more vulnerable.
With every hurricane season comes the threat of coastal flooding, torrential rains and high winds that are
capable of destroying trees, homes, cars and businesses. Trees are valuable assets in the South Charlotte
area, but proper care is vital to ensure that they survive hurricanes and do not harm people and property.

4. Sources:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/224326320_Pruning_affects_tree_movement_in_hurricane_force_wind
https://uslawns.com/locations/nc/south-charlotte/
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FR/FR17300.pdf