Getting Your Property Ready for Hurricane Season 2026
Hurricane season officially begins June 1, but preparation should start months in advance. After the destructive storms Houston has experienced in recent years, every homeowner should take tree and property preparation seriously. Here's your timeline for getting ready.
March - April: Assessment and Major Work
This is the time for significant tree work:
Professional Tree Inspection
Have a certified arborist evaluate every tree on your property for:
- Structural weaknesses (cracks, splits, co-dominant stems)
- Root problems (heaving, decay, mushrooms)
- Dead or dying branches
- Trees that have outgrown their location
Major Pruning and Removal
- Remove dead, dying, or hazardous trees now while crews are available
- Perform structural pruning to correct weak branch attachments
- Thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance
- Remove dead branches throughout the canopy
Stump Grinding
If you have old stumps, get them ground now. During a storm, stumps can become tripping hazards in flooded yards.
April - May: Strengthening and Maintenance
Deep Root Fertilization
Well-nourished trees with strong root systems are more wind-resistant. Schedule deep root fertilization to strengthen your trees before storm season.
Fence Inspection
Check your fence for:
- Loose or rotting posts
- Missing or damaged boards
- Proper gate function
- Weak sections that could fail in high winds
Drainage Assessment
Ensure water flows away from your home and trees:
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check that grading directs water away from foundations
- Clear drainage ditches and culverts
May - June: Final Preparations
Create an Emergency Plan
- Save emergency tree service contact information
- Document your trees and property with photos for insurance
- Know your insurance policy's coverage for tree damage
- Identify which trees pose the greatest risk to your home
Emergency Kit
Keep these items accessible:
- Chainsaw (for small debris only - leave large trees to professionals)
- Tarps for emergency roof coverage
- Generator and fuel
- First aid kit
- Important documents in a waterproof container
After a Storm
- Stay away from damaged trees until assessed by a professional
- Do not approach downed power lines
- Document all damage with photos before cleanup
- Contact your insurance company promptly
- Call a professional tree service for safe removal
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late
Professional tree services get extremely busy during and after storm season. By preparing now, you get better scheduling, better pricing, and peace of mind when the storms come.
At HamodaTrees, we offer comprehensive hurricane preparation services for your trees and property. Call us today to schedule your pre-season assessment.