In Broward County’s unique subtropical climate, proper timing of tree maintenance is crucial for both tree health and storm safety. Unlike northern regions with distinct seasons, our year-round growing conditions and hurricane season create a specialized maintenance calendar that local homeowners need to follow.
At Discount Tree Service, our 25+ years of experience serving Fort Lauderdale and surrounding communities has taught us that proactive, seasonally-appropriate tree care not only enhances your property’s beauty but also significantly reduces storm damage risks during hurricane season.
This comprehensive month-by-month guide will help you plan your tree maintenance activities throughout 2025, ensuring your trees remain healthy, attractive, and safe all year long.
January-February: The Ideal Window for Major Tree Work
January: Assessment and Planning
January provides the perfect opportunity to assess your trees after the holiday season. With slightly cooler temperatures and trees in a semi-dormant state, this is an excellent time to:
- Schedule professional tree inspections to identify potential hazards before hurricane season
- Plan major pruning and removal projects while trees are less active
- Assess soil conditions around valuable trees
- Remove holiday lighting that may constrict branches
“January is when we recommend comprehensive property assessments,” explains Alex Salgado, owner of Discount Tree Service. “With less foliage on many species, structural issues are more visible, allowing us to identify and address potential problems before storm season.”
February: Proactive Trimming and Structural Pruning
February offers ideal conditions for significant tree work:
- Structural pruning of shade trees to develop strong branch architecture
- Major trimming of non-flowering trees before spring growth begins
- Root collar excavation to inspect for girdling roots
- Application of slow-release fertilizers for spring growth
- Begin hurricane preparation for large or vulnerable trees
Pro Tip: February is the optimal time for major oak tree pruning in Broward County. The cooler temperatures reduce stress on the trees, and pruning wounds heal faster before summer’s heat and humidity bring increased fungal activity.
March-April: Spring Preparation and Flowering Tree Care
March: Spring Maintenance and Pest Prevention
As temperatures begin to rise, focus on:
- Inspect for spring pests like whiteflies on ficus and scale on magnolias
- Apply preventative treatments for common spring pests
- Prune spring-flowering trees after blooming completes
- Mulch application around trees (keeping mulch away from trunks)
- Begin monitoring soil moisture as dry season continues
“March is when we see the first significant pest activity,” notes Orlando, our experienced crew leader. “Early detection and treatment of issues like whitefly infestations on ficus hedges can prevent major damage later in the season.”
April: Final Pre-Hurricane Season Preparations
April is your last chance for significant tree work before hurricane season:
- Complete all major pruning before May
- Remove dead fronds from palms without over-trimming
- Thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance
- Inspect and address damaged or crossing branches
- Evaluate trees near structures for potential hazards
Important: Proper palm pruning is essential. Avoid “hurricane cuts” that remove too many fronds, as this actually weakens palms and makes them more vulnerable to diseases and storm damage.
May-November: Hurricane Season Vigilance
May: Early Hurricane Season Readiness
With hurricane season officially beginning June 1, May is critical for:
- Final hurricane preparation trimming
- Document tree conditions for insurance purposes
- Remove coconuts from palms near structures
- Check tree stakes and supports
- Have an emergency tree service contact ready
June-August: Summer Storm Season
During peak summer months:
- Minimal pruning only – focus on hazard removal
- Regular inspections after storms
- Monitor for lightning damage
- Watch for signs of disease that can develop in humid conditions
- Address small issues before they become emergency situations
“During hurricane season, we recommend minimal pruningโjust enough to address immediate hazards,” advises Alex Salgado. “Major pruning during this period can stress trees and create entry points for disease when they’re most vulnerable.”
September-November: Late Hurricane Season
As hurricane season continues:
- Post-storm assessments after any significant weather
- Cleanup of storm debris
- Monitor for delayed storm damage that may not be immediately obvious
- Begin planning winter tree work
- Address any storm-related root exposure
December: Year-End Care and Holiday Considerations
December brings a return to milder weather and an opportunity to:
- Perform light trimming for aesthetics
- Carefully install holiday lighting without damaging branches
- Remove deadwood that may have developed
- Begin planning major January/February tree work
- Evaluate overall landscape needs for the coming year
Holiday Tip: When installing lights on trees, never use nails or staples that damage bark. Instead, use proper tree-friendly light clips or cord systems designed for trees.
Special Considerations for Common Broward County Tree Species
Palm Tree Care Calendar
South Florida’s iconic palms require specialized care:
- January-April: Ideal for palm trimming and fertilization
- May-November: Minimal trimming; focus on removing coconuts and hazardous fronds only
- December: Light trimming acceptable; apply palm-specific fertilizer
Remember: Never remove more than 15% of a palm’s fronds at once. The “hurricane cut” that removes all but a few fronds severely weakens palms and makes them more vulnerable to disease and damage.
Oak Tree Maintenance
Live oaks and laurel oaks benefit from this schedule:
- January-February: Ideal for structural pruning and major limb removal
- March-November: Minimal pruning; hazard removal only
- December: Light trimming acceptable
Flowering Tree Care
For trees like royal poinciana, jacaranda, and tabebuia:
- Prune after flowering completes to avoid removing flower buds
- Royal Poinciana: Prune in early fall after summer flowering
- Jacaranda and Tabebuia: Prune in late spring after spring flowering
Emergency Tree Care: When to Break the Calendar Rules
While this calendar provides ideal timing for routine maintenance, emergency situations require immediate attention regardless of season:
- Storm-damaged limbs hanging over structures
- Cracked or split trunks
- Sudden leaning of trees
- Trees interfering with power lines
- Signs of imminent failure
In these situations, contact a professional tree service immediately. Discount Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency response throughout Broward County at (954) 289-2150.
Professional Tree Care vs. DIY: What Homeowners Can Safely Handle
While some tree care tasks can be handled by homeowners, others require professional expertise:
Safe for Homeowners:
- Light pruning of small branches (under 2″ diameter)
- Removing dead fronds from accessible palms
- Basic soil care and mulching
- Visual inspections and monitoring
Best Left to Professionals:
- Any work requiring ladders or climbing
- Pruning of large branches
- Work near power lines
- Structural pruning
- Palm trimming requiring specialized equipment
- Tree removal of any size
“Safety should always be the priority,” emphasizes Alex Salgado. “Tree care accidents are among the most common homeowner injuries. When in doubt, call a licensed professional with proper equipment and insurance.”
Broward County Tree Regulations to Remember
When planning your tree care calendar, keep these important regulations in mind:
- Most Broward County municipalities require permits for tree removal
- Protected species have additional restrictions
- Improper pruning techniques like “hat-racking” are prohibited
- Professional tree trimmers must be licensed and insured
- Penalties for unpermitted tree work can be substantial
Discount Tree Service stays current with all local regulations and can help navigate the permitting process when necessary.
Conclusion: Your Year-Round Tree Care Partner
Maintaining a healthy, safe tree canopy in Broward County requires year-round attention and understanding of our unique climate challenges. By following this 2025 maintenance calendar, you’ll ensure your trees remain beautiful assets to your property while minimizing storm damage risks.
For over 25 years, Discount Tree Service has helped Broward County homeowners maintain their trees through every season. Our family-owned business brings expertise, proper equipment, and a commitment to quality that ensures your trees receive the best possible care.
Need help implementing this tree care calendar? Contact us at (954) 289-2150 for a free consultation or to schedule any of the services mentioned in this guide. Our certified team is ready to help keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful throughout 2025 and beyond.
This article was prepared by Discount Tree Service, a family-owned and operated tree service company serving Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas for over 25 years. For professional tree care, trimming, removal, or emergency services, call (954) 289-2150.
