How to Identify Trees That Won’t Survive Hurricane Season

As hurricane season approaches in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County, homeowners face a critical question: which trees on their property pose the greatest risk during severe storms? With over 25 years of experience serving South Florida communities, our team at Discount Tree Service has witnessed firsthand how certain trees consistently fail during hurricanes while others weather the storms remarkably well.

Hurricane season brings unique challenges to South Florida, where mature trees provide invaluable shade and property value but can become dangerous hazards when storms approach. Understanding how to identify hurricane vulnerable trees before the next major hurricane arrives can prevent thousands in property damage and ensure your family’s safety.

Why Early Tree Risk Assessment Matters 

Hurricane season in South Florida runs from June through November, but the most effective tree storm risk assessment happens well before the first storm watch is issued. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences emphasizes that proper tree evaluation and maintenance should occur months before hurricane winds threaten your property.

Early Detection Benefits:

• Trees require 6-8 weeks of healing time after pruning before storms arrive
• Emergency tree services become scarce and expensive during storm warnings
• Insurance documentation is easier when completed during calm weather
• Preventive removal costs significantly less than emergency cleanup

According to our experience responding to hundreds of post-hurricane calls throughout Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines, approximately 80% of tree failures could have been predicted through proper assessment. Trees that withstand hurricanes share common characteristics that can be identified well before storm season.

Understanding Tree Failure During Storms 

Understanding how trees fail helps identify weak trees hurricane season will claim. Trees typically fail in three primary modes during hurricanes, and recognizing these failure patterns is crucial for proper tree risk evaluation.

1. Uprooting (Wind Throw)

• Cause: Inadequate root system relative to canopy size
• Common in: Sandy soils typical of Broward County
• Warning signs: Root plate movement, exposed roots, soil cracks around base
• Species affected: Large trees with shallow root systems

2. Trunk Snap

• Cause: Internal decay, structural weakness, or excessive wind load
• Common in: Hollow trees, those with visible decay
• Warning signs: Fungal growth, cavities, vertical cracks
• Risk factors: Trees with compromised structural integrity

3. Major Branch Failure

• Cause: Poor attachment angles, included bark, or overextended limbs
• Common in: Trees with codominant stems or heavy horizontal branches
• Warning signs: V-shaped crotches, bark inclusions, dead or dying branches
• Prevention: Proper structural pruning and canopy management

Research from the University of Florida shows that trees in groups often provide mutual protection during high wind events, while individual trees face greater storm damage risk. Understanding these failure modes helps homeowners make informed decisions about which trees to save and which pose unacceptable hazards.

Species-Specific Vulnerabilities in South Florida 

Based on our extensive experience with emergency tree services throughout Broward County, certain species consistently underperform during hurricanes. The University of Florida’s research on hurricane resistance confirms our field observations about vulnerable tree species.

High-Risk Species That Don’t Withstand Hurricanes

Ficus Trees (All Varieties):

• Primary weakness: Shallow, aggressive root systems
• Failure mode: Typically uproot, often taking sidewalks and structures
• Warning signs: Surface roots, declining health, brittle branches
• Storm damage: Frequent total failure during major hurricanes
• Recommendation: Consider gradual replacement with hurricane-resistant alternatives

Melaleuca (Tea Tree):

• Primary weakness: Brittle wood, poor branch attachment
• Failure mode: Massive branch failure or complete trunk snap
• Warning signs: Dead branches, loose bark, leaning
• Wind resistance: Very poor in strong winds
• Recommendation: Removal before storm season

Australian Pine:

• Primary weakness: Shallow roots, dense canopy creates excessive wind load
• Failure mode: Complete uprooting during high wind events
• Warning signs: Any lean, exposed roots, declining health
• Hurricane resistance: Extremely poor
• Recommendation: Immediate removal (also invasive species)

Moderate-Risk Species

Royal Palms:

• Primary weakness: Heavy frond load when improperly maintained
• Failure mode: Frond failure, occasionally trunk snap
• Warning signs: Excessive frond retention, crown shaft damage
• Wind resistance: Moderate with proper care
• Management: Proper pruning, removing only brown fronds

Laurel Oaks:

• Primary weakness: Fast growth creates weak wood
• Failure mode: Branch failure, occasional trunk problems
• Warning signs: Rapid growth, multiple trunks, branch inclusions
• Hurricane performance: Variable depending on maintenance
• Management: Regular structural pruning, monitoring

Hurricane-Resistant Trees and Shrubs

Live Oak:

• Strengths: Deep taproot, flexible wood, natural wind resistance
• Hurricane resistance: Excellent when properly maintained
• Proper maintenance: Minimal pruning, protect root zone
• Wind damage: Rare when healthy and structurally sound

Gumbo Limbo:

• Strengths: Flexible trunk, efficient regrowth after damage
• Storm resistance: Outstanding recovery capabilities
• Proper maintenance: Minimal intervention required
• Native advantage: Adapted to withstand high winds

Understanding these species-specific vulnerabilities helps homeowners plant trees that can withstand hurricanes while identifying existing specimens that may require removal or intensive management.

Critical Warning Signs of Vulnerable Trees 

Professional arborists use specific criteria to evaluate tree storm risk assessment. Here are the key indicators homeowners can identify when conducting their own tree risk evaluation:

Structural Red Flags

Lean Assessment:

• Safe range: Less than 5-degree lean from vertical
• Concerning: 5-15 degree lean requires professional evaluation
• Dangerous: Greater than 15-degree lean, especially if recent
• Measurement tip: Use a plumb line or smartphone level app
• Risk factor: Leaning trees are more likely to fail during storms

Root System Indicators:

• Exposed major roots on one side
• Soil mounding or cracking around the base
• Recent construction damage near the tree
• Mushrooms or fungal growth at the base
• Standing water that doesn’t drain within 24 hours
• Root plate movement during wind events

Trunk Conditions:

• Vertical cracks longer than 12 inches
• Horizontal cracks or separations
• Cavities or hollow sections (tap test reveals hollow sound)
• Fungal conks or shelf fungi
• Significant bark loss or cankers
• Multiple trunk attachments with weak connections

Canopy Warning Signs

Branch Structure Problems:

• Codominant stems (two main trunks of equal size)
• Included bark in major crotches
• Dead branches over 2 inches in diameter
• Branches growing at acute angles (less than 30 degrees)
• Excessive end weight on horizontal branches
• Poor branch attachment points

Health Indicators:

• More than 25% dead or dying tree canopy
• Leaf size reduction compared to previous years
• Off-season leaf drop or color changes
• Epicormic sprouting (water sprouts) on trunk or major branches
• Pest damage affecting more than 30% of foliage
• Declining vigor over multiple seasons

These structural and health indicators help identify trees that are more likely to fail during hurricane season, allowing homeowners to take preventive action before storm damage occurs.

DIY Tree Storm Risk Assessment Techniques 

Homeowners can perform basic tree risk evaluation using these straightforward methods that don’t require specialized equipment:

The 10-Point Safety Checklist

Visual Inspection (Distance Assessment):

1. Lean Check: Stand 50 feet away and observe if the tree appears to lean significantly
2. Dead Wood: Look for brown, leafless branches during growing season
3. Tree Canopy Health: Assess overall fullness and color compared to nearby healthy trees
4. Trunk Integrity: Scan for obvious cracks, cavities, or fungal growth

Close-Up Examination:
5. Root Flare: Ensure the base flares out naturally; buried root flares indicate problems
6. Soil Conditions: Check for standing water, soil cracks, or unusual mounding
7. Bark Condition: Look for loose, missing, or discolored bark areas
8. Branch Attachments: Identify V-shaped crotches with included bark

Simple Tests:
9. Tap Test: Gently tap the trunk with a hammer; hollow sounds indicate internal decay
10. Push Test: For smaller trees, gentle pushing should meet firm resistance

Measurement Techniques

Lean Measurement:

• Use a smartphone level app or plumb line
• Measure from multiple angles
• Document with photos for comparison over time
• Note any recent changes in lean angle

Tree Canopy Assessment:

• Estimate percentage of dead wood (concerning if over 25%)
• Note any recent changes in leaf density or color
• Compare crown size to trunk diameter (extremely large canopies increase risk)
• Assess branch distribution and weight balance

Documentation Protocol

Create a simple record for each assessed tree:

• Location: GPS coordinates or property landmarks
• Species: Identification (use tree ID apps if uncertain)
• Size: Estimated height and trunk diameter
• Condition: Risk level (low, moderate, high)
• Photos: Multiple angles, close-ups of problem areas
• Date: Assessment date for future comparison

This systematic approach helps homeowners identify trees for signs of potential failure while creating valuable documentation for insurance and professional consultation purposes.

When to Call Professional Arborists 

While homeowner assessment provides valuable initial screening, certain situations require professional tree storm risk assessment:

Immediate Professional Evaluation Needed

High-Value Trees:

• Heritage specimens over 50 years old
• Large trees valued over $5,000 (mature oaks, royal palms)
• Specimens in prominent landscape positions
• Trees providing significant property value

Complex Situations:

• Trees near structures, power lines, or high-traffic areas
• Multiple concerning symptoms present
• Recent storm damage requiring assessment
• Insurance documentation requirements
• Young and mature trees showing decline

Technical Assessment:

• Internal decay suspected but not visible
• Root system evaluation needed
• Soil stability questions
• Species-specific vulnerability assessment

What Professional Arborists Provide

Advanced Diagnostic Tools:

• Resistograph testing for internal decay
• Root zone excavation and assessment
• Detailed structural analysis
• Load calculation for wind resistance

Certified Expertise:

• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification
• Local species knowledge
• Hurricane damage experience
• Insurance industry recognized assessments

Comprehensive Reports:

• Detailed condition assessment
• Risk level classification
• Specific recommendations with timelines
• Documentation suitable for insurance or legal purposes

At Discount Tree Service, our certified arborists have evaluated thousands of trees throughout Broward County. We provide thorough assessments that help homeowners make informed decisions about their landscape investments and understand which trees to withstand storms versus those requiring intervention.

Next Steps for At-Risk Trees 

Once you’ve identified hurricane vulnerable trees on your property, prompt action can prevent disaster and help your trees survive hurricane season:

Immediate Actions (High-Risk Trees)

Document Everything:

• Photograph all concerning conditions
• Contact your insurance company to report potential hazards
• Get professional assessment within 2 weeks
• Create detailed records for future reference

Safety Measures:

• Restrict access to areas under dangerous trees
• Consider temporary supports for valuable specimens
• Plan evacuation routes that avoid high-risk trees
• Monitor weather conditions and wind speed forecasts

Treatment Options by Risk Level

Low Risk (Minor Issues):

• Schedule routine maintenance pruning
• Improve soil drainage if needed
• Monitor condition changes quarterly
• Plant trees in strategic locations for future protection

Moderate Risk (Multiple Concerns):

• Professional structural pruning within 30 days
• Soil improvement and root zone protection
• Semi-annual professional monitoring
• Consider wind resistant alternatives for replacement planning

High Risk (Multiple Severe Issues):

• Immediate professional evaluation
• Consider removal if safety cannot be ensured
• Emergency stabilization if removal isn’t immediately possible
• Document conditions for insurance purposes

Timing Considerations

Optimal Action Timeline:

• January-March: Best time for major pruning and removals
• April-May: Final window for significant tree work
• June-November: Emergency-only interventions during hurricane season

Hurricane Season Protocol:

• No major tree work during active storm watches
• Emergency services only for immediate safety threats
• Post-storm assessment and cleanup
• Monitor wind damage and fallen trees

Working with Tree Service Professionals

Choosing Qualified Contractors:

• Verify Broward County licensing and insurance
• Request references from recent hurricane-related work
• Ensure familiarity with local species and conditions
• Get detailed written estimates with clear scope of work

Questions to Ask:

• What is your experience with this tree species?
• How many similar removals have you completed?
• What is your hurricane season availability?
• Do you provide insurance documentation?
• How do you help your trees withstand hurricanes?

Protecting Your Investment and Your Family

Identifying hurricane vulnerable trees is just the first step in comprehensive storm preparation. Trees that survived previous hurricanes like Hurricane Irma share common characteristics: proper species selection, regular maintenance, and proactive management of developing problems.

Remember that tree assessment is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Conditions change, trees grow and age, and new vulnerabilities can develop. Annual assessments, particularly months after hurricane season, help ensure your landscape remains both beautiful and safe.

Your Action Plan

1. Complete initial assessment using our 10-point checklist
2. Document findings with photos and written notes
3. Schedule professional evaluation for any concerning trees
4. Develop treatment timeline based on risk levels
5. Monitor changes and reassess annually
6. Plant larger trees strategically for future wind protection

The right tree for the right location, combined with proper maintenance, creates landscapes that can withstand high winds while providing the beauty and value that make South Florida properties special. Trees properly maintained and strategically placed often provide better protection than individual trees standing alone.

Need Professional Help?

At Discount Tree Service, we’ve been helping Fort Lauderdale area homeowners prepare for hurricane season for over 25 years. Our certified arborists understand the unique challenges of South Florida’s climate and can provide comprehensive tree storm risk assessment services.

Whether you need emergency tree removal, preventive pruning, or expert consultation on hurricane preparation, our family-owned team is here to help. We serve Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and all of Broward County with the professional expertise your property deserves.

Our experience with storm damage and tree care has taught us that the strongest hurricane preparations begin with understanding which trees are resistant to wind damage and which pose risks. We help your trees survive by identifying problems early and taking appropriate action.

Don’t wait until the next hurricane watch is issued. Protect your property and your family by identifying vulnerable trees now, while there’s still time to take action. Trees tended to properly before hurricane season are far more likely to survive strong winds and protect your home.