June marks the beginning of hurricane season in South Florida, and with that comes the responsibility of preparing your commercial property to withstand powerful winds, heavy rains, and unpredictable weather. While building integrity is critical, your landscape can also play a key role in protecting your property, minimizing storm damage, and ensuring a quick recovery.
Here are essential landscape-related strategies to consider for hurricane readiness:
Prune and Secure Trees
Overgrown or poorly maintained trees can quickly become hazards during a hurricane. Trim back limbs that overhang structures, remove dead or weak branches, and thin dense canopies to reduce wind resistance. Make sure palms are trimmed correctly (avoid “hurricane cuts,” which can weaken the tree).
Inspect and Anchor Landscape Features
Secure or temporarily remove lightweight furniture, signage, planters, and decorations. Irrigation boxes and lighting fixtures should be checked to ensure they are properly anchored and won’t become projectiles in high winds.
Choose Hurricane-Resistant Plants
Incorporate native, wind-resistant plants like sea grape, cocoplum, and silver buttonwood. These plants are more likely to survive strong storms and help reduce landscape loss.
Evaluate Drainage and Grading
Standing water and soil erosion are common after heavy rainfall. Check that your landscape is graded correctly and that all drains, gutters, and swales are clear. Adding mulch in beds can help control erosion but use shredded mulch, which is less likely to scatter in the wind.
Backup Irrigation Plans
Storms and power outages can disrupt irrigation systems. Ensure timers and controls have surge protection or battery backup, and consider smart systems that allow for remote monitoring and adjustments.
Emergency Clean-Up Plan
Have a post-storm action plan that includes debris removal, tree inspections, and immediate irrigation adjustments to prevent plant shock from saltwater or flooding.
By preparing your landscape now, you can help shield your commercial property from hurricane-related damage and expedite post-storm recovery. June is the perfect time to assess vulnerabilities, act preventatively, and protect the investments you manage.
