Tree Care Information
Protecting your trees from hurricanes and storms is as important as protecting the roof and windows of your home. Have your trees inspected by a certified arborist who will recommend actions to take before hurricane season.
Prune before the storm to:
Open the canopy – the tree will be stronger, and wind resistance will be decreased
Remove dead, diseased, and weak branches - reduces falling branches during the storm
Remove limbs too close to structures – reduced falling branches that damage structures
Mulch, fertilize, and water your trees based on the arborist’s recommendations. Healthy trees are better storm survivors.
For additional information, consult these resources:
Trees and Hurricanes
The University of Florida /Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) created the Urban Forest Hurricane Recovery Program after the devastation of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.
The main goal of the program is to foster a healthy urban forest that is more wind-resistant.
Homeowner Resources
Healthy communities and urban forests are integral to the lives of all Georgians. The Georgia Forestry Commission’s urban and community foresters help protect and promote Georgia’s urban forests by arming homeowners, community officials, and arborists with information that helps them connect and engage to make a collective, greener impact on the state.
Assessing Hurricane-Damaged Trees
Right after a hurricane, communities, and homeowners need to decide what to do with storm-damaged trees. Although damaged trees may seem to be dying, some trees can be restored, others will need to be removed, and still others will not require any special treatment and can be left alone.
Download the PDF for more details.
Trees and Storm Safety
Protecting community trees costs less than replanting and growing new trees. A storm mitigation plan keeps citizens safe and protects valuable urban forest canopy in the event of a natural disaster. The Georgia Forestry Commission can guide you through your questions.
Restoring Trees After a Hurricane
The step-by-step outline provided in this document summarizes the process of restoring trees so that they will bring shade and beauty back to the community with reduced risk. Restoration typically requires more than one pruning to develop a strong tree structure.
Download the PDF for more details.
Contact Your Local Forester
Whether you are seeking help with a forest management plan, burn permits, advice about your trees, or any other ranger or forester question, we want to help. Here, you will find the contact information you need for counties all across the state. If you have trouble reaching a local county office, please contact the GFC main office.