Best Pruning Practices for Strong, Wind-Resistant Trees

How Correct Trimming Helps South Florida Trees Stand Up To Storms

In South Florida, tree trimming is part of routine hurricane prep.The goal of pruning is a stronger structure that can withstand strong winds and resists failure. Studies from the University of Florida show pruned trees can survive hurricanes at much higher rates than unpruned trees. One analysis after Hurricane Andrew found properly pruned trees were more likely to survive in a hurricane.

Best Pruning Practices for Strong, Wind-Resistant Trees

• Build strong structure early

  Train young trees to one dominant leader. Remove or subordinate co-dominant stems. Space scaffold branches. Structural pruning over the first 15 to 25 years builds a frame that takes wind better.

  
  

• Thin with care, not with hacks

  Remove dead, dying, rubbing, or weakly attached branches. Selectively thin dense areas so wind can pass through the crown. Do not change the natural form.

  
  

• Time it right

  Do larger pruning well before hurricane season so cuts can seal and trees can recover. Ideally late winter to spring. It is recommended that pruning be paused before or right after a cold snap. Also, avoid heavy work just before a storm as it weakens the tees and it may need time to recover.

  
  

• Use proper cut types

  Make clean reduction or removal cuts at the branch collar. Keep cuts small where possible. Avoid flush cuts. Proper technique reduces decay and strengthens future attachments.

For more details check out, Developing a Preventative Pruning Program from UF|IFAS and structural pruning guidance

What Not To Do

Do not top

Topping is a bad pruning practice where large branches or the whole top of a tree are cut back to stubs (as seen in the image). Topping creates weak, fast regrowth that snaps later. It ruins structure and raises failure risk.

Do not over-thin

Removing too much live foliage stresses trees and can raise wind load on what remains. Local guidance recommends staying under about 25 to 30 percent canopy removal in a year. Mature trees often need even less. If necessary, young trees can have up to 40 percent of the canopy removed.

Do not lion’s tail

Stripping inner branches and leaving foliage at the tips puts weight at the ends. This invites snapping. Keep foliage distributed from trunk to tip.

Do not cut roots

Root cuts reduce anchorage. Trees are more likely to lean or uproot in saturated soils. Counties advise against cutting the root system during hurricane prep.

Do not wait until a storm is forecast

Last-minute heavy pruning leaves open wounds and debris. Schedule maintenance months ahead. Ideally, January through March. However, avoid before pruning before cold snaps or right after a cold snap trees can be weakened due to cold injury.

Simple pre-season checklist

• Inspect every tree at the end of winter or early spring.

• Remove deadwood, broken, and pest-damaged limbs.

• Subordinate or remove co-dominant stems in young trees.

• Lightly thin dense crowns. Keep natural form.

• Create safe clearances from roofs and utilities.

• Hire an insured, ISA-credentialed arborist.

• Remove all debris from the site.

Bottom line

No tree is hurricane-proof. However, good pruning makes trees more hurricane-resilient. Start early. Prune with a plan. Focus on structure and attachments, not drastic canopy removal. Your trees, home, and neighborhood will be safer when the winds rise.