Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. If you own property in Central Florida, that means you have a small window every spring to get your yard ready before the first storm warning drops.

This is not just about trimming a few branches. A solid hurricane season yard prep plan covers your trees, your drainage, your hardscaping, and your outdoor structures. Here is a step-by-step checklist you can use right now.

Step 1: Inspect and Trim Your Trees

Trees are the biggest threat to your property during a hurricane. Dead branches, overgrown canopies, and weak limbs become projectiles in high winds.

• Remove dead or hanging branches from every tree on your property
• Thin out dense canopies so wind can pass through instead of catching like a sail
• Check for leaning trees or trees with exposed roots — these are the most likely to fall
• Look for signs of disease or decay: mushrooms at the base, hollow trunks, peeling bark

If you have large oaks, palms, or mature trees near your home, get a professional tree trimming service out before May. Waiting until June means every tree company in Central Florida is booked solid.

Step 2: Secure or Remove Outdoor Structures

Anything that is not anchored to the ground can become a missile in a Category 1 or higher storm.

• Patio furniture: Bring it inside, strap it down, or lay it flat in the pool
• Grills and fire pits: Move to garage or covered storage
• Potted plants: Bring them in or group them in a sheltered area
• Lawn ornaments, bird baths, and garden stakes: Store them
• Trampolines and play sets: Disassemble or anchor with ground stakes

Step 3: Clear Your Gutters and Drainage

Heavy rain during a hurricane can dump 6 to 12 inches in 24 hours. If your gutters are clogged or your drainage is poor, that water has nowhere to go except against your foundation.

• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Check that downspouts direct water away from the house
• Inspect your yard for low spots where water pools after a normal rain
• Consider a French drain or swale if you have chronic drainage problems

If you already know your yard has drainage issues, fix them now — not during a tropical storm watch.

Step 4: Reinforce Hardscaping and Retaining Walls

Retaining walls, pavers, and stone features can shift or fail when the ground gets saturated.

• Check retaining walls for leaning, cracks, or bulging
• Make sure weep holes are clear so water pressure does not build behind the wall
• Inspect paver patios for heaving or shifting that could worsen with heavy rain
• Secure any loose cap stones or edging

Step 5: Protect Your Lawn and Garden Beds

Your lawn and landscaping will take a beating in a major storm, but a few steps now can reduce the damage.

• Mow your lawn slightly shorter than usual before the storm — tall grass can hide debris
• Apply a layer of fresh mulch to garden beds to reduce erosion
• Stake young trees that are not yet fully rooted
• Remove any dead plants or loose garden border material

Step 6: Know When to Call a Professional

If you have a large property, mature trees, or existing damage from past storms, do not try to handle everything yourself. A professional land services crew can:

• Trim and assess every tree on your property
• Install or repair drainage systems
• Reinforce retaining walls and hardscaping
• Handle full yard clean-up and debris removal after the storm

DeAngelos Land Services offers emergency tree removal and storm damage clean-up across Central Florida. We are BBB A+ rated, Google Guaranteed, and backed by 164+ five-star reviews.

Veterans receive a 10% discount on all services.

Get Storm-Ready Before June

Do not wait for the first named storm to think about your yard. The best time to prep is right now, while tree crews and contractors still have availability.

Call (386) 675-2303 or request a free estimate today. We serve Lake Mary, Sanford, Orlando, Deltona, Seminole County, Orange County, and communities across Central Florida.