Preparing Your Trees for Hurricane Season in Connecticut
July 2, 2025
Preparing Your Trees for Hurricane Season in Connecticut
"When winds hit 74 mph, it’s a hurricane. But when they hit 100 mph, it’s your roof—and your trees—that pay the price."
Every year, from June through November, Connecticut holds its breath. Hurricane season creeps in. Maybe it's a tropical storm. Maybe it’s a full-blown hurricane. Either way, your trees are on the front lines.
And here’s the blunt truth: trees are responsible for more property damage during storms than almost anything else.
One cracked branch. One uprooted trunk. Suddenly it’s not just your landscaping at risk—it’s your car. Your roof. Your neighbor’s fence.
So the question is simple. Are your trees ready?
Let’s walk through how to make sure they are. No fluff. No wasted time. Just clear, actionable steps to protect your property—and your peace of mind.
🌪️ Why Trees Fail During Hurricanes
It’s not random. Tree failure is predictable—and preventable.
Here’s what typically brings trees down in hurricanes:
- Weak branch attachments. (The classic Y-shaped split.)
- Overextended limbs. Long, heavy, unbalanced branches.
- Root damage. Poor soil, compacted roots, or past construction damage.
- Decay and disease. Hollow trunks, fungal rot, dead limbs.
- Improper pruning history. Topping. Over-thinning. Neglected trees.
When high winds hit, any one of these weak points becomes the failure point.
✅ Step 1: Inspect Like a Pro
Start with a walk-through. Seriously. Walk your property and look—really look. What are you checking for?
- Dead or dying branches. They’ll come down first.
- Cracks in major limbs or trunks. Red flag.
- Mushrooms at the base. That’s a sign of root rot.
- Leaning trees. Has the lean increased since last year? Big warning sign.
- Cavities or hollow spots. Not all cavities mean failure, but it’s worth evaluating.
When in doubt, snap a photo and call an arborist.
✂️ Step 2: Prune for Wind Resistance
Pruning isn’t about cutting stuff randomly. It’s about engineering balance.
Well-pruned trees do way better in high winds. Here’s how:
- Remove dead wood. First, always.
- Thin the crown—carefully. The goal is to let wind pass through, not to gut the tree.
- Shorten overextended limbs. Long, heavy limbs are prone to snapping. Reduce them back to lateral branches.
- Correct weak attachments. Those tight, V-shaped forks? Remove one side if it’s safe to do.
- Lift low limbs when appropriate. Especially over driveways, roofs, or walkways.
⚠️ Important: Never top a tree. Ever. Topping creates weak regrowth that’s more dangerous in storms.
🌳 Step 3: Support High-Risk Trees
Not every tree needs to come down. Some just need support.
- Install cabling or bracing for large limbs with poor attachments.
- Consider lightning protection systems for tall, prominent trees close to your home.
- Mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to improve soil moisture and root health.
A healthy root system is your tree’s best defense against hurricanes.
🏡 Step 4: Remove the Real Hazards
Some trees just shouldn't stay.
If a tree is:
- Dead.
- Mostly hollow.
- Leaning dangerously toward a structure.
- Severely decayed.
It’s time to remove it.
No one wants to lose a tree unnecessarily. But losing one on your house during a storm is far worse.
🔧 Step 5: Post-Storm Readiness
Before the storm hits:
- Clear loose branches, firewood piles, or debris. Projectiles in waiting.
- Check drainage. Poor drainage softens soil, increasing the risk of uprooting.
- Park vehicles away from large trees. Simple but often overlooked.
🌟 Bonus Tip: Focus on Native Trees
Long-term, if you’re planting, choose trees adapted to Connecticut’s weather. Species like:
- White Oak
- Eastern Redbud
- Serviceberry
- Eastern Red Cedar
These trees tend to handle storms better than fast-growing, brittle species like Bradford Pear or Silver Maple.
🚨 Final Word: The Clock Is Ticking
Hurricane season doesn’t wait. Once a named storm is tracking up the coast, every tree service gets slammed.
This is the time to act. Not when the winds are already coming.
If you’re not sure whether your trees are storm-ready, call us. At Fleet Farmington Tree Service, we do risk assessments, precision pruning, and hazard removals to keep your property safe—before, during, and after the storm.
✅ Schedule a Hurricane Readiness Tree Inspection Today.
Fast. Local. Fully insured.
💡 Need help? Let’s get your trees storm-ready.
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Meet the Pinchot Sycamore: Farmington Area’s Giant Tree Treasure Some trees are just trees. And then there’s the Pinchot Sycamore —a towering local legend rooted along the Farmington River. At over 100 feet tall and nearly 28 feet in circumference , it isn’t just the largest tree in Connecticut —it’s one of the oldest living things in the state. If you live in or around Farmington , this isn’t a tree to pass by. It’s a tree to learn from. What Makes This Sycamore So Special? Let’s break it down: Estimated to be 200–300 years old Weighs over 100 tons Its canopy spreads more than 140 feet wide This isn’t a backyard shade tree. It's a living monument. Named after Gifford Pinchot , the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service and a pioneer of conservation, the sycamore is both a natural wonder and a historical landmark. It has withstood hurricanes, floods, ice storms—you name it. It’s been lit at night since 1997, making it a quiet beacon in the Simsbury night, just minutes from Farmington. But this article isn’t just about admiration. It’s about tree care , tree knowledge , and what this ancient sycamore can teach homeowners and property managers across Connecticut. What the Pinchot Sycamore Can Teach Us About Tree Health Old trees survive because they’re in the right conditions and get proper care—whether from nature or from humans who step in at the right time. Here are 3 key lessons the Pinchot Sycamore offers: 1. Roots Matter More Than You Think A tree this large doesn’t last for centuries without a solid root system. But in residential neighborhoods, roots are often cut for driveways, patios, or foundations. This slowly destabilizes even healthy trees. Action step: Before pouring new concrete or expanding your yard, have a certified arborist assess root zones. Cutting roots isn't always obvious—but it's often irreversible. 2. Not All Decay Is Fatal—But It Should Be Monitored The Pinchot Sycamore has endured internal rot, lightning strikes, and the natural aging process. Still, it stands tall because any weaknesses have been managed. What we recommend: Older trees—especially large maples, sycamores, and oaks—should be structurally evaluated every 3–5 years . We use resistograph tools and sound testing to detect hidden decay. You wouldn’t skip a roof inspection. Don’t skip a tree check either. 3. Location Dictates Longevity This sycamore is planted in rich, alluvial soil near the river. That means consistent moisture, deep nutrient access, and less drought stress. Trees in compacted suburban soil with shallow watering schedules? They’re fighting an uphill battle. For your yard: Mulch around your trees (no volcano piles!) to retain moisture and protect roots. Water deeply during dry spells—especially in July and August, when trees are working the hardest. How This Ties Back to Your Property You don’t need a 300-year-old tree in your yard to start thinking like a steward. Most homeowners in Farmington and surrounding towns have mature hardwoods on their properties—maples, sycamores, hickories, elms. These trees are valuable. They shade homes, reduce energy costs, and boost property value by up to 15% when healthy. But without proper care, they can become hazards. Splitting limbs. Uprooting in storms. Fungal decay that creeps in quietly, year after year. We Know Farmington Trees Because We’re Local At [Your Company Name], we don’t just admire Connecticut’s giants—we work to preserve them. From veteran tree inspections to proactive pruning , we specialize in keeping big, old trees safe and thriving. Live in Farmington or nearby? Let’s assess your property. We’ll check for: Root stress Decay risks Branch structure and weight loads Site-specific health threats (like anthracnose in sycamores) 🌳 Final Thought: Legacy Trees Deserve Legacy Care The Pinchot Sycamore stands today because someone—many someones—chose to protect it. It didn’t get this old on luck alone. Your trees, whether 5 or 150 years old, deserve the same attention. Let us help you protect what’s growing right outside your window. 📞 Book your Tree Health Assessment Today Serving Farmington, Avon, West Hartford, and the surrounding area.
When Is the Best Time to Trim Trees in Farmington, CT? "A tree properly pruned is a tree that stands strong." — Unknown In Farmington, CT, we take pride in our trees. From towering maples to graceful oaks, trees add beauty, shade, and value to your property. But keeping them healthy? That takes a little strategy — and timing is everything. One of the top questions we hear at Farmington Tree Service is: “When should I trim my trees?” It’s a great question! And if you time it right, you’ll help your trees thrive while saving yourself from bigger problems (and expenses) down the road. Let’s break it down. Why Timing Matters for Tree Trimming Trimming trees isn’t just about keeping them tidy. It’s about their long-term health, structure, and safety. Trim at the wrong time? You could stress your tree or invite disease. Trim at the right time? You’ll boost growth, improve appearance, and help your trees withstand Farmington’s storms, wind, and snow. The Best Time to Trim Most Trees in Farmington, CT Late Winter to Early Spring (February through April) — Prime Time! This is hands-down the best season for most tree trimming: ✅ Trees are dormant, which reduces stress. ✅ No leaves = better visibility for structural pruning. ✅ Wounds heal faster before new growth begins. ✅ Less risk of spreading certain tree diseases (like oak wilt). Pro Tip: We do a lot of major pruning in Farmington between February and early April — especially for large shade trees and ornamentals. Get on our winter/spring schedule early to lock in a spot. Summer Trimming — Caution Advised You can trim during summer, but it depends: 👉 Good for light shaping or deadwood removal. 👉 Not ideal for heavy cuts or structural pruning — heat and active growth can stress the tree. 👉 Avoid mid-summer pruning of sensitive species (maples, birches) that bleed sap. If you’ve got storm-damaged branches in summer? Call us. Safety trumps season! Fall — Not Recommended It’s tempting to clean up trees in the fall, but here’s why it’s not the best time: 🚫 Fresh pruning cuts heal slower as the tree prepares for dormancy. 🚫 Increased risk of disease and pest invasion. 🚫 Less energy available to close wounds before winter hits. Our advice: Hold off until late winter or early spring unless it’s an emergency. Exceptions: When You Should Trim Trees Anytime There are situations where waiting is not an option: Hazardous branches hanging over homes or driveways Dead or diseased limbs Storm damage (after Farmington’s frequent nor’easters or summer thunderstorms) Interference with power lines or property structures For emergency trimming? Call us. We provide 24/7 emergency tree service in Farmington. Tree Species Considerations Here’s a quick local guide for common Farmington trees: Maples, Oaks, Elms — Best trimmed late winter/early spring. Flowering Trees (Dogwood, Cherry, Crabapple) — Trim right after blooming. Evergreens (Pine, Spruce, Fir) — Late winter is ideal; minimal pruning during active growth. Not sure what type of tree you have? We’ll help you ID it and advise on timing. Final Thoughts: Partner With Local Pros Trimming trees may seem simple, but there’s an art (and a science) to doing it right. As Farmington’s trusted tree service pros, we: ✔️ Time your pruning for maximum tree health. ✔️ Use proper cuts to prevent disease and encourage strong growth. ✔️ Clean up thoroughly so your property looks great. And we’ll never recommend unnecessary trimming — just what your trees need to stay beautiful and safe. Ready to schedule tree trimming in Farmington, CT? Now is the perfect time! Give us a call and let’s keep your trees thriving.
