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Hurricane Landscape Risk Score

Find out if your South Florida landscape is ready for hurricane season — before the storm hits

🌀 Hurricane Season is ACTIVE — 131 days remaining

Do not delay — assess your landscape today

⚠️ Important: This tool provides a preliminary assessment based on general South Florida hurricane data and ISA risk assessment principles. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection by an ISA Certified Arborist or licensed landscape contractor. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions about trees near structures. FloridaLandscapeIQ assumes no liability for actions taken based on this assessment.

Coconuts become dangerous high-speed projectiles in hurricane force winds — this is one of the most serious and uniquely South Florida hurricane landscape risks

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Open wounds that have not fully calloused over are entry points for disease and structural weakness

Power lines, cable lines, or phone lines running through or within 10 feet of tree canopy

Trees with hidden internal damage from previous storms are more dangerous than undamaged trees

Soil changes at the tree base are early warning signs of root failure and disease — select all that apply

Dead branches called widow makers are a leading cause of storm-related injuries

Unbalanced canopies create uneven wind loading and increase failure risk. V-shaped crotches and one-sided growth are known structural weaknesses

Property location significantly affects hurricane wind impact on trees

Buildings can channel and accelerate wind speeds significantly — a known risk in South Florida urban corridors like Brickell, downtown Miami, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Las Olas

Improper pruning techniques can increase hurricane risk — ANSI A300 standards reduce it

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Miami-Dade, Coral Gables, and many South Florida municipalities require permits for tree removal

Frequently Asked Questions

The most dangerous trees in South Florida hurricanes are Australian Pine (Casuarina), Ficus species, and Norfolk Island Pine — all known for catastrophic failure in high winds. Royal Poinciana and Queen Palm are moderate risk due to large canopy surface area and brittle branches. The most hurricane resistant trees in South Florida include Live Oak, Gumbo Limbo, Sabal Palm, and Southern Magnolia — these species have evolved or adapted to withstand South Florida's wind conditions and should be prioritized in landscape planning.

Yes — absolutely. Coconuts on palms become dangerous high-speed projectiles in hurricane force winds, weighing 5-8 pounds or more. This is one of the most serious and uniquely South Florida hurricane hazards. Remove all coconuts before any tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued — do not wait for a warning. Many South Florida palm trimmers offer emergency pre-storm coconut removal services. Contact a licensed palm trimmer as soon as a storm threatens your area.

Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia) carries moderate to high hurricane risk despite being one of South Florida's most beloved trees. Its large spreading canopy acts as a sail in high winds, its branch attachments can be weak, and it is one of the most commonly lost trees after major South Florida storms. Royal Poincianas near structures should be professionally assessed before hurricane season and pruned using ANSI A300 standards to reduce canopy density. They should not be used as windbreak trees or planted close to structures.

Hurricane season begins June 1 so the ideal time for pre-season tree trimming is March through May. This gives trees time to recover from pruning before storm season arrives — fresh pruning cuts are slightly more vulnerable to wind stress. All pruning should be done by an ISA Certified Arborist using ANSI A300 standards. Avoid lion-tailing (removing interior foliage) and topping — both improper techniques common in South Florida that actually increase hurricane damage risk rather than reducing it.

Ganoderma is a wood-decay fungus (Ganoderma zonatum in palms, Ganoderma applanatum in other trees) that causes internal rot while the tree appears healthy on the outside. In South Florida it is one of the leading causes of catastrophic tree failure because the structural damage is invisible until the tree fails. The first visible sign is usually a shelf-like mushroom (conk) growing at the base of the trunk. There is no treatment — a tree infected with Ganoderma should be evaluated by an ISA Certified Arborist immediately and removal is often the only safe option. Never ignore mushroom growth at the base of a tree in South Florida.

This tool provides a preliminary landscape risk assessment based on general South Florida hurricane data. It is not a substitute for a professional inspection by a certified arborist (ISA) or licensed landscape contractor. FloridaLandscapeIQ recommends all property owners obtain a professional assessment before hurricane season.