​Many homeowners, commercial properties and communities suffered landscape damage during Hurricane Irma.  While residents may be able to handle certain small clean up jobs, they should leave major work to professionals and practice safety procedures during clean ups.  Remember, many accidents happen during the aftermath of storms!

It is important to hire properly trained professionals to assess damaged trees after storms to help determine if the trees represent hazards or if they can be salvaged.  ISA Certified Arborists® are held to a Code of Ethics and are encouraged to follow industry standards. Certification demonstrates the individual has the knowledge to perform tree work correctly, but does not guarantee the quality of the work performed by that individual.  To find a certified arborist in your area, go to:  http://www.isa-arbor.com/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx.

The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF/IFAS) created the Urban Forestry Hurricane Recovery Program after the devastation of the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons.  This program, which was funded by the Florida Division of Forestry and the USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, provides helpful information regarding cleaning up after a hurricane.  Information at the links below includes assessing tree damage, restoring trees, choosing suitable trees for urban and suburban sites, selecting quality trees from the nursery, planting and establishing trees, pruning of young and mature trees, and site design for a more wind-resistant landscape.


"Assessing Damage and Restoring Trees After a Hurricane" booklet

Urban Forest Hurricane Recovery Program: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/features/series/hurricanerecovery.html

Trees and Hurricanes (including chainsaw safety):  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_trees_and_hurricanes

 

Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension is available to help answer your hurricane-related and other landscaping questions. 

Landscaping Information Contacts:

Residents with Questions about Their Own Properties:                   561-233-1750

Residents with Questions about Their Own Properties:                   mgardenfwd@pbcgov.org

Property Mgrs/
Community Assn. Board Members (Common Areas Only)              561-233-1759

Nurseries/Pest Control Operators:                                                       561-233-1725

Other Landscape Professionals:                                                            561-233-1759

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