Hurricane Season Naples 2026: How to Protect Your Plants Before the Storm

David Yerkes III
Jul 19
4 min read

Your Complete Hurricane Preparation Guide from Yerkes Landscaping

Living in Naples, Florida, means enjoying beautiful tropical landscapes, lush palm trees, and year-round outdoor living—but it also means preparing for hurricane season. While the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has started off relatively quiet, experienced Southwest Florida homeowners know that only one storm is needed to cause significant damage.

The biggest mistake many homeowners make is waiting until a hurricane watch or warning is issued before preparing their property. By then, garden centers are crowded, supplies become scarce, and landscaping companies are booked solid.

At Yerkes Landscaping, we've helped homeowners across Naples and Southwest Florida prepare for hurricanes, recover after major storms, and even protect their landscapes from unexpected winter freezes. We've seen firsthand how a little preparation can save thousands of dollars in repairs and help preserve the beauty of your property.

Whether you're getting ready for hurricane season in Naples or simply want to protect your landscaping investment year-round, these expert tips will help keep your trees, palms, shrubs, and tropical plants healthier before, during, and after the storm.

Why Preparing Your Landscape Before Hurricane Season Matters

Your landscaping is one of the biggest investments you've made in your home. Unfortunately, it's also one of the first things to be damaged during severe weather.

High winds, heavy rainfall, saturated soil, and flying debris can uproot trees, snap limbs, destroy tropical plants, and send decorative pots crashing into your home.

Preparing your landscape before hurricane season can help you:

✅ Reduce the risk of broken or falling tree limbs

✅ Protect valuable palms and tropical plants

✅ Prevent expensive property damage

✅ Improve the long-term health of your trees

✅ Minimize storm cleanup after the hurricane passes

The earlier you prepare, the better your landscape will withstand severe weather.

1. Prune Trees and Shrubs Before Hurricane Season Begins

One of the most effective ways to prepare your landscape is with professional tree and shrub pruning.

Dead branches, weak limbs, and overcrowded canopies act like sails during strong winds, increasing the chances of breakage.

Strategic pruning helps reduce wind resistance while improving airflow throughout the tree.

At Yerkes Landscaping, we recommend inspecting and pruning:

Palm trees with dead or damaged fronds
Oak trees with crossing or rubbing branches
Trees growing too close to your roofline
Overgrown shrubs around windows and walkways
Weak limbs that could become dangerous during high winds

Pro Tip: Avoid removing too much healthy growth. Over-pruning can actually weaken a tree and make it more vulnerable during storms.

2. Protect Potted Plants and Outdoor Décor

Large decorative pots may seem sturdy, but hurricane-force winds can turn them into dangerous projectiles.

Before a storm arrives:

Move potted plants into your garage or lanai.
Group smaller containers together.
Remove hanging baskets.
Store patio décor and lightweight furniture.
Secure decorative planters whenever possible.

Not only will this protect your plants, but it also helps prevent costly damage to your home and neighboring properties.

3. Support Young Trees Before They Face Strong Winds

Young trees haven't developed deep root systems yet, making them especially vulnerable during hurricanes.

Proper staking helps provide support while still allowing the trunk to develop naturally.

Watch for signs such as:

Leaning trees
Exposed roots
Loose soil around the base
Excessive movement during windy conditions

If you're unsure whether a tree is stable, it's best to have it inspected before storm season reaches its peak.

4. Mulch and Water Before the Storm Arrives

Healthy plants handle stress much better than unhealthy ones.

A fresh layer of mulch provides several benefits:

Retains moisture during extreme heat
Protects delicate root systems
Reduces soil erosion from heavy rainfall
Improves drainage throughout the landscape
Helps regulate soil temperature

If rain hasn't already saturated the ground, watering deeply one or two days before a storm can help plants better withstand the stress that follows.

5. Secure Everything Around Your Landscape

Hurricanes don't just damage plants—they damage everything surrounding them.

Before hurricane season arrives, inspect your property and secure:

Landscape lighting
Garden art and décor
Loose edging materials
Outdoor furniture
Irrigation valve covers
Decorative rocks and accessories

Taking an extra hour now can prevent thousands of dollars in damage later.

Don't Forget About Southwest Florida's Winter Weather

Many homeowners still remember the unexpected cold snaps that damaged landscapes across Naples and Collier County.

While hurricanes are our primary concern during the summer months, tropical plants like:

Crotons
Hibiscus
Bougainvillea
Areca Palms
Foxtail Palms
Travelers Palms

can also suffer significant damage during freezing temperatures.

Keeping your plants healthy throughout hurricane season strengthens them for the cooler months ahead.

Ask us about seasonal maintenance programs designed to prepare your landscape for every season—not just hurricane season.

After the Storm: What Should You Do First?

Once local officials say it's safe to return outside, resist the urge to immediately begin heavy cleanup.

Instead:

✔ Inspect trees for broken or hanging limbs.

✔ Look for leaning trees or exposed roots.

✔ Remove debris carefully without damaging healthy plants.

✔ Check irrigation lines and sprinkler heads.

✔ Wait before fertilizing stressed plants.

✔ Schedule a professional inspection if your landscape experienced significant damage.

Quick action after a storm often leads to a faster, healthier recovery.

Schedule Your Hurricane Landscape Inspection Today

The best time to protect your landscape isn't when a storm is in the Gulf—it's weeks before hurricane season reaches its peak.

At Yerkes Landscaping, we proudly serve homeowners throughout Naples and Southwest Florida with:

Landscape Maintenance
Tree & Palm Trimming
Hurricane Landscape Preparation
Mulch Installation
Landscape Design
Storm Cleanup
Seasonal Landscape Care

Protect Your Landscape Before the Next Storm

Your landscape is more than just curb appeal—it's an investment in your home.

Don't wait until a hurricane is already approaching.

If you're looking for trusted professionals for hurricane landscape preparation in Naples, Florida, tree trimming, storm cleanup, or year-round landscape maintenance, Yerkes Landscaping is here to help.