The ideal time to prune mature trees, including our local Live Oaks, is late winter to early spring (February through April). During this dormant phase, trees experience less stress and sap loss, and the bare canopy makes it easier for arborists to spot structural issues. However, dead, diseased, or hazardous branches should be removed immediately, regardless of the season.

No. “Hurricane cuts” (also known as topping or hatracking) are highly damaging. Chopping the canopy back to stubs weakens a tree’s structural integrity, causes rapid but unstable regrowth, and actually increases the risk of the tree failing during a hurricane. Proper storm preparation involves selective “crown thinning” to allow wind to pass through the canopy safely.

Proper hurricane preparation is best done between March and May. It involves an ISA-certified arborist inspecting the tree for structural defects, safely thinning the canopy to reduce wind resistance, removing dead or hanging branches, and cabling weak branch unions. Proactive maintenance prevents healthy trees from becoming hazardous projectiles during high winds. You can schedule a storm readiness inspection with our team to protect your property before the winds pick up.

Permit requirements vary depending on whether the property is within Ocala city limits or in unincorporated Marion County, as well as the size and species of the tree. There are specific protections for certain heritage trees. To ensure you stay compliant with local regulations, you can contact us for a property evaluation and our experienced team can help determine if local building division approval is required before work begins.

Shallow-rooted and brittle-wood trees like Laurel Oaks, Sand Pines, and older Bradford Pears are highly vulnerable to snapping or uprooting in high winds. In contrast, well-maintained Live Oaks and Southern Magnolias have excellent wind resistance. High-risk trees near structures benefit greatly from an evaluation before the peak of storm season.

A strict rule in arboriculture is to never remove more than 20% to 25% of a mature tree’s foliage in a single season. Over-pruning starves the tree of the energy it needs to heal, exposes the trunk to sunscald, and stresses the tree, making it an easy target for local pests and fungal diseases.

Palm tree pruning should only be done to remove completely dead, brown fronds hanging below the horizontal line (often called the “9 o’clock to 3 o’clock” rule). Healthy green fronds should never be removed, even before a storm, because they protect the palm’s vulnerable terminal bud from high winds.

While some tree species naturally lose their leaves in the winter, there are distinct warning signs of a dead or dying tree. If a tree has missing bark, large hollow areas, deep cracks, or fungal growth (like mushrooms) around the base, it is likely decaying. If branches snap easily and are dry and brown inside rather than green and flexible, they are dead wood.

Young trees that have not fully established their root systems can sometimes be saved if righted quickly. The root ball must be kept moist, the tree gently pulled back into place, backfilled, and properly staked. However, large mature trees that uproot usually require complete removal due to extensive and irreversible structural failure. If you have an emergency or an unstable tree after a storm, reach out for immediate assistance to have our crew clear the hazard safely.

A standard tree cutter focuses primarily on removing wood, which can lead to improper cuts and permanent tree damage. An ISA-Certified Arborist is trained in tree biology, local soil conditions, and proper pruning techniques. This expertise ensures precise cuts that promote strong growth, preserve the long-term health of the landscape, and prioritize safety.