Hurricane season in Louisiana runs from June 1 through November 30, and March is the ideal time to start preparing. With just three months until the season opens, acting now gives your trees time to heal from pruning and lets you avoid the last-minute rush. Here's your 2026 spring action plan.
Start Now — March Is the Sweet Spot
Early spring is the best window for storm-prep pruning. Trees are coming out of dormancy, wounds heal quickly in the warming weather, and you're well ahead of the summer stress and storm season. Waiting until May or June means competing with every other homeowner for scheduling — and your trees won't have time to recover before the first tropical system.
Prune for Wind Resistance
Proper pruning allows wind to pass through the canopy instead of catching it like a sail. Focus on:
Inspect for Hidden Weaknesses
Take a walk around your property this weekend and look for:
Remove Hazard Trees Before the Storm
If a tree is dead, severely decayed, or leaning toward your house, it's far cheaper and safer to remove it on your schedule than after it falls during a hurricane. Emergency storm work costs significantly more and may involve weeks-long waits. Getting it done in March or April is the smartest financial decision.
Secure Young Trees
Newly planted trees (under 3 years) benefit from temporary staking during hurricane season. Use flexible straps — not wire — and remove stakes once the storm threat has passed so the tree develops a strong trunk. If you planted new trees this winter, now is the time to check that stakes are secure.
Need a pre-season inspection? Twin Oaks offers free storm-readiness evaluations for Acadiana homeowners. Call us at (337) 212-1987 now — don't wait for the first named storm. Your future self will thank you.