As hurricane season approaches in Florida, safeguarding your landscape becomes paramount. At BrightView, we prioritize the care of your landscape, your safety, and your peace of mind.

In the event of a storm, we leverage our extensive local and national resources to mobilize crews and swiftly provide expedient storm clean-up services. Our goal is to keep our clients' properties safe and ensure timely access to emergency services and necessary resources in our local communities — a strategic response that only BrightView can provide and preauthorize.

Who will weather the storm with you? Let BrightView give you the confidence that in the event of the worst, you're in the best hands. With our dedicated team and comprehensive resources, we're here to support you every step of the way. 

Stay prepared, stay safe, and let BrightView be your partner in hurricane resilience.

(For the full transcript, see below.)

Hurricanes may be a fact of life in the Southeast, but that doesn't make them any less intolerable. Luckily, there are strategies that can make your landscape more resistant to hurricane-related damage, and better yet, none involve a complete overhaul. Now that's tolerable!

Plant Trees that Won't Be Gone with the Wind

While no tree is completely wind resistant, some fare better than others. The University of Florida has studied the effect of every major hurricane over the last 30 years on the urban forest and concluded certain species tend to experience greater survival rates and less branch loss. Their top picks include live oak, Southern magnolia, gumbo limbo, bald cypress, and sabal palms.

Don't forget that selecting the right species is only one part of the battle. Regular pruning and inspection by a certified arborist are key to keeping your trees at their hardiest.

Choose Plants that Don't Mind if Things Get Salty

If you live close to the ocean, you probably already know how tough sea spray can be on your landscape. During a hurricane, saltwater travels farther inland, making it a problem for landscapes not typically accustomed to a high salt diet. You can safeguard against this by planting varieties that won't wither in the salinity, such as dune grass, bay cedar, sea lavender, and lantanas.

Win the Fencing Match

Just like it's important to prune a tree's canopy to allow wind to flow through, the same principle is true of your fence; it will fare better if winds can flow through, not against. For that reason, you may want to choose wrought iron fencing over wood when possible because of the larger openings.

Achieve Strength in Numbers

Depending on location and available space, some plants and trees may benefit from being planted in a group instead of individually. This creates a buffer that could help the group survive high winds. However, be sure to work with a knowledgeable landscape partner before going this route. Some studies have suggested typical urban spacing may not be tight enough to provide protection.

Get Some Space

Consider the location of structures, such as buildings and power lines, when evaluating your current landscape or considering new plans. Trees that grow too close could cause serious damage should they uproot or lose a limb. For young trees, don't forget to consider the typical measurements of a mature specimen. For established trees that are already encroaching, talk with a certified arborist who can orchestrate a safe removal, or advise whether transplanting could be a worthwhile option.

Need to find a certified arborist or experienced landscape team to help you prepare for hurricane season? Give us a call.

Just when it feels like you’ve got a to-do list a mile long, it’s time to prepare for hurricane season. While it may be tempting to put off these essential tasks, hurricanes won’t wait for “next week.” Here are the top four things to complete now to mitigate the risk to your landscape and keep people and property safe.

1. Make your disaster plan and pre-authorize storm clean-up.

In the event of a catastrophic storm, the last thing you want to do is comb the yellow pages to find a reputable provider that can help clean up debris, repair damage to your landscape, and restore safe access to the property. When you pre-authorize storm clean-up, you can lock in a provider you trust who will develop a plan with you that can automatically be executed following a storm. Plus, when you pre-authorize with us, you get peace of mind that you’ll get the most expedient response possible because we leverage our national resources to bring in additional support from surrounding areas.

2. Trim your trees.

Make sure you’ve had a certified arborist inspect your trees recently and a qualified tree crew perform any recommended pruning. Weakened limbs, disease, and overly-dense canopies can pose a serious threat in a hurricane’s high winds. Unfortunately, many of these issues are not immediately apparent to the untrained eye, making it all the more important to get the help of a pro.

3. Address drainage issues.

If rainfall frequently leaves your landscape with soggy patches, standing water, or migrating mulch, evaluate the problem before hurricane season. Drainage issues that might seem like a minor inconvenience now could turn into a major problem should you be in the path of a storm.

4. Stake young trees and plants.

Young trees that are still getting established and vulnerable or tender plants can use some extra support to withstand high winds. Be sure stakes are driven securely into the ground and tie-downs have some give to allow natural movement.

For more hurricane preparedness tips for your landscape, download our free toolkit, or lighten your to-do list by leaving the preparations to us. Schedule a free consultation to get started.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, preparing for a storm probably feels like second nature, but even if this is not your first rodeo, it can be hard to sort the myths from the must-dos or understand the “why” behind age-old recommendations. Here is what your landscape team wants you to know.

Make Plant Health Care a Priority

Though the name is “plant health care,” the term refers to your trees, too. What is most essential to know is that it could make a difference in your landscape’s survival.

Plant health care is a program designed to help your landscape thrive. It encompasses ensuring your landscape is receiving the nutrients it needs and protection against insects and disease. Why is this important? It’s because healthy plants and trees are better able to withstand potential damage from a storm. A plant health care program is a small cost, especially when compared to replacing wide swaths of your landscape.

Do Not Put Off Pruning

Make it a priority to have regular inspections with a certified arborist, who can advise what trees need to be pruned and when. Do not assume that because a tree is old and has “survived this long” that it does not require any attention. In fact, old trees especially deserve some TLC, not only because of their size, but also because of their value to your property.

What many people do not realize is that it is possible for the canopy of an old tree to become too heavy in extreme winds if not properly pruned. This, in turn, could cause an old specimen to uproot, creating a dangerous situation and a devastating loss.

Pre-Authorize Storm Clean-Up

In the event of a catastrophic storm, the last thing you want to do is coordinate storm clean-up response, or worse, try to find a reputable partner. Finding a partner you trust prior to hurricane season and pre-authorizing clean-up is one of the most important preparation steps you can take. When it comes to storm clean-up, many people first think about the repairs their structures will require to resume safe operation, yet for contractors to reach your property, they will first need a safe path to traverse. Pre-authorizing storm clean-up with your landscape partner ensures this happens most expeditiously, in accordance with the plan created and approved before the storm.

Looking for a trusted partner to help you prepare and recover from a storm? Get in touch to be connected with a BrightView team near you.

This year’s Atlantic Seasonal Hurricane Activity forecasts are now available, and indications are a mixed bag. The good news is we may finally bid farewell to the La Niña pattern we’ve experienced over the last couple of years, but the bad news is that, although forecasters predict a less active season, Florida remains at an elevated risk for land-falling systems, compared to other parts of the country.

What to Expect for the 2023 Hurricane Season

Colorado State University’s forecast is projecting we’ll see 13 named storms, placing this year near the historical average of 14. Forecasts from North Carolina State University concur, indicating between 948977-2023-hurricane-season-predictions-released/" target="_blank">11 to 15 named storms in the Atlantic basin.

Among those storms, Colorado State predicts six will be hurricanes, with two becoming major hurricanes. North Carolina State expects a similar range of six to eight hurricanes, two to three of which will be major.

What Effect Does El Niño Have on Hurricane Predictions?

NOAA has issued an El Niño watch, pegging the probability the pattern will develop between May and July at 62 percent. Generally, the emergence of an El Niño pattern kicks off a less active hurricane season, as trade winds in the Atlantic become quicker and less hospitable to the formation of developing tropical storms. However, only time will tell as to how strong the El Niño will pattern will be. And as history has shown, intense hurricanes are still possible during an El Niño year, even late in the season.

How Many Hurricanes Could Florida See?

Despite predictions of an average to below-average number of storms this year, Floridians won’t be able to let their guard down. Forecasters for AccuWeather believe the highest chance for direct impacts remains in Florida following an analysis of past years with weather patterns similar to 2023’s forecast and current conditions. They also point to warmer than average water in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of the Southeast U.S., which can rapidly intensify a storm. Additionally, an area of high pressure over the Atlantic, known as the Bermuda Azores High, has the potential to steer storms toward the United States.

The Bottom Line: Prepare Now

The official start of hurricane season, June 1, is just weeks away, meaning now is the time to begin your preparations. If your trees haven’t recently been inspected by a certified arborist to ensure there are no structural or health issues that could pose a risk to people or property, work with your landscape partner to get one scheduled right away. Your landscape partner can also help put in place a plan for safeguarding important elements of your exteriors — such as prepping your irrigation system and securing or removing elements like outdoor furniture or rocks that could become dangerous once airborne. Finally, you’ll want to be sure you’ve pre-authorized post-storm clean-up efforts with your landscape partner so there’s no delay in restoring safety to your property in the event of the worst.

If you need a landscape partner you can trust to help you get ready for hurricane season, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch here.

Welcome to the final installment in our three-part hurricane preparedness series. In this article, we break down what to do--and what not to do-- to emerge safely from the storm.

You’ve made it through the storm; the danger has passed, right? Unfortunately, now is not the time to let down your guard. There are a handful of things you should and should not do after a hurricane in order to ensure your safety. Here’s what you need to know.

DO stay inside until authorities say it’s safe to go out

It might seem ok to venture out, but there’s a lot you may not be able to see from your window that could pose a threat. From downed power lines to flooded streets, your local officials have the bigger picture. Unless you’re in danger, wait for the ok before leaving your home. 

DO report downed power lines.

To that end, if you do spot a downed power line, be sure to report it to your local power utility so they can restore safety to your area.

DO inspect your home for damage.

If it’s safe to do so, check your home for damage inside and out. If you smell gas, contact the appropriate utility immediately and follow their instructions. Take pictures of any damage you find and contact your insurance agent for next steps. Along the way, keep detailed records-- including receipts-- for any repair and cleaning costs you incur, as they may be needed for your insurance claim.

DON’T operate grills, camping stoves, or generators indoors.

This could cause a build-up of deadly gas within your home. All require appropriate ventilation to avoid a flash fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.

DON’T place debris where it’s not supposed to go.

The proper place to put debris is on the right-of-way, away from fences, mailboxes, drains, power lines and low-hanging wires. Do not place debris on vacant lots, commercial properties, nurseries, or farmland. 

Want more hurricane preparedness tips? Check out the previous articles in our series: “How to Get Ready for Hurricane Season,” and “How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane.”

Sure, we’re here to take care of your landscape, but above all else, we’re here to take care of you. That’s why in this second installment of our hurricane preparedness series, we’re focusing on what you can do to stay safe during a storm. You can replace a landscape, but there’s no replacing you.

You’ve completed your hurricane preparedness and now there’s a named storm headed your way. Thank goodness you took all those smart steps in our previous article to ensure the safety of your property. But now there’s one last thing to protect: you! Here’s what to do now: 

Stay Informed & Ready

Make sure you have a good way to get news on the latest developments from your local officials. Charge up your cell phone, gas up your car (in case you’re told to evacuate), and purchase backup power banks for your electronics. It’s also wise to have an emergency radio and spare batteries on hand in case cell service goes down. 

Stay Indoors

Stay away from windows. If you can, the safest place to be is a windowless room with no exterior walls. Don’t head outside to take pictures or try to drive. It’s not worth the risk. And remember, the eye of the storm can be deceptively calm. Wait until you get the all-clear from local officials before venturing out. 

Stay Off-the-Grid

Power surges can be rough on appliances; consider unplugging them to avoid the potential for damage. In the event of flooding, turn off electricity at the main breaker. Rely on battery-powered flashlights instead of kerosene lamps or candles, which could inadvertently cause a fire. And be sure to limit use of your phone to essential activities so you can maintain as much battery as possible.

Stay Out of the Tub & Shower

If lightning strikes near your home, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. If you’re bathing or taking a shower, this creates the potential for electrocution. However, if your home is being damaged by high winds, or if you’re under a tornado warning, sheltering in the bathtub--sans the bath water, of course-- is a smart place to be.  

Want more hurricane preparedness tips? Check out the first article in our series, “How to Get Ready for Hurricane Season,” or our final installment, “How to Stay Safe After a Hurricane.”

With hurricane season knocking at the East Coast's front door, BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company, has developed a checklist that businesses and homeowners associations can use to help protect their landscaping against high winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding.

Charles Gonzalez is a Senior Vice President with BrightView and an expert in hurricane preparedness. He has more than 30 years of professional landscaping experience and is a 55-year resident of South Florida.

“From structural tree pruning to developing a post-storm clean-up plan, it is important for business owners, property managers and homeowners alike to proactively take steps to dramatically reduce the risk of damage on their property,” said Gonzalez, who is based in Miami. “BrightView’s expertise, combined with our intimate familiarity of South Florida’s landscape, has proven pivotal in helping advise and prepare our clients for hurricane season.”

Among the prioritized steps property managers can take:

• Scheduling tree pruning to remove weak or dead branches that could cause damage or injury.
• Removing fallen branches, loose brush and debris from yards that could be used as projectiles.
• Pre-authorizing clean-up to ensure crews are dispatched swiftly to the property after a storm.

Keys Gate Community Association is a large homeowners association of nearly 4,000 units in 17 neighborhoods across Florida that has benefited by working with BrightView.

“BrightView has been and continues to be an essential resource and trusted partner in our hurricane preparation and recovery plans,” said Ignacio Mendez, CAM, Senior Property Manager for Keys Gate Community Association. “With BrightView’s help, our communities have recovered from storms in record time.”

Having assisted with innumerable post-storm clean-up efforts and witnessed first-hand the force of hurricanes up-and-down the East Coast, BrightView is well-positioned to quickly mobilize equipment and deploy crews to aid emergency responders, open roadways, and keep essential services running, regardless of where storms strike.

For hurricane preparation photos and interview requests with Charles Gonzalez, please contact [email protected].

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30 and can produce many destructive hazards, such as heavy rains, storm surge, destructive winds, and tornadoes. Although hurricanes can be dangerous, planning ahead and being prepared can reduce the chances of injury and major property damage.

Be prepared for this upcoming hurricane season with our handy preparedness checklist. The above guide has you covered for before, during, and after a storm.

It was a sight that made Gulf Coast residents shudder. Two storms were taking aim at the Gulf Coast and they were anticipated to overlap in Louisiana – at the same time.

The Weather Channel characterized it as, “some kind of cosmic joke of a Venn diagram” that showed Tropical Storm Laura and Tropical Storm Marco overlapping over Chauvin, La., as hurricanes. Due to the unpredictability of the storms, all of the Gulf Coast was on alert, including BrightView’s Houston branch.

“A week before landfall, we began monitoring the approach of both Tropical Storms Marco and Laura and we conducted a series of preparation calls and began to notify out clients for debris clean-up preapproval,” said Jamey Goss, Houston Branch Manager. “We worked closely with our Shane Rasco, Regional Account Manager for H-E-B, Bryan Farris, Regional EHS Manager, and Chris Miska, Vice President/General Manager, to stage emergency response teams in the event that Laura impacted our clients located in the eastern and southern parts of Texas.”

Luckily, Marco never amounted to more than a tropical storm and made landfall near the mouth of the Mississippi River Aug. 24 and brought sustained winds of just 40 mph and heavy rainfall. Laura, however, took an opposite direction.

More than 750,000 residents in Texas and in Louisiana were ordered to evacuate ahead of the storm, which had strengthened to a Category 4 hurricane before it made landfall at Cameron, La., on Aug. 27 with 150 mph winds and more than 9 feet of storm surge. Though it moved through quickly, it still left a wide swath of destruction.

“In the early morning hours of Aug. 27, we went out to review our clients to the east and south,” Goss said. “In the first few hours, we discovered several H-E-B sites we service in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange were hit very hard by the high winds.”

The Houston branch dispatch four teams of two with trucks, trailers, chainsaws, chippers, bottled water, and nonperishable food items to help assist with the clean-up efforts.

Under the direction of H-E-B’s Emergency Operating Center, BrightView assisted in cleaning up eight of their grocery stores.

“The efforts by all of our on-the-ground field personnel and scouts were extremely successful and we were able to cleanup all of the affected stores with no safety issues,” Goss said. “All of our team members returned home safely and we were able to showcase our ability to be a valued partner with H-E-B, our largest customer in the state of Texas.”