9 things to think about when it comes to your yard just before a hurricane

1. Don’t trim before a storm; you will create dangerous projectiles.

2. Remove fronds and pick any fruit from trees.

3. Bring potted plants and lawn furniture indoors.

4. Stake small trees by driving rebar, wood or plastic stakes at least eight inches into the ground and attach them to the tree with rope or soft plastic bands.

5. Cut back vines on fences so they don’t pull the structure over in high winds.

After the storm:

6. Hose down any part of the landscape subjected to salt spray.

7. Cut back broken branches to where there is clear wood.

8. Raise downed trees if they are newly planted or have a trunk diameter less than four inches. For larger trees, consult a tree service.

9. To replant, enlarge the hole, trim the roots, stand the tree back up and fill the hole with the original soil, tamping it down to remove air pockets. Stake the tree for a year and water it every other day for at least two weeks.

This story was originally published October 4, 2016 at 10:27 AM with the headline "9 things to think about when it comes to your yard just before a hurricane."