The holiday season is one of the most enjoyable times of year, but it also brings a few tree care challenges that Central Florida homeowners should not overlook. Between winter storms, outdoor light displays, and the general busyness of the season, your trees deserve some attention before things get hectic.
At Southern Environmental, we are a veteran-owned tree and land services company based in Plant City, FL. We serve homeowners and commercial property owners across the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida, and the holiday season is actually one of the most important times of year to think about your trees. Here is what you need to know.
Winter storms do not skip Central Florida
Florida winters are mild compared to the rest of the country, but that does not mean our trees are off the hook. Cold fronts bring strong winds, and the occasional freeze can stress trees that are already weakened. During the holiday season, when your yard is full of guests, decorations, and activity, a damaged or unstable tree becomes a much bigger concern.
If you have trees on your property that have been showing signs of weakness, such as dead branches, visible cracks in the trunk, or a noticeable lean, the holiday season is not the time to ignore them. A branch coming down during a family gathering or landing on your holiday light display is the last thing anyone wants to deal with.
Our team can come out, assess your trees, and take care of anything that needs to be addressed before the season gets into full swing.
Trimming your trees before putting up outdoor lights
If you are planning an outdoor light display this holiday season, it is worth having your trees trimmed before you start stringing anything up. Here is why that matters:
Overgrown or weak branches can break under the added weight of lights and extension cords, especially if a wind event comes through. Proper pruning removes those vulnerable branches and gives you a cleaner, safer structure to work with.
Trimming also improves the overall look of your display. Well-shaped trees make a much better backdrop for holiday lights than overgrown, uneven canopies. Our certified arborists can shape your trees in a way that enhances both their health and their appearance heading into the season.
Addressing hazardous trees before the holidays
The holiday season tends to bring more people onto your property, whether that is family visiting for the holidays, guests at a party, or neighbors stopping by. That is exactly why it is a good time to take a hard look at any trees that might pose a risk.
Our arborists look for the following during a pre-holiday assessment:
• Dead or dying branches that could fall without warning
• Trees leaning toward your home, driveway, or areas where people gather
• Cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs
• Signs of pest activity or fungal growth at the base
• Trees that were damaged in a previous storm and never properly addressed
If we find something that needs attention, we will walk you through your options honestly and take care of it before it becomes a problem during the busiest time of your year.
Emergency tree services when the unexpected happens
Even with the best preparation, storms happen and trees come down when you least expect it. Southern Environmental provides emergency tree removal services for situations where a fallen or dangerously damaged tree needs to be handled right away.
If a tree comes down on your property during the holiday season, do not try to manage it yourself. Call our team and we will get out to you as quickly as possible with the right equipment to remove it safely and clean up the area.
Serving Central Florida homeowners through the holiday season and beyond
Southern Environmental serves Plant City, Brandon, Dover, Seffner, Riverview, Valrico, Lithia, Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. We are available through the holiday season and we bring the same level of professionalism and care to every job, no matter the time of year.
We are licensed, insured, and led by ISA Certified Arborists. We give you upfront pricing before any work begins and we show up when we say we will.
Frequently asked questions about holiday season tree care
Should I trim my trees before putting up Christmas lights?
Yes, and it is actually one of the best things you can do before setting up your outdoor display. Trimming removes weak or overgrown branches that could break under the weight of lights or during a wind event. It also gives your trees a cleaner shape that makes your display look better overall.
What should I do if a tree falls on my property during the holidays?
Call Southern Environmental right away at 813-566-8733. Do not attempt to move or cut the tree yourself, especially if it is near power lines or resting against a structure. Our team will assess the situation and remove it safely.
How do I know if a tree on my property is a hazard before the holiday season?
Look for visible warning signs like dead branches, cracks in the trunk, leaning, or fungal growth at the base. If you are not sure, schedule a professional assessment. Our arborists will give you an honest evaluation and let you know if anything needs to be addressed.
Do you offer tree services during the holiday season?
Yes. Southern Environmental is available year-round, including through the holiday season. We are here Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm and Saturday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm. For emergencies, call us directly at 813-566-8733.
Is winter a good time to remove trees in Central Florida?
Absolutely. Winter is actually one of the better times for tree removal and pruning in our region. Trees are in a slower growth phase, which means less stress on the tree and often a cleaner, more efficient removal process. It is also a great time to get ahead of any issues before spring and hurricane season arrive.
Give your property the care it deserves this holiday season
The holidays should be about enjoying time with the people you care about, not worrying about whether a tree is going to come down on your home or your guests. Let our team at Southern Environmental take care of the tree work so you can focus on what matters most.
Contact us today to schedule an assessment or request a free estimate. Call us at 813-566-8733 or book online through our website. We are available Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 5pm and Saturday through Sunday from 8am to 5pm.
From all of us at Southern Environmental, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
