How to Protect Your Trees from Erosion During South Florida’s Rainy Season

South Florida’s rainy season is here – and for most of us, it’s a welcome change. Nearly 70% of our region’s annual rainfall arrives between now and mid-October, bringing some relief from the heat and the promise of greener lawns and gardens. But while we’re looking forward to the rain, your trees might be facing a different reality.

When all that water shows up in a short span of time, it can create problems below the surface – especially if your soil isn’t ready to absorb it. And that’s where erosion starts. But with the right steps, you can keep it from turning into a bigger problem.

Key Takeaways:

• When heavy rain follows a dry spell, soil often can’t absorb it, and that’s when erosion starts.
• Erosion doesn’t just reshape your yard, it quickly damages tree roots, stability, and long-term health.
• Exposed roots, lost topsoil, and shallow soil depth all make trees more vulnerable to storm damage.
• Mulching, minimizing compaction, and planting more trees are simple ways to reduce erosion and support tree health.

What Drought Does to South Florida Soil

Much of South Florida is currently experiencing severe to extreme drought conditions. The sandy soil common in our area is already quick draining, but during a drought, it loses even more of its ability to retain moisture. As the soil dries out, the top layer becomes hard and compacted. That’s especially true in areas with foot traffic, lawn equipment, or prolonged sun exposure.

Unlike clay soils in other parts of the country, South Florida soils don’t crack when they dry out, but they do lose structure. Organic matter breaks down more slowly, microbial activity drops off, and there’s less pore space for water and oxygen to move through.

That means when it does rain again, the soil may not absorb water effectively. Instead of slowly soaking in, the water sits on the surface or runs off. And even though it might look like the ground is getting a good drink, the root zone can still stay dry, leaving your trees stressed when you think they’re finally feeling some relief.

Worse, that runoff doesn’t just go to waste, it starts to strip away the soil itself. And that’s when erosion becomes a real problem.

How Erosion Affects the Environment

If you’ve ever seen water carving a stream across your yard after a storm, or noticed parts of your landscape slowly washing away, you’ve seen erosion in action. It’s not just a cosmetic issue – erosion affects how your property drains, how stable your soil is, and even the quality of your local water supply.

And the impact goes beyond your own yard. In neighborhoods across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, erosion:

• Sends fertilizers and lawn chemicals into nearby canals and waterways
• Overloads storm drains and increases the risk of flooding
• Degrades shared green spaces like parks, walkways, and community gardens
• Leads to long-term soil loss that’s costly and difficult to reverse

And while all of that matters, erosion can be especially destructive when it comes to your trees.

How Erosion Affects Tree Health

Trees rely on a stable, nutrient-rich environment to absorb water, exchange oxygen, and hold the tree upright. But when erosion strips away that foundation, the damage can be both immediate and long-term.

Here’s what happens when soil starts to disappear around your trees:

Lost Nutrients

The top few inches of soil hold most of the nutrients trees need – especially younger, feeder roots near the surface. When that soil is washed away, trees have less to draw from and become more vulnerable to disease, pests, and decline.

Poor Water Absorption

Compacted soil doesn’t hold water well. Even after a heavy downpour, the soil may be too dry just a few inches down. Trees struggle to absorb the water they need, even when it looks like they’ve been well watered.

Shallow Root Zone

As soil depth decreases, there’s less room for roots to grow and anchor the tree. That makes it harder for young trees to establish and makes mature trees more susceptible to instability over time.

Weakened Stability

Weakened roots and shallow soil means trees are less equipped to stand up to strong winds or heavy storms. In South Florida, that can quickly turn into a safety hazard – whether it’s a leaning tree, dropped limb, or full uprooting.

Exposed Roots

When roots are exposed to the sun, air, and surface activity, they begin to dry out and die back. These roots are meant to stay underground, protected from heat and physical damage. Once exposed, they stop supporting the tree the way they should.

How to Protect Your Trees and Property

There’s no way to control the rain, but you can control how well your landscape handles it. A few simple steps will protect your trees, preserve your soil, and reduce erosion before it becomes a bigger problem.

Plant More Trees Where You Can

Trees naturally reduce erosion. Their roots create structure in the soil, help absorb heavy rain, and slow down runoff. If you have open areas that tend to wash out, planting trees (or even deep-rooted shrubs) is one of the most effective ways to stabilize the ground long term.

Mulch the Right Way

Mulch helps protect the soil around your trees from erosion and compaction. It slows down water, keeps roots insulated, and holds moisture where it’s needed most. But proper technique matters:

• Keep mulch 2-4 inches deep
• Spread it in a wide ring – ideally out to the dripline
• Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot

Done right, mulch is one of the simplest, most effective tools to improve root health and reduce erosion at the same time.

Limit Compaction

The best way to deal with compaction is to prevent it in the first place. That means keeping everyday pressure off the soil where your trees need to breathe and grow.

• Designate walkways or stepping stones to keep foot traffic off root zones
• Avoid driving or parking on lawn areas near trees
• Don’t stack firewood, gravel, or equipment at the base of trees
• Use mulch to create a natural buffer and discourage people from walking too close

Help Your Trees Weather South Florida’s Rainy Season with Sherlock Tree

South Florida’s rainy season brings welcome relief – but also new risks. For your trees, too much water on unstable, compacted, or poorly protected soil can lead to erosion, root stress, and long-term decline.

At Sherlock Tree, we understand how fast these problems can develop – and how to stop them before they get worse. Our ISA Certified Arborists are trained to identify signs of tree stress, and we’ll recommend the right solutions to support healthy trees through every season.

Call us today at 954-788-4000 to schedule an estimate and give your trees the care they need to thrive – no matter what the weather brings.