Hurricane Preparedness/Landscaping

When we think about landscape plants and hurricanes, trees are usually the first type of plant that comes to mind. Many people became afraid of trees after the hurricanes swept through Osceola County in 2004. A lot of trees fell during these storms, however we should also realize that there was even more trees that stood strong against these storms.

A storm “survivor” tree is one that is compact, with a low center of gravity, has a strong, sturdy trunk and a large, deep root system. The “weakest link” of landscapes during storms is a tree that has a high center of gravity, a weak trunk, and shallow roots. Our native live oak is a great example of the “survivor” tree, given the right environment and the correct care during its life. The majority of red maples, sweet gums, and bald cypress trees also faired well during the hurricanes. However, these trees, which are thought to be hurricane-resistant, may still be vulnerable to strong winds. Inadequate care, construction damage, poor growing conditions, small root zones, and disease or insect problems make trees susceptible to storm damage.|

Proper maintenance needs to be practiced during the life of any tree. The first step is to provide the tree, with good growing conditions and to keep it as healthy as you can, free of insects and diseases. Second, proper pruning needs to be maintained on the tree. A strong, deep-rooted tree may not fall during a storm, but weak limbs in the canopy may. Broken, dead and damaged limbs can be torn from trees during a storm and turned into dangerous projectiles. Even “survivors” can grow very large and unbalanced, which could make them hazards during storms. Regular and proper pruning during a tree’s development will create a sturdy, well-spaced framework of healthy branches on a tree.

When a storm is on the horizon, gardeners’ who have kept their trees properly thinned and in proportion have little to do to prepare. The neglected tree that has become immensely overgrown is another matter. Just remember the “survivor” trees are hurricane-resistant, not hurricane-proof, however, we can train them to be better “survivors”.

For more information on preparing your landscape for hurricanes and a free publication on how to properly prune trees, please contact the Osceola Master Gardeners at (321) 697-3000. They are available to take your calls from Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 3pm.