While many of us prepare our homes for the hurricane season by securing shutters, gallons of water, generators, non-perishable food items, batteries, flashlights and radios, it is also important to prepare the landscape for hurricane season. Such preparation begins when selecting and planting the landscape and continues with proper maintenance. Here are some tips to provide for a hurricane-ready landscape. Proper Locations of Trees in the Landscape
When planting trees in the landscape, it is important to plant larger trees away from buildings, homes, power lines and other structures to avoid damage by trees and branches. A solution would be to plant smaller trees or shrubs around such areas. Small tree options can include Crape Myrtles and Holly. Shrub options can include Knockout Roses, Lantana and Viburnum.
Regular Pruning & Maintenance
While regular pruning is important to ensure the health of a plant, it is also important to eliminate any items that can possibly become flying debris during a hurricane, such as decaying branches. Also, by shaping a plant properly through pruning, it can help the tree or plant become more wind resistant.
Use of Wind Resistant Plants & Trees
Based on extensive hurricane research throughout Florida, a list of wind-resistant trees was compiled. Trees that fall into this list include Magnolias (pictured), Hollies and Oaks.
Planting in Groups or Masses
Finally, when possible, plant trees within groups to increase wind resistance. The trees act as a buffer to each other. The tree grouping also helps protect other nearby plants found in the landscape.
The next time you plan to update your home’s landscape, keep these tips in mind for a proactive approach to a hurricane-ready landscape. Hopefully, the 2011 hurricane season is quiet, eliminating the immediate need to worry about the potential of a hurricane.
When planting trees in the landscape, it is important to plant larger trees away from buildings, homes, power lines and other structures to avoid damage by trees and branches. A solution would be to plant smaller trees or shrubs around such areas. Small tree options can include Crape Myrtles and Holly. Shrub options can include Knockout Roses, Lantana and Viburnum.
Regular Pruning & Maintenance
While regular pruning is important to ensure the health of a plant, it is also important to eliminate any items that can possibly become flying debris during a hurricane, such as decaying branches. Also, by shaping a plant properly through pruning, it can help the tree or plant become more wind resistant.
Use of Wind Resistant Plants & Trees
Based on extensive hurricane research throughout Florida, a list of wind-resistant trees was compiled. Trees that fall into this list include Magnolias (pictured), Hollies and Oaks.
Planting in Groups or Masses
Finally, when possible, plant trees within groups to increase wind resistance. The trees act as a buffer to each other. The tree grouping also helps protect other nearby plants found in the landscape.
The next time you plan to update your home’s landscape, keep these tips in mind for a proactive approach to a hurricane-ready landscape. Hopefully, the 2011 hurricane season is quiet, eliminating the immediate need to worry about the potential of a hurricane.
