Rebounding & Resilient: Foliage Appears Post Milton

 

 

Observing the widespread scorching affects left behind from salt spray and high wind damage, as you drive around our area on up through the Sun Coast, you might find yourself wondering, “Will the trees and landscape ever bounce back?” The entire state of Florida has experienced 57 hurricanes during the 20th century, although the majority of Floridans had not fully experienced one until 2004. From 1920-1960, peninsular Florida had 14 major (cat 3-5) hurricanes. During the next 40 years (1960-2000) peninsular Florida had 2 major (cat 3-5) hurricanes. In 1995, weather experts reported the beginning of a new cycle of increased hurricane activity that is expected to last until 2025.

Hurricane forecasters report that the number of hurricanes per year run in cycles and are part of a natural weather pattern unlike that of extreme weather events. Knowing what kind of plants and trees you have growing in your yard can help protect your home and landscape during a hurricane. If you do not know the names of your plants and trees, you can take a photo on your phone and use an app like Google lens or iNaturalist to help you identify them. You can also share photos with the Charlotte County extension office for identification purposes. Six of the most common and expensive landscape mistakes Florida residents typically make include; not knowing the wind tolerance of plants, neglecting routine tree trimming, improper trimming post storm, discarding trees needlessly that could easily be saved, planting trees incorrectly, and planting wind-sensitive trees near power lines. 

Taking an inventory of the trees around your property, writing down their names, and doing some basic research to find out how wind tolerant your landscape is, should be a top priority for those of us living in Florida. Studies suggest that native trees survive better than exotic trees in south Florida. In her native vs. non-native study of trees in south Florida post hurricane, Dr. Mary Duryea found native trees held up better than exotic trees. “Native tree species were the best survivors in the wind; 34% of exotic trees were still standing while 66% of native trees were standing.” 

Generally, palm trees tolerate wind better than shade trees but not all palms are wind tolerant. Pindo palms, Date palms, Pygmy date palms, Arecas and Sabal palms all exhibit high wind resistance. 

Some trees can actually protect your home rather than destroy it. Live Oaks, Sand Live Oaks, Podocarpus, Gumbo Limbo, Magnolia, Dahoon Holly, and Crape Myrtles are known for the best storm resistance.

Our native trees were present in Florida before Christopher Columbus traveled to America. Trees that were introduced into Florida after 1492 are classified as “Exotics.” Trees that are close to houses do not always fall on them. However, keep in mind that it only takes one tree to destroy your home. Make sure and check with your county or city regarding tree removal practices and permits before you make any stormscaping decisions. You might want to consider removing the trees that pose any danger to your home.

Current weather trends combined with the after affects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton have undoubtedly captured our immediate attention. Storm surge is worse on the west coast of Florida than the east coast because the water is more shallow off the west coast. West coast storms move faster than those on Florida’s east coast, causing the effects of a faster moving storm to be felt further inland. Barrier islands are the most vulnerable locations.

In the aftermath of a hurricane like Milton, one thing remains apparent; using careful consideration and past observations as a base, the best management practices enable wise choices on all types of plants and trees suitable for replanting. The discoloration and loss of leaves and foliage in a hurricane does not mean a plant or tree is dead, it actually helps some trees to better survive high winds. There are limits for all plants and trees as to what they can undergo during a hurricane and not be damaged. Where there are high winds interacting with trees, there is always a potential for loss. Illustrating yet another reason Hurricanes are the most costly natural disaster in the United States.