Hurricane-Proof Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season
As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your garden from potential damage. One of the most important things you can do is choose hurricane-resistant plants.
Choosing Hurricane-Resistant Plants
Some plants are more vulnerable to wind damage than others. When selecting plants for your garden, consider their size, shape, and root system.
- Size: Taller trees are more likely to be damaged by strong winds. Choose smaller trees or shrubs that are less likely to topple over.
- Shape: Trees with a narrow, upright shape are more susceptible to wind damage than those with a spreading, rounded shape.
- Root system: Plants with shallow roots are more likely to be uprooted by strong winds. Choose plants with deep, spreading roots that will anchor them firmly in the ground.
Planting for Hurricane Resistance
In addition to choosing the right plants, it’s also important to plant them correctly.
- Plant in groups: Planting trees and shrubs in groups of five or more provides support and reduces their vulnerability to wind.
- Space plants properly: Allow enough space between plants for their roots to spread and for air to circulate.
- Protect roots: Plant trees in areas with at least 18 inches of topsoil above the water table and at least 10 feet from paved areas.
Pruning for Hurricane Resistance
Pruning can help to strengthen trees and shrubs and make them more resistant to wind damage.
- Prune to a central trunk: Remove any branches that are growing too close to the main trunk.
- Thin the canopy: Remove some of the branches in the center of the tree to allow wind to pass through without causing damage.
Protecting Plants During a Hurricane
If a hurricane is approaching, there are a few things you can do to protect your plants.
- Stake trees and shrubs: Use stakes and twine to secure trees and shrubs that are at risk of falling over.
- Cover plants with tarps: Cover small plants with tarps or blankets to protect them from wind and rain.
- Bring potted plants indoors: If possible, bring potted plants indoors to protect them from the storm.
Recovering from Hurricane Damage
After a hurricane, it’s important to assess the damage to your garden and take steps to recover.
- Remove hazards: Remove any broken tree branches or leaning trees that could pose a safety risk.
- Prune damaged plants: Prune away any damaged stems or branches.
- Repair stripped bark: If bark has been stripped from trees or shrubs, chisel the edges to create a clean wound.
- Care for damaged bulbs and tubers: Bulbs and tubers will typically return in spring, but they may need extra care if they have been damaged.
- Replant damaged plants: If plants have been uprooted or severely damaged, it may be necessary to replant them.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help to protect your garden from hurricane damage. Remember to choose hurricane-resistant plants, plant them correctly, prune them for strength, and take steps to protect them during a storm. With a little preparation, you can help your garden weather the storm and bounce back quickly.
