Master Gardener^sm Column for the Week of August 8, 2005
Charlie Spencer
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^sm Volunteer

We don’t like to talk about it, but a discussion of storms certainly seems appropriate for this year with all the early season storms. Some thoughts to consider …

Many people prepare their homes for hurricanes, but have you ever thought about preparing your landscape for storms? While no landscape is immune to the wind, rain, and storm surge of a hurricane, with proper planning and care you can minimize the potential for your landscape to be a liability during a devastating storm.

The first step in avoiding storm damage begins with the initial selection of the plants. Plants that are native or well adapted to the region’s growing conditions will typically be stronger, healthier plants and able to survive storms better.

In addition to selecting well-adapted plants, be sure to match the plant’s needs to the planting location. In order for plants to perform as expected and remain healthy, know their needs in regard to proper soil conditions, degree of sunlight, shade tolerances, and moisture needs. If you live in an area which can be flooded by saltwater or where salt spray can be blown onto your plants, choose plants that are known to have salt tolerance.

The second step to minimize storm damage is to keep your plants as healthy as possible. Do not overfertilize or overwater trees and shrubs. This can increase crown density and decrease the root area and depth--two conditions which increase the possibility of the tree or shrub falling in high winds.

Also think about the mature size of your tree or shrub before you plant. Overcrowding can stress plants making them more susceptible to insect and disease problems.

The next step in reducing hurricane damage is to practice proper pruning techniques. We know from previous hurricanes that trees that were preventatively pruned properly had a higher survival rate than neglected trees.

Regular pruning during a tree’s development is the key to creating a strong, resilient tree. The most wind-resistant form for a tree is one with a central leader and a well-spaced framework of branches around and up and down the trunk. Many trees can be grown in this form when they are young, but the growth habit of some species will change to a multi-trunked, spreading form as they mature.

A pruning program should also eliminate branches with tight or narrow crotches. Trees with narrow forks or branches are likely to split under stress. Branch crotches or angles from 45 to 90 degrees are less likely to split than narrow V-crotches of less than 40 degrees. Some trees, like Bradford pears, genetically have very narrow and weak crotch angles.

Faced with the threat of a storm, gardeners who have kept their trees properly pruned and with a canopy in proportion to the trunk have little to do. The overgrown, neglected tree, however, is another matter.

Even though the best time to prune your trees is during the winter months, there is some pruning that can be done now on that neglected tree that will improve its overall appearance and health. Begin by removing all dead, diseased, and damaged wood and take out all watersprouts or root suckers. It is also important to cut out crossing branches which rub against each other.

Windstorms are always a matter of concern, but trees that have been selected properly, sited with care, and maintained so as to have a sturdy form and an open canopy stand the best chance of surviving intact and not adding to the damage on your property.

Thanks to the Florida Cooperative Extension Service for input for this column.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master Gardener^smVolunteer

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Date Created 8/5/2005