By Julie McConnell, UF/IFAS Extension Bay County
With the 2-year anniversary of Hurricane Michael approaching and many still recovering from Hurricane Sally we are all acutely aware of the damage storms can inflict. Building codes are updated regularly to mitigate against structural damage to our homes and businesses, but how do we protect our landscapes?
Nothing is foolproof and we have no control over weather events, but if you start with the #1 Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Principle: Right Plant, Right Place you are setting yourself up for success.
Tree selection decisions usually start out with a basic desire – I want shade and I like the way this tree looks. That’s a good start, but there are many other things to consider when selecting trees that can live for generations. Starting with an honest site assessment is very important.
Site selection questions to ask:
How much space do you have for a tree? Be sure to consider overhead, underground, and mature canopy width. Make sure there is enough room for lateral root expansion as the tree ages. A good rule of thumb is to allow for root spread 2-3 times mature canopy width.
Is my site windy? Trees on windy sites have increased transpiration rates and may require more water. Choosing a “drought tolerant” tree can reduce supplemental water needs after establishment. Wood strength varies by tree species, select trees with medium to high wind resistance to reduce likelihood of breakage in wind events.
Could the tree be exposed to salt spray? If so, be sure to choose salt tolerant plants.
How does the soil drain and is it subject to periodic freshwater flooding? Some areas are prone to short term flooding from seasonal rain showers. If this is the case, be sure to select trees that can tolerate fresh water flooding.
Below is a table with some recommended trees and how well they rate in some difficult site conditions. There are many more that can be grown in our area, this is simply a small sample!
If you have questions about specific trees, please contact me at juliebmcconnell@ufl.edu or 850-248-8091. An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, dean for UF/IFAS Extension. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.
