Hurricane Information and Your Landscape
by Paul Wood

Hurricane Season is from June 1st to November 30th annually.

The southeast United States is a prime target for Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico spawned hurricanes. While no landscape (including palms and trees) can be “hurricane proofed” there are a few suggestions to protect your landscape asset in the event of an approaching storm.

Have a plan for your landscape.

1. In the event of wind damage establish a written plan of action by your landscape contractor. Typically, clearing roads of debris and identification of hazards is the first objective. “Cut and stack” of windfall to establish access can occur at this time. If material is small the contractor may be a position to remove from the property, however in many cases a debris pile zone is a good idea.
2. Before the storm approaches; de-energize the irrigation controllers and close master valve to irrigation. Power surges and lightening can wreak havoc with electrical systems. Broken waterlines can create unnecessary issues. There is a good chance you’ll get enough rain to water the landscape.
3. Secure landscape elements (i.e. benches, cigarette urns, signs and flags.)
4. Have contact info for key people other than “the office number”. Establish a rally point to enact the plan. It should not be “call the office after the hurricane for information” – telephones in many cases will be out of service.

Although not every landscape is in a Flood Zone, heavy thunderstorms can result in one or two feet of rainfall.

• Make sure storm water inlets and outflow structures are clear. Check on them often as rain fall may precede the storm or result in daily thunderstorms afterward.

Think of the long term return on investment. Have your Landscape professional assess the tree canopy. Maintaining tree canopies by pruning can reduce weakly attached limbs and lighten some wind load. Do not top, hat rack or prune trees more than 25% to achieve this goal. Planning this activity will save both time and expenses. Once the hurricane passes your arborist will surely be busy. Take advantage of the time while decisions are made in calm reflection and not the heat of disaster.

• Target prune poorly attached limbs and reduce wind load of tree canopies.

Some items to review with your Landscape Hurricane Plan:

• A written schedule of fees for labor, arbor crew, heavy equipment (front loader with operator). Ask if “board up” services are available.
• A clearly written anticipated response time to clean up priority areas (egress) and hazard assessment. It is unlikely crews will be able to begin until local emergency services give the “all clear”. This can be as long as a day following the hurricane.
• A written statement of intent and priority. (i.e. #1. Clear entrances, exits and primary travel lanes.) #2 Clear debris from structural dwellings that may cause immediate risk or danger and impede emergency personnel to access the property.#3 Clear debris from lawn and parking lot areas, etc.)
• A cost for re-planting of wind thrown trees that may have a chance of survival providing root balls are planted and watered soon. They are prepared to import additional resources from outside their immediate area if required to expedite clean up and safety.

Invest in alternative communication devices and flashlights that do not require electricity, such as hand crank radio and battery operated ones. DON’T FORGET TO BUY THE RIGHT BATTERIES!

Lastly, prepare to be patient. Keep focus on the overall accessibility of your landscape and eventual progress which can be made. Hurricanes are immensely stressful natural events for they are “Acts of God”. There is an old saying, “Buddha smiles on a prepare mind”; your preparation will pay enormous dividends to you and your landscape.