Trees That Can Withstand Hurricanes
When choosing a new tree for your Florida landscape, or deciding whether to remove a tree, take hurricanes into consideration.
One of the best things you can do in your landscape is to plant trees that can withstand hurricane-force winds.
Research conducted by University of Florida scientists showed that sand live oaks are the most resistant to wind damage. Other good choices include the Southern magnolia, gumbo limbo, crapemyrtle, bald cypress, and pindo palm. These trees are less likely to lose limbs or blow over during hurricanes.
Some of the trees with the least wind resistance were Bradford pear, sand pine, Chinese elm, water oak, and laurel oak.
Remember that proper planting and care are just as important as tree selection. By making smart choices when you choose and plant new trees, you’ll avoid costly damage later.
Also on Gardening Solutions
More from UF/IFAS
- How to Minimize Wind Damage in the South Florida Landscape
- Landscape Plants: Hurricane-resistant Trees
- Quercus geminata, Sand Live Oak
- Selecting Coastal Plain Species for Wind Resistance
- Selecting Tropical and Subtropical Trees Species for Wind Resistance
- Trees and Hurricanes