Plants

After a hurricane, homeowners tend to rush out and restock their yards with plants and trees that they have lost. Without proper planning, homeowners may make the same mistakes that caused damage to trees in the first place.

Tips to a healthy garden

· Do not plant trees too close to curbs, sidewalks or buildings
· Provide plenty of room for root growth
· Do not plant only one type of tree – plant a variety
· Purchase from a reputable source
· Follow proper maintenance from the plant nursery

Wind and Flood Resistant Trees

Certain trees tolerant high winds and heavy rains better than others. Check out this list if year after year your plants seem to fail you.

Salt Tolerant Plants

During a tropical storm or hurricane, flooding from the Gulf is very common. Certain plants tolerate seawater better than others.

Salt tolerant trees and shrubs include:

Salt tolerant ground covers and vines include:

After a Hurricane

After a hurricane has devastated your area, you are in a time crunch to save your landscape plants from further damage.

Some easy tips that will help keep your yard beautiful and healthy include:

Small trees and shrubs
· Remove damaged roots
· Securely stake trees and shrubs in their original growing positions
· Cover exposed roots with soil, moist burlap sacks or moist sphagnum moss
· Prune them for broken branches
· Cut away ragged edges on damaged bark
· Water twice a week

Grass
· Clear grass of broken limbs, leaves, fallen trees, mud and debris
· Drain off standing water
· Irrigate grass and plants with freshwater if saltwater is present

For more detailed information on planting the right plants and saving the ones that you already have, visit the University of Florida’s Santa Rosa County Extension office