Home Gardening

Weather the storm with native plants
The Coast Gardener Newspaper and Web Column - July 21, 2001

Sure, we are thinking about hurricane preparedness for our homes this time of year, but how many of us are thinking about our landscapes? As the ocean waters warm and hurricanes come calling, we take care of our personal needs but often forget about our landscapes. Planning ahead can certainly save valuable plant material in the event a storm pays the Coast a visit.

Some landscape features are impossible to replace in the event of a natural disaster. After all, you can't replace a fifty-year-old live oak by visiting your local garden center looking for a replacement. You can, however, take a proactive approach when planning your landscape. Investigate your chosen plant material for disaster resistance characteristics.

In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew gave landscape architects and horticulturists an opportunity to categorize trees according to how badly they were damaged. Another study was completed after Hurricane Opal slammed into Navarre Beach, Florida, a few years later. Both studies indicated the importance of native plants in Coastal landscapes.

Native plants have a much better chance of survival in the event a tropical storm or hurricane hits the Gulf Coast. Non-native trees can, and do, survive hurricanes if they develop extensive roots and have adequate foliage density. Natives still offer the best defense against storm damage.

The U.S. Forest Service conducted a study after Hurricane Camille devastated the Coast in 1969. The study indicated that the best wind resistant trees are compact and have major tap roots. Trees with a tapered trunk have a low center of gravity and are more stable. Without a doubt, the best example of such a tree is the Live oak. Live oaks force surface winds up and over buildings while slowing and filtering wind gusts. This protects nearby structures from extensive wind damage.

Palms that offer storm resistance include the cabbage palm, Washington palm and cabbage palmetto. Other trees that are good choices include the bald cypress, river birch, sweet gum and red maple.

Trees are not the only disaster resistant consideration for the home landscape. Shrubs such as Indian hawthorne, yaupon holly, saw palmetto, elephant's ear, daylily, oleander, pittosporum and firespike are all good choices that receive little or no damage from saltwater intrusion during a storm surge.

Barriers provided by hedges are excellent in preventing wall and window damage from high winds and airborne debris. Dense foliage such as hedgerows can cut wind velocity by as much as 60 percent in some cases.

A new publication entitled "A Homeowner's Guide for Coastal Landscapes" is now available. It is full of tips and information regarding native plant selection, saltwater plant selection, wind resistant vegetation, pre-tree planting tips and agency contact information for Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. This publication will prove helpful as you plan your disaster resistant landscapes. Pick up a copy at your local office of the Extension Service, Forestry Commission, or Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Landscaping with wildflowers

I certainly want to invite you to a program entitled "Landscaping with Wildflowers" at the Handsboro Community Center in Gulfport on Thursday, July 26, at 1:30 p.m. The Harrison County Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring the program. I will be a guest speaker along with Liz Cox of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Native wildflower seeds will be provided to all participants. Make plans to attend this informative event!

These archived gardening columns were written by Chance McDavid, former Harrison County Extension Agent.