Secure Your Landscapes for Hurricanes

Aug. 10--Fortunately, no threatening hurricanes have developed in the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico this year. Yet, weather statistics show that August and September are the most active months for hurricanes.

We mostly think of hurricane preparedness as related to the home or business site. And plans might include evacuation routes, tools, batteries, generators, radios, flashlights, water, food and medication. Yet how often is shoring up landscapes and trees on our minds?

Not one of the local hurricane preparation lists I viewed this season contains anything about trees or landscapes. Yet protecting our home and property should include a plan of action that considers them.

As a consultant, I examine trees that are still recovering from the winds of Hurricane Rita. Some of these trees have dead or dying limbs hanging perilously from the trunks or resting stuck on some underlying limbs. And some of these limbs are more than one foot in diameter! These limbs could fall through a roof all the way to the floor of a house or business.

While some limbs I recently viewed have fallen from trees with little or no winds causing the descent, imagine what would happen if another hurricane came our way.

In other cases, limbs die from natural causes, such as disease or insect problems, and the owner isn't aware of the potential danger. Hurricane-force winds would easily break these limbs from the tree.

Property owners should inspect their trees now and have a professional view any suspect tree for an evaluation of the structural integrity of the trunks, branches and limbs. Where necessary, the limbs should be removed by an insured professional.

Also, trees with disease or insect problems should receive an annual application of fertilizer until the health is restored and the problem solved. Fertilizing trees also strengthens the root systems and reduces the probability of the trees falling from high winds of a hurricane or tropical storm.

Proper care of trees not only produces a beautiful and valuable member to your property, it also increases their chances of survival when a severe storm hits. Remember, the stronger a tree, the less damage to your property; Trees are the best Wind-breakers money can buy.

Another component of the landscape that should be included in hurricane preparedness is landscape furniture. Chairs, couches, swings, certain trellises, shade umbrellas and other items that dot the landscape should be secured. When airborne, these objects can cause serious damage to property, including your house.

Southeast Texas native, Dennis Franklin (The Plant Doctor) has a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from Texas A&M University and locally corrects tree and other plant problems. Ask your plant questions by calling (409) 882-4123 or e-mailing Franklin at drfranklin@gt.rr.com

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