Source(s):
Mary Duryea mlduryea@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1784
Ed Gilman egilman@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-1831 ext. 373
GAINESVILLE, Fla.—After this year’s active hurricane season, many Floridians may be reluctant to replace trees lost in storms or trees that damaged homes, businesses and other properties. But experts at the University of Florida say urban forests should be restored for economic, environmental and aesthetic reasons.
“It’s important not to have a negative reaction or backlash against trees because they provide so many environmental benefits,” said Mary Duryea, an assistant dean for research with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/IFAS. “Trees provide shade, conserve energy and reduce the well known ‘heat island’ effect in cities caused by concrete and pavement.”
From an economic standpoint, trees enhance the value and appearance or “curb appeal” of homes and other properties. In fact, there are several studies that show psychological and social health are also better in areas with trees and other landscaping, she said.
Duryea, an urban forestry expert who has studied the impact of hurricanes on urban forests since Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992, said tree-loss estimates for the 2004 hurricane season range between 10 percent and 38 percent in areas of the state that were directly hit by hurricanes, based on wind speeds and comparisons with her past research.
She said consumers should not be afraid of replanting trees. Instead, they should arm themselves with knowledge about planting the right tree in the right place.
“Although there are no fool-proof species or trees that will stand up to wind no matter what, we have found that some tree species are more wind resistant than others,” she said.
In North Florida, the trees to be avoided because they have the least wind resistance include sand pine, laurel oak, turkey oak, water oak, red maple, southern red cedar and the pecan tree. Trees with greater wind resistance include dogwood, live oak, sabal palm, sand live oak, southern magnolia, Florida sugar maple, dahoon holly, black gum, sycamore and sweetgum.
South Florida trees with poor wind resistance include coconut palm, queen palm, Australian pine and the melaleuca. Trees that are more wind resistant in South Florida include live oak, sabal palm, sand live oak, southern magnolia, gumbo limbo, boxleaf stopper, pygmy date palm, Christmas palm and royal palms.
Duryea said these categories are not cast in stone, and wind resistance depends on the individual situation. Trees considered more resistant to wind may lose foliage and branches, but tend to remain standing.
Size and location of the trees also matter in the urban environment, said Ed Gilman, a UF/IFAS professor of urban horticulture.
“Large trees, those between 60 to 100 feet, are more likely to blow over than well-established young trees — trees 5 years or older,” Gilman said.
Florida pine trees such as slash, longleaf and loblolly pines are prime examples of trees that are vulnerable. In some areas of the state such as Pensacola and Vero Beach, pines grow very large, while pines in other places such as Cape Coral have a shorter and stockier growth pattern that helps them endure high winds.
Gilman also said that trees with large, dense canopies are more likely to blow over during hurricanes.
“If you can’t see through the tree canopy, then you need to prune the tree,” Gilman said. “A homeowner should prune the outside edge of the canopy but only up to the point they can reach standing on the first step of a ladder. If the canopy reaches any higher than that, they should call a certified arborist to help.”
The most important thing to remember in an urban environment is the location of the trees. Gilman has observed trees that are weakened because their roots were deflected by curbs, sidewalks and driveways. Planting trees too close to homes and other buildings can also cause problems, and Gilman recommends a 10-foot distance from any structure.
“These rules are not absolute, but they can be helpful. When planting a tree, think about where the roots and the top is going to grow before you plant,” Gilman said.
Both Gilman and Duryea recommend having a certified arborist prune larger trees to prevent problems and check trees for overall health to improve wind resistance. For a list of certified arborists in your area, contact your UF/IFAS county extension office.
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