The lush
tropical tree canopies that shade our homes, parks, and cities are often
taken for granted. While trees always seem to grow slowly when first planted,
eventually they become large mature specimens usually much appreciated
for the shade they provide and the verdant foliage and/or fruit they produce.
When planted in the wrong location or if a building, road, or other type
of structure was constructed too close to a large tree, hazardous conditions
often result. Root systems that are seeking a source of water or merely
the large size of the tree canopy if allowed to reach unchecked proportions
near vulnerable structures can cause great damage when blown over.
The aftermath
of a Hurricane or Typhoon always seems like a total disaster. Damaged
buildings, property, and landscape usually appear to be ready for the
bulldozer and giant tub grinder. But when a more comprehensive site assessment
of the landscape has been done, many landscape trees, shrubs, and palms
are not only salvageable but great candidates for restanding and recovering
to flourish once again. Large specimen trees that have been standing for
years and have withstood many gale force winds can eventually succumb
to windthrow and get blown over. The process of assessing damage and preparing
a recovery plan should also be a process of improving the horticultural
conditions in the landscape. Often trees are planted in
|
Drilling
to place 7' long threaded rods to support a large Live Oak, Quercus
virigiana, damaged in Hurricane Wilma. |
holes that were
dug improperly or too small. Planting conditions in tropical and subtropical
areas can require that holes be dug into limestone or other unfavorable soil conditions. These unfavorable
conditions leave landscape trees very vulnerable to windthrow. The roots
of the tree can not penetrate the sides or bottom of the planting hole
and eventually grow out of and over the original hole resulting in a very
shallow root system. Often these trees fall with much of their root system
still in place and functioning. These are great candidates for standing
back up.
This section
of the Tropical Designs of Florida website shows some of the means and
methods that I have successfully utilized to save large fallen trees that
have succumbed to windthrow or otherwise
been damaged by hurricanes from Hurricane Andrew in 1992 to Hurricane
Wilma in 2005. Horticultural techniques to prevent or reduce the possibility
of windthrow are also documented and explained. Something to always remember
is that much or perhaps most of the damage that has occurred from falling
trees and branches could have been prevented. Proper plant selection,
correct methods of plant installation and cultivation, and a good arboriculture
plan will prevent much future damage and enable us to maintain the landscapes
we aspire to cultivate.
