In the past, hurricane season officially started June 1 and ended Oct. 31. As our oceans began to warm in the 20th century, the ending date for the season was extended to Nov. 30. A tropical storm has already formed off Mexico in the Eastern Pacific on May 9, making it the earliest named storm on record to form in that region.
We have been very fortunate in Hawaii to have been free of storms so far this year, but not so in the southern United States. Floods and tornadoes have devastated large areas.
What we have learned from storms like Harvey and Irma is that the major damage done from actual winds was to trees like lychee, macadamia mahogany and other broadleaved trees. On the other hand, palms like coconut, royal, cabbage palms, Mexican fan palms, pritchardias and scores of others survived the storm winds. Many will tolerate flooding with little damage as well. If the soil was so soggy that the palms tipped over, they were easy to replant and recover. Since there are thousands of species, the question is which palms can be used to create your tropical landscape with a minimum of storm damage and care? The Hawaii Island Palm Society is available to help folks answer that question so check out their website.
When it comes to trees other than palms, remember they are important elements of parks, streets and home gardens. Do not forget that they supply oxygen, sequester carbon and in general are helping to minimize the negative effects of global climate change. However, they do require proper maintenance to ensure they make it through stormy weather. It is always important to inspect your trees for dead branches that seem to be ready to fall. A gust of wind can snap an arm-size branch from a tree and send it at missile speed through a picture window.
A low hanging branch over a roof can wreak havoc. Powerful winds can turn the limb into a tool of destruction. This tool can remove shingles as easily as a fish can remove scales. Removing dead and out of place limbs is a good idea even if there is no storm. Fan like fungus growing on the side of a tree trunk indicates rotten spots that need attention. A hole made by poor pruning, damage from earlier storms, or the gouge of an auto bumper can start rotten spots. Remove decayed trees that are too weak to hold up under the strain of a storm. This action will save you grief later.
If your home is located in an area that might be flooded, you’ll be given ample notice to evacuate hours before the storm reaches your area. Otherwise, there is no safer place than in a well-built home.
As soon as the storm has passed it is a good idea to inspect the trees and other plants around the house. Usually all the plants will show signs of wind damage. With a little trimming, propping, resettling of root systems, fertilizing and watering, nearly all plants that were shaken loose from the ground can be salvaged. After hurricane season, it is a good idea to consider root pruning as a way to manage those larger trees.
Many of our tropical trees grow rampant with extensive root systems. That is why we prune to keep them from getting out of hand, but let us prune the right way. Late spring and summer are not the best time for heavy pruning since shade is at a premium during those hot days. Late fall is a good time as the days are getting shorter and the sun’s rays are less intense.
In conclusion, remember that trees are vital to making urban life healthier for us physically, mentally and even spiritually. Every time we plant a tree, we help to minimize the effects of global warming.
