INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – Hurricane Irma negatively impacted our community by weakening, uprooting, and defoliating trees which means there will be less carbon sequestration and oxygen production by trees and their foliage. The storm sped up the death process by killing many weak and old trees. Individuals replacing trees damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma can obtain advice on tree replacement from their local Florida Forest Service or County extension office.
“When landowners replace hurricane damaged trees,” explains Senior Forester Calin Ionita, Florida Forest Service, “they should select a high quality tree – either a Florida Fancy or a Florida Grade No. 1 – determined as such by the Florida Grades and Standards. This quality rating is based upon trunk, branch, crown, leaf and root characteristics.”
Research shows that Southern Magnolia, Live Oak, Crape Myrtle, Bald Cypress, and Sabal Palm have a good resistance to wind damage. These trees are less likely to lose limbs or blow over during hurricanes.
Some of the trees with the least wind resistance were Sand Pine, Chinese Elm, Water Oak, and Laurel Oak.
Remember that proper planting and care are just as important as tree selection. By making smart choices when you choose and plant new trees, you’ll avoid costly damage later. For more information on grades and standards, go to the Florida Department of Agriculture website.
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests, provides management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests, while protecting homes, forestland, and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at www.FloridaForestService.com.
For questions about burn authorizations and wildfire prevention, please contact your local Florida Forest Service: Indian River County (772) 778-5085.
