Gold Coast Gardener

July 23, 2006

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Outside these days it’s getting pretty hot as we approach our mid summer time of year and welcome shade from trees is scarce in many properties that suffered major tree damage from last year’s hurricanes. Don’t be discouraged though about planting additional shade because shade trees are very important in the landscape. They provide cooling for buildings and can greatly reduce air conditioning costs and of course large trees also lose tremendous quantities of water through their leaves which provides natural air conditioning and helps modify the climate in the vicinity of the buildings.

Recent experience with hurricanes has got some people worried that they maybe shouldn’t put shade trees close to buildings because of the risk of them being uprooted or large limbs being ripped off and going through roofs and creating physical damage. This always is a question that can’t be answered exactly because shade trees provide enough advantages that you do need to take some risks. There is no tree that is 100% hurricane proof and would not go down in a category 4 or 5 hurricane. Lesser storms though will leave trees standing although sometimes with limbs broken off or twisted.

Experience has shown that many types of trees are better than others for high wind situations and many of our native trees in particular faired well in last year’s storms. Remember that shade trees take many years to develop and provide that shade and you can not find large trees at most local nurseries. They were picked over fairly quickly following last year’s storms by large developments so they too had to start growing trees from smaller sizes so it’s rare to find trees much over 15 or 18 feet in the average nursery.

Even trees that size though within a year or two provide a nice canopy and welcome shade. Don’t be putting trees too close to buildings, however, since they are a greater risk close to buildings about creating damage during storms. Planting them 20 to 30 feet away from structures is OK because as they grow larger they will cast shadows on the buildings and still provide welcome cooling.
Also if it’s a type tree that is shallow rooted, it will take longer to get well entrenched as opposed to those that are known to have a little bit deeper root systems initially.

If you’re really wanting to know what types of trees are best for your neighborhood, it’s logical simply to just take a drive through the neighborhood an see what existing trees r4e there now. Any existing trees obviously have weathered the last few years of hurricanes well or they would not still be standing. Those that are still standing and look relatively decent would be good ones to include back into your landscaping if you’re thinking about replanting.

Also local nurseries that sell shade trees are good sources of information as to what types they have experience with as holding up well in storms.

The Palm Beach County Extension office can also offer advice on selection and care of shade trees for south Florida. You can call them during normal business hours at 233-1750 in the north and central county area or 276-1260 in the south county area.