Trees That Can Withstand Hurricanes
When choosing a new tree for your Florida landscape, or deciding whether to remove a tree, take hurricanes into consideration.
One of the best things you can do in your landscape is to plant trees that can withstand hurricane-force winds.
Research conducted by University of Florida scientists showed that sand live oaks are the most resistant to wind damage. Other good choices include the Southern magnolia, live oak, crapemyrtle, bald cypress, and sabal palm. 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.
UF/IFAS Sites
- Florida Forest Trees: Sand Live Oak
- Florida Plant ID: Sabal Palmetto
- Landscape Plants: Hurricane-resistant Trees
- Landscape Plants: Quercus geminata, Sand Live Oak
- Trees and Hurricanes
UF/IFAS Publications
- How to Minimize Wind Damage in the South Florida Landscape
- Quercus geminata, Sand Live Oak
- Selecting Southeastern Coastal Plain Tree Species for Wind Resistance (PDF)
- Selecting Tropical and Subtropical Trees Species for Wind Resistance (PDF)