Hurricanes are nothing new to Louisiana residents but that doesn’t make the cleanup any less difficult. Driving around Baton Rouge and Ascension the past two weeks showed first-hand that – if I should write about anything – saving / repairing your plants and trees from storm damage tops the list. I’m sure a few of you will throw in the towel and start from scratch. However, there are a few tricks you can utilize to save trees, shrubs, and even possibly some small perennials.
Big ticket items first: Just because the trees in your yard are still standing doesn’t mean you should neglect a thorough inspection of the bark. Damage to bark is akin to an open wound. Chiseling a clean cut from the bark damage facilitates the natural processes of repair. It is also suggested that excessive branches and crowded canopies be cut to allow strong winds through with less resistance. As far as preparation for the future, planting specific trees can lower the likelihood of breakage (sturdy trees such as live oaks) or can mitigate the impact of breakage (lower growing, flexible trees such as certain hollies). Good practice is to give about 10 feet from the base of any tree to any cement or developed land. The best advice I’ve seen is to plant your smaller trees and shrubs in groups of 5 or more. This has a massive impact on soil quality and anchors plants more effectively than any one shrub could ever achieve. Following these practices could save you hundreds on damaged plants and thousands in home damages.
Shrubs are a bit trickier because so much depends on the plant itself. Height, hardiness, drought / flood resistance, etc. all change the likelihood of any one outcome. When it comes to repair, general maintenance and pruning still applies. Cut plants above any damaged stems, remove dead or rotting foliage, and – if necessary – make clean cuts out of any main structures of the shrub that may have snapped. Shrubs can most definitely be a part of that group of 5 or more plants I mentioned earlier. The roots don’t require as much room as trees, but it does ensure roots have the potential to fully mature.
Perennials are the most likely to have been irreparable damaged by a storm. Be prepared to let go of a good portion of plants when conducting your inspection. If the base of your plant is rotting (discoloration, slimy to the touch, unpleasant small) there is almost nothing you can do once it’s already been planted. However, if you see a healthy base, there is still a good chance for recovery. That is, if you take the time to perform a clean cut above the healthy base. Just as your perennials fall and rise through the year, it can rise after storm damage.
Note on Hurricane Ida:
Hurricane Ida devastated communities from Louisiana to New York. The devastation is still occurring and will continue long past the power kicking back on. National headlines repeatedly call our state an example of triumphant resilience in the face of unmitigated natural disaster. Personally, having been born and raised in Louisiana, I think we should avoid the wishful takes of those so far away. The state, the people and our communities are hurting. The images are catastrophic and heartbreaking. Much more than a victory lap, we need pause. We need a reckoning with the pain, we need empathy, and – if you’re inclined to do so – boy do we need a lot of prayers.
From every team member of Louisiana Nursery: Our condolences to all of those affected by Ida. We could not be prouder serving such an amazing community. God Bless.
