Trees and shrubs can provide a valuable buffer that can reduce storm damage. Foliage density and topography can modify wind speed and direction; however, high winds and storms can cause damage to trees. Studies of trees following hurricanes offer the ability to place trees in one of two categories -- “Survivor Trees” or “Victim Trees."
Survivor Tree – a compact tree that has a major tap root and well-developed secondary roots. It also has a well-tapered trunk, and its center of gravity is low. Survivor trees that are healthy, young-to-middle-aged and well-maintained survive storms well.
Victim Tree – a shallow-rooted tree with a high center of gravity that is weighed down by a dense canopy. Victim trees are generally fast-growing and weak-wooded. In storms they usually either snap or uproot.
Characteristics of Wind-Resistant Trees
- Native Species
- Slow-Growing
- Hard Woods
- Low Center of Gravity
- Deep Penetrating Radial Roots
- Open Branching Character
- Heavy, Stout Leaders, Flexible Limbs and Short Leaf Branching
- Small, Fine-Textured Leaf
- Deciduous Leaves
“Survivor” Trees
LSU Landscape Professor D.G. “Buck” Abbey's Top 10 Hurricane-Resistant Trees
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Bald Cypress
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Live Oak
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Sabal Palm
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Windmill Palm
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Mexican Fan Palm
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Black Gum
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Cow Oak
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Iron Wood
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Shumard Oak
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Winged Elm
Other Good Wind-Resistant Tree Species:
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American Elm
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American Holly
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American Hop Hornbean
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Black Locust
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Catalpa
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Cherrybark Oak
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Cherry Laurel
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Crape Myrtle
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Dahoon Holly
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Green Ash
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Hackberry
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Nuttall Oak
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Osage Orange
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Pond Cypress
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River Birch
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Savannah Holly
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Southern Magnolia
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Sycamore
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Sweet Bay Magnolia
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Sweet Gum
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Tulip Tree
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Willow Oak
“Victim” or Weak-Wood Trees
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Pecans
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Pines
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Some Red Oaks
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Red Cedars
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Ornamental Pears
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Willows
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Silver Maples
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Box Edlers
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Cottonwoods
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Hickories
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Some Elms
Mature water oaks were severely damaged along Hurricane Andrew's path. These trees have short, shallow roots. It is a classic example of fast-growing, weak-wooded trees that have a shallow root system growing in heavy clay soil and were either uprooted or had stems snapped.
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