Can Trees Actually Protect Your Home from Hurricanes?

Trees have many benefits including providing oxygen, habitat for wildlife, shade, cooler temperatures etc.. But did you know that trees also can protect you and your property from storms and hurricanes? Groups of trees properly planted together can provide a wind break, and buffer each other from the effects of high winds. During a hurricane this can mean the difference from an intact home to one that loses its roof and sustains significant wind related damage. Trees can also prevent soil erosion from sudden rain events and floods, as their root systems help stabilize the soil profile. While we continue to recover from the effects of this year's hurricane events, keep in mind all the benefits trees provide. I have included some additional links with further details on how trees can provide protection from storm events below.

http://www.bigblogofgardening.com/how-trees-protect-your-home-by-slowing-wind-speed-soil-erosion-and-water-runoff/
https://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1240

Stormwise South Florida Landscapes

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees.html

How Trees Help in Preventing Floods

One often overlooked benefit that trees provide involves their ability to mitigate the effects of flooding and sudden water runoff from storms and or significant tidal events. Here in Fort Lauderdale flooding can occur from both and it is very important to keep strategic tree plantings in the mix to protect our coastlines from tidal events and or storm caused surges. The following article excerpt continues to define a tree's benefit as it pertains to flooding....

Trees are one of the most important organisms that exist on planet Earth 

Food for all living organisms originates from trees and other members in the plant kingdom. Every single organism depends directly or indirectly on trees for their survival. Trees not only provide food for other organisms, but also shelter and protection to many different types of organisms including humans. In addition, trees also provide wood, shade, oxygen and clean air. During heavy rains, trees reduce the risk of flooding. There are two major ways in which trees provide protection against flooding. Continue to Full Article