Like cold and heat, wind can be a big factor in the life and health of trees. If you live in an area where winds are strong, you’ll have to be selective about the trees you plant. There is a wide variety of wind resistant trees available and you are likely to find trees for windy spots no matter your climate. Read on for more information on trees that can tolerate wind.
Trees Resistant to Wind
Wind isn’t particular about climate. There are high wind areas in places with mild winters and hurricanes also blow through in humid, subtropical climates. Even northern states can experience winds that threaten trees.
If you live where the wind can be strong, you’ll need to plant wind hardy trees. Trees that can tolerate wind have a better chance of lasting out the storm or hurricane and also protecting your home from damage.
Wind Hardy Trees
When you go out shopping for wind resistant trees, keep in mind that even trees that can tolerate wind are not completely wind proof. How a tree tolerates wind depends on the species, but also on the level of wind and environmental conditions.
Some species of trees are more likely to survive wind damage than others. Some of the most wind resistant trees are:
- Sand live oak (Quercus germinata)
- Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Live oak (Quercus virginiana)
Other good trees for windy areas include:
- Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
- Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum)
- Varieties of holly (Ilex spp.)
- Cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto)
In areas like coastal California, you might plant Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), olive trees (Olea europaea), or native strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo).
Trees for Windy Spots
When you plant wind resistant trees, it’s important to provide excellent cultural care. Offer the trees the best soil and sun exposure for the species you are planting as well as regular and adequate irrigation. This will keep the trees healthy.
You also want to keep in mind a few other considerations. Trees resistant to wind need lots of root space to remain anchored, so don’t squeeze them into tiny areas. Many trees require pruning to take out branches that might break and develop a strong trunk structure.
Studies have found that native trees tend to be more resistant to wind than exotic ornamentals. A grouping of wind hardy trees will stand up to bigger blasts than a single specimen, no matter how wind resistant.
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