- Make Plans<\/a><\/li>
- Carefully Choose Your Trees<\/a><\/li>
- Pick the Perfect Plants<\/a><\/li>
- Mulch Wisely<\/a><\/li>
- Clean Up Your Yard<\/a><\/li>
- Bring in Valuables<\/a><\/li>
- Turn off Irrigation<\/a><\/li>
- Install a Hurricane Resistant Fence<\/a><\/li>
- How to Prevent Water Damage<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Plan Your Landscaping Carefully<\/h2>
Panama City is directly hit by a hurricane pretty frequently \u2014 on average every 2.34 years. So it\u2019s not a matter of IF one will hit us, but WHEN.<\/p>
No plan can prevent some damage from occurring when a devastating storm comes through, but the right plan can mitigate a good bit of damage to your landscape.<\/p>
Hurricane-proof landscaping should include:<\/p>
- Hurricane-resistant trees and hedges<\/li>
- Hurricane resistant fencing<\/li>
- Use hurricane-friendly mulch<\/li>
- Choose outdoor decorations and furniture that you can secure or bring inside.<\/li>
- Regularly water, mow, and fertilize your lawn<\/a>, trees, and plants<\/li> <\/ul>
Because everyone\u2019s aesthetic preferences vary, you may have more items to add to your list. When creating your landscape, select plants and accessories that can endure harsh winds or that you can bring into the house. <\/p>
Just before a hurricane, you need to:<\/p>
- Clean up your yard, including drains and gutters.<\/li>
- Secure or bring inside anything that can become a projectile<\/li>
- Trim, thin, and stake your trees<\/li>
- Turn off your irrigation system<\/li> <\/ul>
As with landscape planning, there may be additional tasks you\u2019ll need to add to this list. When preparing for a hurricane, the most important consideration is reducing the risk of projectiles.<\/p>
Carefully Choose Your Trees<\/h2>
![\"Big](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/Southern-Live-Oak-Quercus-virginiana-646x430.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Trees are one of the biggest worries when a hurricane is coming. Take plenty of precautions to ensure that your lovely, shade-giving trees don\u2019t become your worst nightmare.<\/p>
When Planning your Landscape<\/strong><\/p>
- Choose wind-resistant species of trees<\/li>
- Group trees together. They give each other additional protection from the wind and elements.<\/li>
- Don\u2019t plant trees too close to your home, power lines, and other outdoor structures. Planting trees too close to your home can have disastrous results<\/a>.<\/li>
- Install hurricane-resistant hedges or shrubs to strengthen the root system and provide additional protection.<\/li>
- Leave room for roots to grow. While grouping trees and adding hedges is highly recommended, they shouldn\u2019t be right on top of one another. Leave enough room for the root system to grow deep, healthy, and strong.<\/li>
- Maintain trees. Fertilize, trim, and water your trees<\/a> as needed. The healthier your tree, the better it can stand up against wind.<\/li> <\/ul>
When Preparing for a Hurricane<\/strong><\/p>
- Trim your trees and keep your eye out for signs your trees needs pruning<\/a>.<\/li>
- Remove dead branches and debris. In the case of palm trees, remove brown palms and coconuts.<\/li>
- Crown-thin dense foliage trees. This involves thinning the tree leaves to prevent them from acting as a sail, which could rip your tree out of the ground.<\/li>
- Secure smaller ornamental trees by staking them.<\/li> <\/ul>
Hurricane Resistant Trees<\/strong><\/p>
Trees with dense, flexible wood withstand hurricane-force winds better than lighter, rigid wood.<\/p>
Hurricane-resistant trees perfect for a Panama City landscape include:<\/p>
- Sand live oak<\/li>
- American holly<\/li>
- Wax myrtle<\/li>
- Southern magnolia<\/li>
- Sweetgum<\/li>
- Crape myrtle<\/li>
- Live oak<\/li>
- Bald cypress<\/li>
- Gumbo limbo<\/li> <\/ul>
If you want to choose a palm tree<\/a>, use:<\/p>
- Sabal palm (also known as Sabal palmetto) \u2013 Florida\u2019s state tree<\/li>
- Canary Island date palm<\/li>
- Manila palm<\/li> <\/ul>
Trees to Avoid<\/strong><\/p>
When looking through your options, these trees do not withstand heavy wind very well and should be avoided:<\/p>
- Sand pine<\/li>
- Pecan<\/li>
- Laurel oak<\/li>
- Water oak<\/li>
- Queen palm<\/li>
- Australian pine<\/li>
- Melaleuca<\/li>
- Weeping banyan<\/li> <\/ul>
Pick Plants that Withstand Wind and Heavy Rain<\/h2>
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/tickseed-1-646x430.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pxfuel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Unless you want your landscape ruined, choose plants and shrubs that can withstand hurricane-force wind and rain as well as everyday life in hot and sunny Panama City.<\/p>
When Planning your Landscape<\/strong><\/p>
- Choose plants and shrubs that are salt-tolerant and Florida natives. Along with other benefits of using native plants<\/a>, they\u2019re used to the ocean spray and whipping wind.<\/li>
- Choose plants that play well with others and plant them in groups. Grouping plants will help them shield each other from harsh winds.<\/li>
- Plant delicate flowers in pots so you can bring them inside when harsh weather comes.<\/li>
- Plant hedges or install a retaining wall around your garden. It will help shield plants from the wind.<\/li>
- Maintain plants. Trim, prune, water, and fertilize regularly so your plants grow strong healthy roots.<\/li> <\/ul>
When Preparing for a Hurricane<\/strong><\/p>
- Clear debris and remove dead leaves and flowers.<\/li>
- Tie climbing plants to support stakes.<\/li>
- Bring potted plants into your house.<\/li>
- Cover your plants with a mesh tarp. Don\u2019t use a plastic tarp, though, as it can easily become a sail and cause damage.<\/li>
- Harvest ripe or nearly ripe flowers, fruits, or vegetables.<\/li> <\/ul>
Hurricane-resistant flowers<\/strong><\/p>
Choose flowers that are salt-tolerant and native to Florida<\/a>.<\/p>
- Beach sunflower<\/li>
- Columbine<\/li>
- Elliott\u2019s aster<\/li>
- Milkweed<\/li>
- Passion Flower<\/li>
- Railroad Vine<\/li>
- Scarlet Sage<\/li>
- Tickseed<\/li>
- Violets <\/li> <\/ul>
Hurricane-resistant hedges and shrubs<\/strong><\/p>
Like flowers, choose salt-tolerant and native hedges and shrubs. They’ll make your landscaping more hurricane-resistant.<\/p>
- Azaleas<\/li>
- Bahama cassia<\/li>
- Firebush<\/li>
- Jamaica caper<\/li>
- Marlberry<\/li>
- Oakleaf hydrangea<\/li>
- Southern wax myrtle<\/li>
- Walter\u2019s viburnum<\/li>
- Wild coffee<\/li>
- Yucca<\/li> <\/ul>
For more tips and tricks, check out 11 Hurricane Resistant Landscaping Ideas for Florida<\/a>.<\/p>
Mulch Wisely<\/h2>
![\"Pine](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/pine-cone-5284751_1920-800-646x440.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mulch is excellent for retaining moisture and preventing weeds. But during a hurricane, the small pieces can become projectiles. Choose soft mulch, which still does an excellent job in your flower bed, but doesn\u2019t become a problem when the wind starts howling.<\/p>
The best mulches for hurricane-proofing your landscape include:<\/p>
- Pine bark<\/strong>: Ground, chips, or nuggets<\/li>
- Pine straws<\/strong>: Less likely to wash away.<\/li>
- Fallen leaves<\/strong>: Rake and use the ones from your property.<\/li>
- Melaleuca mulch<\/strong>: Long-lasting.<\/li>
- Mixed hardwood<\/strong>: Made from scraped lumber, tree stems, and recycled palettes.<\/li>
- Eucalyptus mulch<\/strong>: Affordable and comes from central and south Florida trees.<\/li>
- Utility mulch<\/strong>: Chips made from tree trimmings and other plants cleaned from power lines.<\/li>
- Cypress mulch<\/strong>: Long-lasting chips.<\/li> <\/ul>
Clean Up Your Yard<\/h2>
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Gutter-Cleaning-646x431.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Picryl<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> As you probably know, it\u2019s best practice to keep your lawn and garden clean and free of debris. But there\u2019s never enough time in the day and lawn care can fall by the wayside. But if you know a hurricane is on the way, there are a few things that you should take care of to reduce the risk of damage.<\/p>
- Gutters<\/strong>: Your gutters are crucial for drainage, so if they\u2019re clogged, you risk water damage to your roof, siding, and landscaping. Clogged gutters are also weighed down, making it easier for the wind to rip them off your house.<\/li>
- Debris<\/strong>: Clear any debris from your lawn, including fallen branches, loose wood, rocks, etc.<\/li>
- Put away loose items<\/strong>: pick up any things lying around, like garden tools, children\u2019s toys, dog toys, etc.<\/li>
- Tidy your emergency supplies<\/strong>: While it\u2019s not part of your landscaping, homeowners need to prepare in case of an emergency. Clear exits, take inventory, and restock supplies like bandages, batteries, etc. Although the grocery store is likely a madhouse, make the trip if you’re low on essentials.<\/li> <\/ul>
Bring in Valuables<\/h2>
Everything that you can\u2019t tie down, bring inside, including:<\/p>
- Lawn furniture (some people throw it in their pool)<\/li>
- Trampolines (you\u2019ll probably need to dismantle)<\/li>
- Potted plants<\/li>
- Grill<\/li>
- Lawn ornaments<\/li>
- Bird feeders<\/li>
- Wind chimes<\/li>
- Trash cans<\/li> <\/ul>
Turn off Irrigation<\/h2>
Turn off your irrigation system. Your lawn won\u2019t need the extra water and the sprinkler heads could be damaged if they pop up during a storm. Unplug the controller or shut down the power source to prevent power surges and lightning strike damage.<\/p>
If you\u2019re looking for irrigation tips, check out When to Water Your Lawn in Panama City<\/a>.<\/p>
Install a Hurricane Resistant Fence<\/h2>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/nature-grass-branch-fence-lawn-building-792367-pxhere.com-1-646x485.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PxHere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you don\u2019t already have one, install a wind-resistant fence. While solid fencing is great for privacy, high winds can blow it away. Fencing that allows wind to pass through has a much greater chance of standing after the storm passes.<\/p>
Consider one of these wind-resistant fencing options:<\/p>
- Chain Link<\/li>
- Vinyl<\/li>
- Metal<\/li>
- Wood (as long as it’s a spaced style)<\/li> <\/ul>
The best wind-resistant fence styles include:<\/p>
- Picket<\/li>
- Shadowbox<\/li>
- Trellis\/Lattice<\/li>
- Louvered<\/li> <\/ul>
How to Prevent Water Damage in My Landscape<\/h2>
Excess water can lead to water damage. Water damage can lead to worse water damage, rot, and health problems. Whether the water comes from a hurricane or a different source, a few strategies can help you mitigate the downfalls of excessive water on your landscaping.<\/p>
- Grade<\/strong>: If your yard isn\u2019t graded correctly, water will pool, creating fungal problems and water damage.<\/li>
- Trenches<\/strong>: A trench around your flower bed, fence, or hardscaping helps water drain more easily.<\/li>
- Clean your gutters and downspouts<\/strong>: Clean gutters allow water to go where it\u2019s supposed to instead of pooling around your foundation. Check your downspouts to ensure it\u2019s flowing correctly.<\/li>
- Mulch<\/strong>: Use hurricane-resistant mulch to absorb the extra water.<\/li>
- Install rain barrels<\/strong>: Because Panama City gets frequent heavy rains, rain barrels are a good idea. They typically go under downspouts to catch rainwater. The bonus is having access to water for your lawn or garden in times of low rainfall and drought.<\/li>
- Add a retaining wall<\/strong>: Retaining walls control water flow and reduce erosion while looking beautiful.<\/li>
- Use native plants and trees<\/strong>: Native plants and trees tolerate occasional flooding and help absorb excess water.<\/li> <\/ul>
Once the hurricane season passes, you can get your lawn ready for winter. Check out 10 Winter Lawn Care Tips for Florida<\/a>.<\/p>
FAQ About Hurricane-Proof Landscaping in Panama City<\/h2>
How do hurricanes affect soil?<\/h3>
Hurricane winds and torrential rains erode soil. <\/p>
What\u2019s the worst hurricane to hit Panama City?<\/h3>
Hurricane Michael in 2018. Although Panama City has seen many hurricanes, hurricane Michael was the first Category 5 to hit the area. It caused 74 deaths and an estimated $25.1 billion in damages.<\/p>
What\u2019s the best hurricane-resistant turfgrass for Panama City?<\/h3>
St. Augustinegrass is your best choice for hurricane resistance in Panama City. It withstands Florida\u2019s high heat, is salt tolerant, and withstands flooding conditions. It\u2019s one of the best grass types in all of Florida<\/a>. Another good option is Bermudagrass. It doesn\u2019t fare quite as well with flooding, but it’s very hardy and resists diseases. Other grass varieties in Panama City<\/a> may not fare as well.<\/p>
Do I need a Professional to Hurricane-Proof my Landscaping?<\/h2>
Many of the tasks you need to do to hurricane-proof your home, you can do yourself. Although time-consuming and laborious, you can probably dig out flower beds, add mulch, and maintain your lawn. <\/p>
But installing fences and building retaining walls may be out of your skill set. And even if you can<\/em> do it, that doesn\u2019t mean you want<\/em> to do all that hard work.
With our lives so busy, it\u2019s no surprise that homeowners in Panama City are turning to professionals. But finding a lawn company that’s affordable, reliable, and experienced is a nightmare. That\u2019s where we can help. LawnStarter has researched and vetted tons of local professionals<\/a>. We can connect you with the landscaping pro that\u2019s right for you, your landscape, and your wallet.<\/p> - Trenches<\/strong>: A trench around your flower bed, fence, or hardscaping helps water drain more easily.<\/li>
- Grade<\/strong>: If your yard isn\u2019t graded correctly, water will pool, creating fungal problems and water damage.<\/li>
- Debris<\/strong>: Clear any debris from your lawn, including fallen branches, loose wood, rocks, etc.<\/li>
- Pine straws<\/strong>: Less likely to wash away.<\/li>
- Pine bark<\/strong>: Ground, chips, or nuggets<\/li>
- Choose plants and shrubs that are salt-tolerant and Florida natives. Along with other benefits of using native plants<\/a>, they\u2019re used to the ocean spray and whipping wind.<\/li>
- Carefully Choose Your Trees<\/a><\/li>