While Louisiana has much to offer in the way of distinct cuisine, music, and stories, the Pelican State is also no stranger to storms and hurricanes. Here, landscaping is about more than just finding the best native plants and grasses for your yard — it’s about building a beautiful outdoor living space that will hold strong against our unpredictable weather. Discover 11 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas for your Louisiana yard.
Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping
With hurricane season, you never know what’s in store. There’s no magic formula to prevent all damage, but there are ways to curb economic losses for yourself and strengthen your home and landscape against the brutal force of a hurricane. Let’s examine 11 hurricane-resistant landscaping ideas to get you ready for the onslaught of severe weather.
1. Plant Wind-Resistant Trees
Hurricanes produce winds over 150 mph, a force strong enough to uproot small trees. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about leaving trees out of your landscape in Louisiana. Some varieties are wind-resistant, withstanding high winds and making them a perfect fit for your Louisiana landscape.
These trees have deep, radial roots and are often native species adapted to our landscape. They are slow-growing and have a low center of gravity with flexible limbs and short branching.
According to Louisiana State University (LSU), the most hurricane-resistant trees are:
- Bald cypress
- Black gum
- Cow oak
- Ironwood
- Live oak
- Mexican fan palm
- Sabal palm
- Shumard oak
- Windmill palm
- Winged elm
In contrast, the following trees struggle in strong winds :
- Box elders
- Chinese elm
- Hickories
- Ornamental pears
- Pines
- Red cedars
- Silver maples
- Some red oaks
- Willows
Estimated Cost: The cost of planting a tree can vary from $150 to $1,850, depending on the size. You can often reduce costs by having multiple trees planted at the same time.
2. Plant Strategically
It’s not enough to plant wind-resistant trees – choosing the right placement for your trees and native plants is equally important. Hurricanes are scary enough on their own, and the last thing you need is a large tree falling on your house or power lines. Always plant trees a safe distance from your property to minimize risk.
Estimated Cost: Planting wisely will save you money later on. The cost of transplanting a tree varies, costing between $175 and $800. You can also expect to pay between $385 and $1,070 for tree removal.
3. Plant Trees in Groups
If you’re ready to plant trees in your Louisiana yard, group specimens to create a wind buffer. Isolated trees are more likely to be lost to high winds than those in a group. This arrangement also reduces your risk of home damage, increasing root stability.
Furthermore, clusters of five or more trees enhance their ability to withstand high winds by over 10%. And creating groups of trees with varying heights and species adds visual interest.
4. Choose Salt-Resistant Plants
Ocean salts travel by air up to 10 miles inland in average conditions. However, during a hurricane, it can travel much further than that. Large amounts of salt can dry out plant roots and prevent water and nutrient absorption, which will mean death for your leafy friends.
Choose salt-resistant plants near the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Pontchartrain. They’re more tolerant to both salt spray and acidic soil. Some salt-tolerant plant varieties include:
Shrubs
- Elderberry
- Inkberry
- Southern bayberry
- Wax myrtle
Ornamental Grasses
- Coastal dropseed
- Gulf bluestem
- Salt meadow cordgrass
Vines
- Coral honeysuckle
- Passionflower
- Trumpet creeper
- Virginia creeper
Wildflowers
- Beach morning glory
- Blazing star
- Camphor daisy
- Rose mallow
- Seaside goldenrod
- Swamp rose
Estimated Cost: Professional flower bed installation typically costs between $500 and $2,500.
5. Keep Your Foliage in Good Shape
Hurricane preparation involves pruning and trimming to keep foliage healthy. Healthy foliage is more resistant to winds and salt spray. Removing excess leaves and branches can also prevent debris from damaging your property and landscape during a strong storm.
Estimated Cost: Hedge trimming costs between $25 and $40 per hour, professional bush trimming costs anywhere from $6 to $15 per bush, and tree trimming comes to around $135 per hour for a two-person crew.
6. Avoid Fertilizing
Don’t fertilize your lawn ahead of a hurricane or storm. The fertilizer will be washed away, moving into the storm drain or adjacent water bodies and causing algal problems. Plus, your lawn won’t benefit from the application at all.
7. Clear Drainage Systems
When designing your hurricane-resistant landscape, remember to clear the drain paths. If landscape features block the flow of water, your property may flood.
Additionally, ensure your gutters are firmly attached to your home and working properly. Clear them of leaves, branches, and other debris to ensure water from heavy rains moves away from your house.
Estimated Cost: If leaves are clogging your gutters, consider hiring a pro. Professional gutter cleaning costs between $105 and $375.
8. Install Secure Fencing
Fences provide privacy, establish boundaries for pets and children, and keep unwanted visitors out. If you’re considering adding a fence, talk to a specialist about hurricane-resistant fencing. We recommend investing in a wrought iron or chain link fence.
While wood and vinyl may bring natural warmth to your landscape, these materials aren’t the most wind-resistant. Additionally, consider purchasing slatted rather than solid fencing, as the wind needs to push through rather than against the structure.
Estimated Cost: Expect a wrought iron fence to cost anywhere from $2,334 to $4,769 and chain link fencing to cost between $1,241 and $5,194.
9. Choose Mulch Over Rocks
When it comes to flower bed design, choose soft mulch, such as shredded bark, wood chips, shredded leaves, and pine needles, instead of hard mulch. Hard mulch options like river rock, pea gravel, or landscape glass become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds.
Estimated Cost: The cost of mulch varies depending on the type and where you buy it. On average, mulch ranges from $30 to $110 per cubic yard.
10. Stow Away Potential Hazards
Patios and outdoor furniture add appeal to your outdoor living space – until hurricane winds hit them. When this happens, they turn into destructive missiles that seriously threaten anything in their path.
To properly hurricane-proof your landscape, look around for potted plants, tools, toys, bicycles, garden lights, pool floats, loose chairs, wind chimes, playhouses, and doghouses. Remove these potential hazards that could collide with your home during a storm.
Estimated Cost: Putting storm hazards away typically won’t cost you a dime – unless you pay someone to clean your yard. Then, the yard cleanup cost is between $174 and $436.
11. Build a Seawall
If you live on the waterfront, such as in Baton Rouge, your landscape may benefit from a seawall. Crashing waves and high water levels can often lead to flooding and erosion.
Installing a seawall can block incoming waves and provide additional protection for your property. Opt for a seawall made of vinyl, concrete, or riprap (rocks), and avoid using wood or metal.
Estimated Cost: Most homeowners pay between $113 and $770 per linear foot for a seawall project. The price will vary depending on the project’s complexity and the materials used.
Landscape Cleanup After a Hurricane
In the aftermath of a hurricane, there will be plenty of cleanup. Here are a few tasks to complete for your landscape and home:
- Trees: As soon as possible, straighten and stake any small trees or shrubs toppled over by the storm – especially those with exposed roots. For large trees, you should remove them. Furthermore, broken branches still hanging from the tree represent a serious hazard and should be dealt with promptly.
- Lawns: The surge of salt water brought inland by a hurricane can cause serious damage to turfgrasses. To counteract the effects, thoroughly water your grass with fresh water. Using a rake, remove any debris on your lawn or low shrubs. Then, use a hose with a nozzle attachment to wash away the salt water.
- Garden beds: Remove mulch from around shrubs and flower beds to allow the soil to dry thoroughly – and then replace it. Leaving the ground saturated for extended periods will cause roots to rot, drown, and die.
Be careful when cleaning your yard after a hurricane. Wear protective gear, and don’t touch any electrical equipment if it is wet or you’re standing in water. Once safe to do so, turn off the electricity at the main breaker to prevent electrical shock. Also, avoid wading in flood water, as it may contain dangerous debris or electrical charge.
Protect Your Louisiana Home Before a Hurricane Strikes
Each year, Louisiana residents face the possibility of severe weather conditions and dangers as a result of hurricanes, including 200-mph winds, torrential rains, storm surges, tornadoes, and chemical hazards in the water supply.
As such, preparedness is everything. Take the necessary precautions to get ready for a hurricane:
- Clear your downspouts and gutters to prevent water damage.
- Examine your roof, siding, windows, and doors for signs of damage or vulnerabilities.
- Inspect your roof for loose shingles or metal sheets that could fall on your home or nearby power lines.
- Assess the exterior of your home and identify vulnerable spots that could be susceptible to high winds or flooding.
- Address areas of concern promptly, reinforcing your roof or installing impact-resistant windows and doors as necessary.
- Assemble an emergency kit comprising essential items like flashlights, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, and an ample water supply.
- Secure loose items like patio furniture, potted plants, and outdoor decorations to prevent them from becoming hazardous projectiles during strong winds.
FAQ About Hurricane-Resistant Landscaping
What time of year do hurricanes hit Louisiana?
The Gulf of Mexico provides an ideal environment for the formation and intensification of hurricanes, particularly during the peak of the hurricane season, which spans from mid-August to late October. However, note that hurricane season typically begins on June 1 and extends through Nov. 30.
What can you do about bugs and other critters during a storm/hurricane?
During heavy rains, bugs will look for higher ground – and your home will be the most accessible shelter. Luckily, plenty of repellent products are available to control unwelcome critters like ants and roaches.
How do hurricanes affect the landscape?
Hurricanes cause extensive damage to coastal areas, including beach erosion, dune destruction, overwash, flooding, island breaching, and marsh and coastal cliff erosion. They also affect coastal forests and wetland ecosystems, impact annual bird migration patterns and survival, and destroy vegetation, crops, orchards, and livestock.
Protect Your Home Yourself or Hire a Pro
When hurricanes hit the Louisiana Coast, defend your turf with hurricane-resistant landscaping. Make a landscape plan that considers wind patterns, soil conditions, surrounding buildings, and obstacles. Also, opt for native plants and well-suited grasses that thrive in Louisiana. With basic preparation, you can create a beautiful yet hurricane-resistant landscape.
If this all seems daunting, contact a local landscape pro near you. LawnStarter has trusted lawn care and landscaping experts in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and many other cities across the Pelican State, and they’re ready to lend a helping hand.
Main Image Credit: William A. Morgan / Adobe Stock Free / License
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