Jeremy Rhoden: Preparing the landscape for hurricane season
Experts expect 65% of the 2022 hurricane season to be above normal, with six to 10 hurricanes and three to six of those being major hurricanes (National Hurricane Center — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association). As we enter the season, now is a great time to ensure our landscapes are ready for large storms that may occur.
First, begin by removing dead branches and limbs that can easily fall or blow around during a strong storm. Consider removing branches close to structures, vehicles and municipal boxes, such as those that may need to be accessed to restore utilities. Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and that water drainage has a clear path to exit from your downspouts. When applying mulch this season, do not apply more than 2 to 3 inches. Mulch tends to float away during flash floods or heavy rains, and you will have it all over your lawn if there is too much applied.
Check the forecast before applying fertilizers. Summer brings heavy rains to Florida, and the last thing you want is for your fertilizer to be wasted and washed into local waterways. Know your local ordinances for applying fertilizers. These are different county by county. If you are unsure of what county ordinances may be in effect in your area, contact your local extension office.
Be aware of the large trees in your landscape. What are they, and how do they typically handle big storms? Generally, palm trees make it through just fine, whereas water oaks are notorious for large falling branches, splitting completely in half, or uprooting and falling over. Pine trees are naturally vertical growing trees. If you have a pine tree leaning over, it is not a matter of “if” it will fall over — rather, it’s “when.” If you have one leaning in your yard and it’s in a spot where it can be damaging to structures, vehicles, humans or pets, consider having it removed soon.
Have a plan for where you can store outdoor patio furniture, planters and other miscellaneous objects that can easily become flying debris. Turn off all automatic irrigation prior to expected major storms. Broken pipes can cause flood damage and higher utility costs.
Being prepared is key! Stay informed of your local weather conditions and plan ahead.
June to-do list
Annuals: Coleus, celosia, vinca and portulaca are great colorful annuals that can take the June heat while also sprucing up your landscape.
Palms: With the summer temperatures and regular rainfalls, now is a great time to plant palm trees. When planting, ensure not to cover the palm trunk with excessive soil. Be aware of palm diseases that are currently spreading throughout central Florida. Sylvester and date palm varieties are highly susceptible to lethal decline, and there is currently no cure to this disease once your tree is infected. There are a few preventative measures that can help, but they can be very costly. If you are set on planting a palm, consider a native variety, such as cabbage palms (Sabal palmetto) or saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). For more information on palms or lethal decline, visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP163.
Herbs: Continue planting the heat-loving herbs. This includes Mexican tarragon, basil, sage, oregano, thyme and rosemary. Keep in mind rosemary and thyme do not like a ton of water, and it is important to make sure they have plenty of drainage.
Vegetables: As we enter summer, continue planting warm season crops such as southern pea, sweet potatoes, Seminole pumpkins, ginger, spinaches and okra.
Pests: Warmer weather attracts more pests! Have a plan and continue planning ahead. Knowing what pests to expect for specific plants will help in the planning process. As always, remember the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and try to eliminate pests in the following order: cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical.
Irrigation: It is Florida law to use a rain sensor on automatic irrigation systems. Most automated irrigation systems have these built in. Not only do these sensors conserve water, but they also lower your utility costs and prevent plant fungal diseases that are often caused by excessive moisture.
Summer-flowering shrubs: Light pruning to flowering shrubs during the warmer months will continue promoting flower buds and growth.
Lawns: Continue mowing your lawn on a consistent schedule to promote healthy sod growth and discourage insects and weeds from making a home. Do not over irrigate. Overwatering dramatically increases your chances of fungal diseases in your sod and will cause dead spots throughout. If you have St. Augustine grass, you may start seeing brown and/or yellowing patches. This can be caused by chinch bugs, lack of water or disease. If you already have bald patches in your sod, now is a great time to put plugs down. For more information on turf management, visit gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/lawns/lawn-care.
Upcoming programs at UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Office: Summer Gardening 101 Classes, 6-8 p.m. June 16-Aug. 18. For more information or to register, visit eventbrite.com/e/342885007287; Wildlife & Invasive Species Series (WISS): Coyotes in your Backyard, 10 a.m. June 22. For more information or to register, visit eventbrite.com/e/322620625977; Free UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Demonstration Garden Tour, 9-11 a.m. June 29. Register at eventbrite.com/e/349802888857.
For more information, or to register for programs, call 671-8400 or email Jeremy.k.rhoden@ufl.edu.
— Jeremy Rhoden is the Urban & Residential Horticulture Extension Agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Coordinator at the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County. For more information, contact the office at 671-8400. The Extension Service is located at 2232 NE Jacksonville Road, Ocala, FL 34470.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Jeremy Rhoden: Preparing the landscape for hurricane season
