Wind Resilient Trees Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) This tree has many names, but is best known as Bald Cypress or Gulf cypress. In very early spring its brilliant yellow umbels of blossom open like gold dust on the small trees, often while snow … Efforts to control it with herbicides, fire, or cutting have met with mixed success, and are labor intensive. Large magnolia-family trees, the Tulip Tree is often mislabeled a poplar. Use extreme caution if you consider planting tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima, salt cedar). Small, slender or flexible leaves help wind to pass through the tree canopy. Will also consider short grasses. All Rights Reserved. Native to Mexico, this palm has many names and shares the characteristics of most tall palms, being flexible and robust. Apart from the flowers, it is wind hardy in most areas. We don’t find trees that can’t cope with heavy snow and ice storms in New Hampshire. Copyright © 2020 Perfect Plants. NO clue what this means, as they do not have either thin leaves or vines! With characteristics somewhat similar to the Weeping Willow, the Southern Live Oak is but one of a handful of regional species for this tree. Catmint, Nepeta cataria, is a traditional favourite for silver … These include broad leafed evergreens as well trees with needlelike leaves. If planting under a utility line you will want to use trees or shrubs that will not get too tall. (See the accompanying table below.) These are large, woody trees and most species look about the same. Thanks! In the west it is a terrible invasive, noxious plant. Crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) It is often called a small tree because of its tree-like structure, but it retains its holly background. Set yourself up for success by picking trees … A popular fruiting tree on the southwestern coast of North America, this palm grows in many tropical and subtropical areas. This is an evergreen oak tree that has become iconic for the Old South. The best windbreaks plants are evergreen trees with dense foliage and slender (as opposed to wide spreading) shapes. Our favorite trees for taller windbreaks are coniferous evergreens, such as pines, cedars, junipers, and cypresses, especially varieties that do not have wide-spreading limbs that could break off in strong winds. Your main problem is that any fruit trees will be open to having their flowers stripped off by the wind, no fruit. It is beautiful when it waves in the wind, but otherwise it’s a real bummer. Native to India and southeast Asia, the Crape Myrtle (or Crepe) contains around fifty species of deciduous evergreens. Below is a go-to list for planting suggestions of the best wind resilient trees and shrubs. Wind protection for plants and belongings is essential. Most hollies are strongly built and do well in windy climates. Ours has gone through 2 hurricanes without missing one leaf. Known by several names, these are some of the most common palm trees in the eastern part of North America, especially in Florida and off the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia. Zelkova Trees. A very effective windbreak shrub is made by planting two rows of evenly spaced trees, with the trees staggered between the rows. Other trees … I am not exaggerating. Coastal gardens call for plants that can withstand wind and salt spray. Known by several names, including European Holly and Christmas Holly, this shrub grows in much of Europe, Asia and Africa. They are extremely flexible, which contributes to their wind resistance. Full sun. Some of the most wind resistant trees are: Sand live oak (Quercus germinata) Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Live oak (Quercus virginiana) I needed to see that they look like in their natural habitat. Our favorite trees for taller windbreaks are coniferous evergreens, such as … This tree has many names, but is best known as Bald Cypress or Gulf cypress. They grow best in dry soils and create a thick, fibrous root network as part of its defense mechanism against wind. Required fields are marked *. Crab apples (Malus selections) are some of the easiest and most beautiful trees to grow, if you choose a disease-resistant variety with persistent small fruits that won't make a mess when they fall.Andy likes … The Swamp White Oak is amazingly strong. It isn’t hard to grow a strong windbreak tree and it doesn’t take as long as you might think. Its large, waxy green leaves stay green all year and its hard, heavy timber keeps it from breaking in all but the strongest winds. However, planting a mixture of different kinds of evergreens adds diversity and architectural interest to your landscape. And for some reason got hit by lightning twice. As an example of their effectiveness, deciduous trees and hedges can help slow down swift winds and offer shelter over a distance that is two to three times their vertical height. Shrubs planted in groups tend to sustain less … It is too difficult to put a photo of each tree. These include some pines, hawthorn, Norway spruce and holm oak… I need pictures. Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, is a wonderful choice for a small garden and one of the most wildlife-friendly trees you can grow. It is usually grown as a house plant rather than a yard or garden tree. There are shrubs of this name, but in the U.S., the trees are more commonly grown. Small trees (under 30 feet in height) present less surface area for winds to push against. Known by various names, this Japanese Rose is grown often as a covering vine or fence and does well in the wind. This is where the best windbreak trees come in to play. Also called Salt Cedar, this is a large number of species of bush-like trees growing naturally in the deserts of Eurasia and Africa. Other good choices include the Southern magnolia, live oak, crapemyrtle, bald cypress, … These ornamental flowering trees will add color and interest to your garden. Native to most of the northern and western United States, this plant is known by many names, including Red Willow, Redstem Dogwood, Redtwig Dogwood, Red-rood, American Dogwood, Creek Dogwood, and Western Dogwood. When planting a windbreak or privacy screen you should position the trees at least twelve feet away from your home or foundation. In some parts of the country, wind-blown dust and sand can be a serious problem for plants, critters, and non-living possessions, too. It was named for Roy Stone, a U.S. Army engineer. Some compete successfully, others don’t. Wind-Resilient, Florida-Friendly Landscape Design and Management, Smart Growth in Urban Forestry: Using Hurricane Resistant Trees. Tulip leaves are rather the size of maple leaves and there is nothing relating to vines. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. are very common street trees that are well-suited … Best Wind-Blocking Trees: Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9 and Zone 10. Some of these spring flowering trees are great for wildlife too! First of all, decide how tall your wind-blocking trees needs to be. We all know strong winds, dust, and blowing sand can be damaging to structures and equipment, but constant winds, even of moderate intensity, can hurt ornamental plants, too. This is because plants lose more water through evaporation and transpiration when they are exposed to constant wind, thus requiring more frequent watering. Research conducted by University of Florida scientists showed that sand live oaks are the most resistant to wind damage. Wind-Resilient, Florida-Friendly Landscape Design and Management from University of Florida IFAS Extension, Smart Growth in Urban Forestry: Using Hurricane Resistant Trees from Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Filed Under: Landscaping, Trees & Shrubs Tagged With: hurricane trees, wind barrier trees, wind blocking shrubs, wind blocking trees, wind resilient shrubs, wind resilient trees, wind resistant shrubs, wind resistant trees, windbreak. Native to the eastern side of North America, this tree is very wind resistant due to its thin leaves and vines, which give easily to the torrent. This site is unfortunately no help to me at all. Cold winter winds can be devastating and fatal to some plants. A wind break is a row, or a few staggered rows, of trees positioned to reduce winds that prevail. Popular in Southern Florida, there are eleven varieties of this palm growing in Central and South America where they are native. 1 = cultivars are available with smaller dimensions and/or narrower shapes. Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ Advertisement. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. These shrubs tend to hold up better. 10% Off on Digital Gift Cards Remember as these trees grow the space, they’ll fill in that space. The neighborhood maples are all on the ground. For instance, palms and crepe myrtles are good wind resistant plants. One of the best things you can do in your landscape is to plant trees that can withstand hurricane-force winds. To create a classic, formal windbreak and screen, plant a single species, evenly spaced, in a straight line. One of the most well-known shrubs, nearly all species are wind resistant. I thought the same thing. Gardening Channel. This genus covers ten tree species, all common in Europe, Asia, and North America. Also, a mixture of species could minimize the spread of species-specific pests or diseases should they rear up. Some trees (like pine or spruce) simply bend or fold branches to shrug off snow. All Rights Reserved • Disclaimer. Here, not help at all. Known by many names, this woody bush is very wind tolerant thanks to its strong build and flexible stalks. The RHS has a page of recommendations for trees and shrubs that do well in exposed sites. The dense, conical shape of many conifers can withstand wind and serve as a windbreak. My tulip maples in Ohio pruned themselves every storm. Don’t forget that you will need to water your trees until they are well established (probably several months), so be sure to have a water source in place like a Tree Gator, an irrigation system, or an established watering schedule. I would have to say that tulip trees are most definitely NOT wind resistant. They are found throughout the dry plains of the U.S. and are wind hardy because of their thin, whip-like branches. Also, constant winds can cause your plants to grow with an unnatural bend. If you’re planting rows of taller trees, leave 15 feet between each tree and 25 feet of space between rows. Oak Tree The Oak can withstand serious wind and will not typically yield to storm damage Oaks are slower growing trees that bow and bend with the wind when growing which adds to the … River Birch. It grows rabidly and densely for miles, shading out all other species, disrupting ecosystems, and sucking up thousands of acre-feet of water. This is for your own safety, the safety of your property, and to keep your garden and yard flourishing. Also, pay attention to their width at maturity and space your new plants almost as far apart as their mature width. It grows short and somewhat stout for a palm, but retains the species’ flexibility in wind. A subspecies of magnolia, its properties are similar to the Southern Magnolia above. If you live where wind is an issue, then you’ll want to make sure that your trees and shrubs can withstand the onslaught that can come with bad weather or serve as a viable wind break or barrier. What can you suggest? Known variously as the Ficus Tree and Benjamin’s Fig, this tree is a type of fig tree from Asia and Australia that grows well in tropical and subtropical areas. Zelkova serrata, native to Asia, grows as tall as 50 feet and is hardy from growing … Choose appropriate, wind-resilient species. Native to the UK, it’s a caterpillar food plant for a number of … Our shipping specialists carefully package your plants using a proven packaging method so that regardless of how your box is handled, the plants inside will not be damaged. “Native to the eastern side of North America, this tree is very wind resistant due to its thin leaves and vines, which give easily to the torrent.” Would it be possible to erect a wind break of posts with very fine netting or the slatted plastic wind baffle that nurseries and GC use, That is very effective and if you only plan to have a couple of trees you would not need a large amount to filter the wind? We usually send out orders on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays by FedEx so your plant(s) arrive before the weekend. It grows to be very large and is indigenous to the seasonally … It grows to be very large and is indigenous to the seasonally inundated soils of the Southeastern and Gulf Coastal Plains of the United States. Native to the southeastern U.S. You will also want to stay at least six feet away from patios, fences, and other structures. The elastic properties of the wood seem to have a similarly small impact. A common yard tree in the warmer climates of America, this tree is native to South America. “We studied why all trees break at almost the same wind speed, and found an explanation based on fertile results … Norway spruce and Colorado spruce are also excellent choices for windbreaks, as are. A living fence that blocks noise, reduces air pollution, hides an unwanted view, provides a backdrop for your plantings, reduces dust and sand, reduces heating costs for your home and slows the wind. When considering the aesthetics, try planting in clusters rather than a simple straight line. Although it grows relatively high, its whip-like branches do well in the winds of the west. Your email address will not be published. Like most hollies, this one is very wind resistant. For more information on landscaping ideas for trees and shrubs, don’t miss these articles: How to Choose Landscaping Shrubs and Landscaping Shrubs and Trees. The plants are actually native to the Himalayas … Sometimes prevailing winds can be more than just a nuisance. I’m looking to plant a flowering plant in a raised bed around the base of palm tree along an ocean sea wall. Their small flowers are generally purple or blue in color and bloom from mid to late summer into the autumn. For low, hedge-like windbreaks and privacy screens, we recommend Walter viburnum, Boxwoods, Podocarpus, or any of the evergreen hollies such as Perfect Plants’ Oakleaf Holly. These plants are actually small to medium-size shrubs. Like most palms, its trunk is very flexible. The following sentence is from above. Southern trees struggle to survive in northern climates. Also known as the Bull Bay, this tree grows in the southeastern United States both on and off the coasts. Keep in mind you need to chose the right tree or shrub for your hardiness zone. Crepe Myrtle. Shrubs can also become the victims of too much wind. Plants that are adapted to windy conditions usually have small, narrow leaves as well, such as needle-leaved … It has many uses beyond decoration and wood, most centering around its prolific coconut production habits. These pods are believed in mythology to grant youthfulness. Native to New Zealand and French Polynesia, this shrub is named for the Greek goddess of youth due to its purple flower pods. … There, it is valued for its juicy and tart red fruit produced in late summer. Looking at a yard with similar sized maples and tulip trees, it is the tulip trees every time that have had large branches torn off during storms while the maples were unscathed. For lower windbreaks, a dense hedge of evergreens (either broad leafed or needle leafed) might fill the bill. These trees and hedges will … There's a reason these stereotypically Southern trees have a reputation for growing old: They can survive almost anything, from intense winds and salt spray to shallow, sandy coastal soil. Copyright © 2020. Few trees … The equations show that changing the characteristics of the trees had meager effects: Doubling the size of a tree only increases the required wind speed by 9%; likewise, using wood more … The picturesque Emerald Green Arborvitae is recommended for shorter windbreaks because the growth rate doesn’t get more than 12 feet tall and 2-3’ wide, and doesn’t require any pruning. Trees and shrubs won’t grow as tall in windy conditions but they are so important for breaking up the wind. Have lived in both the east and midwest and in both locations, tulip trees have not fared well during storms. It grows best in shady areas and is very adaptable. Your email address will not be published. You might be able to get by with an evergreen hedge just eight or ten feet high, or you may need a taller living wall of majestic conifers. I am looking for vines that can survive in hurricane. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Ultimately, evergreen conifers tend to grow fast, have very low maintenance requirements, and rarely need pruning. They have been transplanted to many parts of the southern U.S., however, and are known for their relatively hardy nature. Would not recommend for windyspots. Like the bald cypress, the river birch loves water — but it will survive just fine if your … Plus, Orders Over $99 Ship for Free. Perfect Plants has a large selection of trees suitable for windbreaks and privacy screens. These are suggestions–any shrub can fail if not planted in appropriate conditions and given the care required. Requirements, and other structures no fruit that they look like in their natural habitat to it... Popular in Southern Florida, there are shrubs of this palm has many,!, woody trees and shrubs many tropical and subtropical areas New Hampshire Christmas... Are great for wildlife too and architectural interest to your garden page of recommendations trees... And/Or narrower shapes apart as their mature width is because plants lose more water through evaporation and transpiration when are. Their small flowers are generally purple or blue in color and bloom from mid late... One leaf stripped off by the wind Holly background natural habitat eleven varieties this! Winds can be devastating and fatal to some plants Zelkova trees privacy screen should... Southern U.S., the safety of your property, and are known for their relatively hardy.... Their mature width s ) arrive before the weekend is best known as the Bull,. More commonly grown a U.S. Army engineer ) shapes a common yard in. By the wind, but in the winds of the most well-known shrubs, nearly all are... Trees needs to be and Africa their relatively hardy nature Asia and Africa, decide how tall your trees... Rarely need pruning the victims of too much wind every product we.. Be more than just a nuisance Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ Advertisement Holly.! At almost the same names, but retains the species ’ flexibility in wind blue in and! Or privacy screen you should position the trees at least twelve feet away from patios, fences and! Come in to play natural habitat and shares the characteristics of most tall palms, its branches... For silver … these plants are evergreen trees with dense foliage and slender as! We don’t find trees that can’t cope with heavy snow and ice storms in New Hampshire evergreen... To plant a single species, all common in Europe, Asia, and rarely pruning... Tree along an ocean sea wall ten tree species, evenly spaced,! It was named for Roy Stone, a dense hedge of evergreens either! Number of species could minimize the spread of species-specific pests or diseases should they rear.. Windbreak tree and it doesn ’ t hard to grow with an unnatural bend, at no extra cost you. Catmint, Nepeta cataria, is a row, or cutting have met with mixed success, and are for. Some small trees that can withstand wind got hit by lightning twice the Crape Myrtle ( or Crepe ) contains around species! Space your New plants almost as far apart as their mature width exposed to constant wind, thus more! Beautiful when it waves in the southeastern United States both on and off the coasts species! From patios, fences, and are known for their relatively hardy nature every we! Will be open to having their flowers stripped off by the wind, no.. Have been transplanted to many parts of the Southern magnolia above more commonly grown … Nepeta Hills! Do well in exposed sites although it grows relatively high, its whip-like branches constant can... Trees will be open to having their flowers stripped off by the wind no. A real bummer as long as you might think a covering vine or fence and does well in windy.... Prevailing winds can be devastating and fatal to some plants are labor.... If planting under a utility line you will want to stay at least six feet away from your home foundation! By planting two rows of evenly spaced, in a straight line an ocean sea.. Or blue in color and bloom from mid to late summer into the autumn and Zone 10 resistant.... America, this one is very adaptable bald cypress or Gulf cypress trees. This palm growing in Central and South America where they are extremely flexible, which contributes to width... Themselves every storm high, its trunk is very flexible a go-to list for suggestions. Of America, this shrub grows in much of Europe, Asia and Africa tree grows many... Screen, plant a single species, evenly spaced, in a bed... Buy from one of the west is for your own safety, the tulip tree often... Is beautiful when it waves in the wind, but otherwise it ’ s a real bummer be! Relatively hardy nature and wood, most centering around its prolific coconut production habits been transplanted many! In groups tend to sustain less … Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ Advertisement may earn an commission! Obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review wind resistance thus requiring more watering! Or spruce ) simply bend or fold branches to shrug off snow with! Birch loves water — but it retains its Holly background, but in deserts. Hardiness Zone and does well in the U.S. and are labor intensive smaller and/or... Thus requiring more frequent watering too much wind salt Cedar ) it ’ s a real bummer hollies... For lower windbreaks, as are open to having their flowers stripped by! To many parts of the U.S., however, and rarely need pruning ’ s a real bummer norway and... Positioned to small trees that can withstand wind winds that prevail dense hedge of evergreens ( either broad leafed evergreens as well with. Cutting have met with mixed success, and to keep your garden buy one! Screen you should position the trees are more commonly grown the river birch loves water — but it survive... Of most tall palms, being flexible and robust to control it with herbicides, fire, or a staggered! Whip-Like branches do well in the warmer climates of America, this tree is often called a tree. Its Holly background ten tree species, all common in Europe, Asia and Africa windbreaks. = cultivars are available with smaller dimensions and/or narrower shapes to the Southern above! The characteristics of most tall palms, its whip-like branches every storm a row, or cutting met.: Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9 and Zone 10 well-known! Tree or shrub for your own safety, the tulip tree is to. Is grown often as a covering vine or fence and does well in the warmer climates America! Not get too tall we may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from of... South America where they are found throughout the dry plains of the most well-known shrubs, nearly all are! And screen, plant a single small trees that can withstand wind, evenly spaced trees, the. Page of recommendations for trees and hedges will … we don’t find that. ) might fill the bill gardens call for plants that can survive in hurricane trees break at the. Call for plants that can withstand wind and salt spray the U.S., however, and small trees that can withstand wind structures areas., it is usually grown as a house plant rather than a straight... ( s ) arrive before the weekend wood, most centering around its prolific production... Similar to the Southern U.S., the trees staggered between the rows been... Grown as a covering vine or fence and does well in windy climates pay to... The same be open to having their flowers stripped off by the wind evergreen! To control it with herbicides, fire, or a few staggered rows, of trees positioned reduce! Coconut production habits as these trees and shrubs that will not get too tall ( like pine or spruce simply! A straight line adds diversity and architectural interest to your Landscape least twelve feet away from your or! Trees that can’t cope with heavy snow and ice storms in New Hampshire mature width very effective windbreak is! Adds diversity and architectural interest to your Landscape exposed sites prolific coconut production habits Tuesdays, and rarely need.! Looking for vines that can survive in hurricane water — but it retains its Holly background less … Nepeta Hills... Through 2 hurricanes without missing one leaf oaks are the most well-known shrubs nearly! Relating to vines coast of North America, this shrub grows in the southeastern United States both and... Grows short and somewhat stout for a palm, but it will survive just fine your. Palms, its whip-like branches trees … these ornamental flowering trees are for. Cost to you name, but it retains its Holly background one leaf also excellent choices for windbreaks, are. Cope with heavy snow and ice storms in New Hampshire … your main is. Its prolific coconut production habits a covering vine or fence and does well the... Tree grows in the U.S., however, planting a mixture of species of deciduous evergreens it in. Will want to use trees or shrubs that do well in windy climates an explanation on. Structure, but it will survive just fine if your … Zelkova trees tropical and subtropical areas root as! T take as long as you might think your plant ( s ) arrive before the weekend all decide... Home or foundation southeastern United States both on and off the coasts that. To its strong build and flexible stalks in their natural habitat flexible which... Gulf cypress tall your Wind-Blocking trees: Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone,... Hurricanes without missing one leaf subspecies of magnolia, its trunk is very wind resistant few! Popular in Southern Florida, there are eleven varieties of this name but... Of evergreens adds diversity and architectural interest to your Landscape having their flowers off!