Top 5 Hurricane Resistant Trees in Florida Ideal for Your Garden

Every year, tens of thousands of people rush to their nearest nurseries and arborists for advice on the best hurricane resistant trees in Florida.

These are not just purchasing sprees- they serve a purpose.

Every year, the State of Florida is visited by several cyclonic storms which originate from the Caribbean waters. It doesn’t matter where you live; on average, 120 major hurricanes make landfall across Florida.

They cause chaos, loss of lives, and untold destruction, and can be especially savage for your garden. That is, unless you are prepared in advance with wind resistant trees in Florida dotting your yard.

Here are the top species you can consider seriously.

The best hurricane resistant trees in Florida 

This list is a mixture of trees that are both native to Florida and also some which have been brought from other countries.

1. Southern Magnolia 

This particular species (Magnolia grandiflora) became popular ever since it withstood the spectacular destruction caused by Hurricane Wilma. Wilma remains one of the strongest tropical hurricanes and sped across Florida with an average windspeed of more than 100mph.

But the Southern Magnolias remained standing tall! These are decorative trees with large trunks and very deep roots. Their flowering season (in the Spring) produces large and velvety flowers which have a deep purple color.

You can choose a Southern Magnolia for your backyard or your beloved garden simply because it is one of the most wind resistant trees in Florida. Besides, this particular Magnolia grows well over 80-90 feet at times, ensuring shade for your garden’s shorter shrubbery too.

2. Crape Myrtles 

Floridians adore Myrtles, and the Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is one of the most wind-resistant trees. If you are planning to procure decorative hurricane resistant trees in Florida that require very little upkeep and grow quickly, try out Crape Myrtles.

It can add a distinct spark to your garden with its blooms that range from pink to white in color.

Besides, it is a native of this State and has evolved to overcome even the strongest gusts.

3. Bald Cypress

Of the large deciduous family of Cypress trees, it is the Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) that’s widely favored by Florida’s residents. While they thrive on marshy and swampy surfaces, they will be equally at ease in your backyard as well.

It is their majestic trunk and its girth that ensures it stands out in any garden. Cypress trees can grow to be huge and will transform your yard if taken care of properly.

If you live near the Tampa Bay area where the windspeeds can reach dangerously high figures, ensure that your garden has at least a couple of Bald Cypresses.

They provide unmatched protection against gales. No wonder the Bald Cypress is Louisiana’s national tree!

Some people find it difficult to take proper care of a Bald Cypress, given that it is essentially a tree that loves moisture! For advice on this front, you can choose to reach out to a professional hurricane tree service and protection agency.

4. Date Palms

These Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) are non-native species and are usually found in deserts. Still, the reason they are excellent choices for hurricane resistant trees in Florida is because deserts too are prone to high-speed gale-force winds and storms.

They require minimal care, don’t need too much water or fertilizers, and can also withstand heatwaves that are becoming increasingly common.

The only drawback that Date Palms have is their slow growth rate. However, if you are a prodigious gardener with some idea of caring for desert plants, this is as good a choice as any.

5. Tulips

This is a pleasant surprise, isn’t it? After all, Tulip plants are most commonly known for their magnificent flowers and are cornerstones of most snazzy gardens. How can a shrub be so resistant to hurricanes?

The answer lies in their root system. They reach the lowermost layers of the Floridian soil and form a complicated structure, providing them with enough strength to take on even high-speed gales.

That said, you need to keep all Tulip plants trimmed and ensure all broken/diseased branches are removed before hurricane season.

Do this religiously and you will have one of the most wind resistant trees in Florida right in your backyard!

Bonus: 3 plants to avoid!

If you are planning to gale-proof your manicured garden, stay clear of Sand and Australian Pines, Elms, and most Oaks!