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In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms. With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_46437" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46437" style="width: 464px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-46437" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2024/08/Palm-trees-being-blown-by-the-winds-of-an-approaching-storm-UF-IFAS-Tyler-Jones-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="464" height="309" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46437" class="wp-caption-text">Palm trees blown by the winds of an approaching storm. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.</figcaption></figure>
In the aftermath of a hurricane, some <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-palms/">palm tree</a> owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms.
With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and rains from a storm.
Palm trees are important to consumers, not only because they provide a pleasing aesthetic to the landscape, but they add a source of food and serve as habitats for wildlife, said <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-brian-bahder-/">Brian Bahder</a>, associate professor at UF/IFAS <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu">Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a>.
“They are ubiquitous in the tropics and being able to imbue that tropic vibe here at home (within the United States) can allow people to semi-experience tropical vibes without the high cost and stress of going international,” he said. “Some species are natives and are important food and nesting sources for our native wildlife. Meanwhile, other palm species are critical crops worldwide, with coconut and oil palms being the most important.
Some trendy health foods like acai also come from palms, making them a beautiful and sometimes nutritious addition to their landscape. In a UF/IFAS Extension publication, <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP465">Hurricane-Damaged Palms in the Landscape: Care after the Storm</a>, experts at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provide detailed instructions for dealing with broken and uprooted palms, including the necessity of proper water management during the re-establishment period.
Additionally, Bahder addresses consumer questions for the peak of hurricane season.
Q: How sturdy are palm trees against a tropical storm or hurricane? 
An established healthy palm will withstand a storm like Hurricane Debby without serious problems. Depending on the palm, the leaves might shred or bend at the petiole, but not sustain significant damage that would require replanting. Palms have hundreds of fibrous roots that anchor them in the group, nicely, and the trunks of palms have their vascular tissue randomly distributed throughout the trunk. They don’t run perfectly straight up and down, they “snake” their way through the trunk, and gives the palm trunk high flexibility and more resistance to breaking when compared to typical trees, like oak trees.
Q: What are the signs that your palm tree has survived or not survived? What should homeowners look for?
In this case, unless the canopy falls off, it should be fine if the palm looks similar to its appearance before the storm. It may be possible for fungal pathogens to make their way into the canopy, combined with excess rainfall, but this likely won’t manifest for a while. In an extreme event &#8212; let’s say the canopy is completely shredded &#8212; if you see the spear leaf expanding in the following month, the palm is fine; it just needs time to recover.
Q: If you must remove the palm tree, is it possible to replant any part of it?
No, you will have to plant a new palm. You can&#8217;t use cuts or parts of the original palm. 
Q: What does science tell us about recovery time for palm trees after a storm?
The main point to note is that it will be at least six months (and probably longer) before it is apparent that a palm will recover. This depends heavily on the palm species and the extent of damage. Palms that grow slowly naturally can recover rapidly if they need to. Some palm species could fully recover in six months, while others could take years. Regardless, palms are slower growers than typical trees, and they only have one growth point &#8212; palms with a single trunk, that is &#8212; so it will take longer to know if it is recovering compared to other plants. Patience is important with palms.
To learn more about palm varieties, palm care and more, check out these other <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/palms">AskIFAS Extension documents</a>.
 
##
by Lourdes Mederos <a href="mailto:rodriguezl@ufl.edu">rodriguezl@ufl.edu</a>
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/08/08/la-supervivencia-de-las-palmeras-tras-los-huracanes-recomendaciones-de-los-expertos-de-uf-ifas-para-propietarios/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
 
&nbsp;

Palm trees blown by the winds of an approaching storm. UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones.
In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms.
With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and rains from a storm.
Palm trees are important to consumers, not only because they provide a pleasing aesthetic to the landscape, but they add a source of food and serve as habitats for wildlife, said Brian Bahder, associate professor at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.
“They are ubiquitous in the tropics and being able to imbue that tropic vibe here at home (within the United States) can allow people to semi-experience tropical vibes without the high cost and stress of going international,” he said. “Some species are natives and are important food and nesting sources for our native wildlife. Meanwhile, other palm species are critical crops worldwide, with coconut and oil palms being the most important.
Some trendy health foods like acai also come from palms, making them a beautiful and sometimes nutritious addition to their landscape. In a UF/IFAS Extension publication, Hurricane-Damaged Palms in the Landscape: Care after the Storm, experts at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences provide detailed instructions for dealing with broken and uprooted palms, including the necessity of proper water management during the re-establishment period.
Additionally, Bahder addresses consumer questions for the peak of hurricane season.
Q: How sturdy are palm trees against a tropical storm or hurricane? 
An established healthy palm will withstand a storm like Hurricane Debby without serious problems. Depending on the palm, the leaves might shred or bend at the petiole, but not sustain significant damage that would require replanting. Palms have hundreds of fibrous roots that anchor them in the group, nicely, and the trunks of palms have their vascular tissue randomly distributed throughout the trunk. They don’t run perfectly straight up and down, they “snake” their way through the trunk, and gives the palm trunk high flexibility and more resistance to breaking when compared to typical trees, like oak trees.
Q: What are the signs that your palm tree has survived or not survived? What should homeowners look for?
In this case, unless the canopy falls off, it should be fine if the palm looks similar to its appearance before the storm. It may be possible for fungal pathogens to make their way into the canopy, combined with excess rainfall, but this likely won’t manifest for a while. In an extreme event — let’s say the canopy is completely shredded — if you see the spear leaf expanding in the following month, the palm is fine; it just needs time to recover.
Q: If you must remove the palm tree, is it possible to replant any part of it?
No, you will have to plant a new palm. You can’t use cuts or parts of the original palm. 
Q: What does science tell us about recovery time for palm trees after a storm?
The main point to note is that it will be at least six months (and probably longer) before it is apparent that a palm will recover. This depends heavily on the palm species and the extent of damage. Palms that grow slowly naturally can recover rapidly if they need to. Some palm species could fully recover in six months, while others could take years. Regardless, palms are slower growers than typical trees, and they only have one growth point — palms with a single trunk, that is — so it will take longer to know if it is recovering compared to other plants. Patience is important with palms.
To learn more about palm varieties, palm care and more, check out these other AskIFAS Extension documents.
 
##
by Lourdes Mederos rodriguezl@ufl.edu
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

In the aftermath of a hurricane, some palm tree owners may worry about the survival of their beloved palms. With more than 2,600 species, the iconic palm seen across Florida landscapes is heartier than one may think, even when those lush green palm fronds are suddenly wilted and thinned out due to extreme winds and […]

Palm tree survival after hurricanes: UF/IFAS tips and insights for property owners

What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person. About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected [&#8230;]

What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby.
Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at <a href="https://go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts">go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts</a> or report information to their <a href="https://directory.ifas.ufl.edu/Dir/searchdir?pageID=3&amp;pl=05">local UF/IFAS Extension county office</a> by calling or visiting in person.
About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm that came ashore near Steinhatchee on Aug. 5, to complete the UF/IFAS EIAP survey on agricultural losses and damages.
The survey is part of on-going UF/IFAS research tracking the effects of severe weather and other hazards on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants are asked to assess their production losses and asset damages due to Hurricane Debby. Responses will be used to improve estimations of the state’s collective agricultural losses from such events and inform decision-making related to disaster declaration, response and relief.
Survey participation should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Answers are confidential.
For additional information, visit the UF/IFAS EIAP <a href="https://fred.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/economic-impact-analysis-program/disaster-impact-analysis/damage-assessments-faqs/">frequently asked questions</a> webpage.
Contact: Megan Winslow, UF/IFAS public relations specialist, 352-294-3313 or <a href="mailto:winslow@ufl.edu">winslow@ufl.edu</a>.
###
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2024/08/06/alerta-de-prensa-se-solicita-al-sector-agricola-de-florida-que-reporte-los-impactos-adversos-del-huracan-debby/">Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. </a>
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby.
Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person.
About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected by Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm that came ashore near Steinhatchee on Aug. 5, to complete the UF/IFAS EIAP survey on agricultural losses and damages.
The survey is part of on-going UF/IFAS research tracking the effects of severe weather and other hazards on the state’s agricultural industry. Participants are asked to assess their production losses and asset damages due to Hurricane Debby. Responses will be used to improve estimations of the state’s collective agricultural losses from such events and inform decision-making related to disaster declaration, response and relief.
Survey participation should take between 10 and 20 minutes. Answers are confidential.
For additional information, visit the UF/IFAS EIAP frequently asked questions webpage.
Contact: Megan Winslow, UF/IFAS public relations specialist, 352-294-3313 or winslow@ufl.edu.
###
Para accesar a este contenido en español, por favor utilice este enlace. 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

What: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Economic Impact Analysis Program (EIAP) survey for losses and damages associated with Hurricane Debby. Where: Agricultural producers can complete the survey at go.ufl.edu/debbyagimpacts or report information to their local UF/IFAS Extension county office by calling or visiting in person. About: UF/IFAS requests agricultural producers affected […]

Media Alert: Florida agricultural sector asked to share adverse impacts of Hurricane Debby

It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes.  Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured. You can [&#8230;]

It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes.  Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured.
You can look for pet friendly shelters such as WEC or county shelters. They have strict guidelines regarding vaccination records and supplies needed for pets. Be sure to know guidelines when preparing your pet to go to a shelter.
Make sure you have:
<ul>
<li>Up-to-date pictures of your project</li>
<li>Veterinarian&#8217;s phone number</li>
<li>Enough feed and a dry place to store the feed</li>
<li>Enough water</li>
<li>First aid kit</li>
<li>Pet identification – see Florida Disaster Preparedness Guide – S.A.R.T. for examples and other things to consider</li>
</ul>
Do you know your evacuation zone?  Check out this link: <a href="https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/06/18/hurricane-season-is-here-do-you-know-your-zone-">https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/06/18/hurricane-season-is-here-do-you-know-your-zone-</a>
During events such as this, we may find an opportunity to put to practice our pledge of our hands to larger service.
Resources links:
Florida Disaster Preparedness Guide &#8211; S.A.R.T. – FDACS-P-01972 &#8211; Extensive amount of information regarding animals
<a href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan--prepare/have-a-pet-plan/animals-and-agriculture-disaster-plan-2022.pdf">https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan&#8211;prepare/have-a-pet-plan/animals-and-agriculture-disaster-plan-2022.pdf</a>
HURRICANE PREPARATION: EVACUATING YOUR HOME Edis Document &#8211; Elizabeth Bolton, Muthusami Kumaran, and Angela Lindsey
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY747">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY747</a>
Use reliable sources for information on hurricanes or other weather events like the <a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/">National Hurricane Center</a> or the <a href="https://www.weather.gov/">National Weather Service</a>.
<a href="https://www.ready.gov/">https://www.ready.gov/</a>
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services &#8211; Storm Preparation
<a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Storm-Preparation">https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Storm-Preparation</a>

It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes.  Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured.
You can look for pet friendly shelters such as WEC or county shelters. They have strict guidelines regarding vaccination records and supplies needed for pets. Be sure to know guidelines when preparing your pet to go to a shelter.
Make sure you have:
Up-to-date pictures of your project
Veterinarian’s phone number
Enough feed and a dry place to store the feed
Enough water
First aid kit
Pet identification – see Florida Disaster Preparedness Guide – S.A.R.T. for examples and other things to consider
Do you know your evacuation zone?  Check out this link: https://hcfl.gov/newsroom/2024/06/18/hurricane-season-is-here-do-you-know-your-zone-
During events such as this, we may find an opportunity to put to practice our pledge of our hands to larger service.
Resources links:
Florida Disaster Preparedness Guide – S.A.R.T. – FDACS-P-01972 – Extensive amount of information regarding animals
https://www.floridadisaster.org/globalassets/plan–prepare/have-a-pet-plan/animals-and-agriculture-disaster-plan-2022.pdf
HURRICANE PREPARATION: EVACUATING YOUR HOME Edis Document – Elizabeth Bolton, Muthusami Kumaran, and Angela Lindsey
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY747
Use reliable sources for information on hurricanes or other weather events like the National Hurricane Center or the National Weather Service.
https://www.ready.gov/
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Storm Preparation
https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Storm-Preparation

It is that time a year that we are mindful of being prepared for natural disasters such as hurricanes.  Here are some essential steps4-Hers can take to prepare for natural disasters, particularly when they have animal projects. Take a look at your outside projects and see what should be brought in or secured. You can […]

Be Hurricane Ready: Tips for 4-H members and their Pets

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UF/IFAS is a collaborating member of the <a href="https://southernfireexchange.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southern Fire Exchange</a>. which strives to improve access to and usefulness of southern fire science information. <a href="https://southernfireexchange.org/publications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SFE Publication and Fact Sheets</a> cover the following topics: Fire Ecology and Effects, Fire Science Information, Programs and Resources, Prescribed Fire, Public Education, Smoke Management, Air Quality and Weather, and Wildfire.

UF/IFAS es un miembro colaborador de <a href="https://southernfireexchange.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southern Fire Exchange</a>. que se esfuerza por mejorar el acceso y la utilidad de la informaci&oacute;n cient&iacute;fica sobre incendios del sur.&nbsp;<a href="https://southernfireexchange.org/publications/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SFE Publication and Fact Sheets</a> cubre los siguientes t&oacute;picos: Ecolog&iacute;a del Fuego y Efectos, Informaci&oacute;n de la CIencia del Fuego, Programas y Recursos, Fuego Presescrito, Educaci&oacute;n P&uacute;blica, Manejo del Humo, Calidad del Agua y Clima, e Incendio Forestal.

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Lindsey, Angela B.

The terms used for Ask IFAS organization are selected with consideration of the terminology used in UF/IFAS publications and programs, as well as the terms recommended by the U.S. National Agricultural Library Thesaurus (NALT) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's AGROVOC thesaurus.&nbsp;

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Palm tree survival after hurricanes: UF/IFAS tips and insights for property owners

Media Alert: Florida agricultural sector asked to share adverse impacts of Hurricane Debby

Be Hurricane Ready: Tips for 4-H members and their Pets

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