Sometimes weather conditions arise that can create havoc with our plants. Hurricanes and freezes are the two main weather events that concern us in southern Florida.
Great care is necessary in choosing plants suitable for the environment.
Sometimes we can play with microclimates to some degree. We can locate less salt-tolerant plants on the lee side of buildings where they are protected from salt winds and spray in normal conditions. Tender plants can be located on the south side of buildings where they are protected from cold winds. But extreme conditions with coastal flooding or freezes can eliminate these microclimate plantings. Hurricanes cause broken trees and branches, salt-water flooding and radical environmental changes for remaining plants.