Clean up fallen leaves, branches and other debris. This will allow low plantings and lawns to survive. Try to provide shade for potted bromeliads, ferns and other shade lovers by moving them under shrubbery. Sheets may be used to provide cover for other shade lovers in the ground. Fortunately, standing trees will leaf out in a few weeks to provide new shade.
Trees are the biggest investment in the landscape and the ones most likely to be damaged.
Palms vary in their wind resistance. Queen palms and coconuts are not that hurricane resistant. The tall veitchia species, royal palms and pygmy date palms are among the most resistant to strong winds. The taller wind resistant palms drop leaves in strong winds and present a bare pole to the strong winds. They develop new crowns after the hurricane passes.