Impact of hurricanes on peach and pecan orchards in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

Review of recent history (past 10 years) of the short- and long-term impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms on peach and pecan trees in the Southeast suggests that both water and wind are damaging factors in peaches, while wind is the major problem for pecans. Preventative measures for peaches for future storms include preplant bedding on flat areas, improving drainage using ditches and tile drains, prestorm shearing of overly vigorous young trees (if done before September), planting appropriate windbreak species, and maintaining healthy, deep-rooted peach trees through recommended cultural practices. Practices to reduce hurricane damage in pecans rely largely on improving drainage, but implementing whole-tree shearing practices to reduce canopy volume and planting architecturally desirable cultivars may someday become a cost-effective alternative cultural system.