Hurricane Ike Landscape Recovery & Renovation:
Many landscape plant materials along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast are suffering from the devastating effects of hurricane force winds and saltwater flooding. Dealing with these problems will require a basic understanding of the type of damage that has occurred, as well as the best management practices required to address the situation(s). To meet these needs, we have compiled a number of Extension educational resources for your use.

Landscape Revival after Hurricane Ike – Resources
A 'Fall Landscape Revival' Symposium was conducted on September 26, 2009
on Galveston Island for the benefit of residents in the coastal communities
impacted by Hurricane Ike.

Soil Fertility Testing Important for Ravaged Landscapes
The path to landscape recovery and renovation may require soil modification following prolonged periods of saltwater flooding. Choosing the best course of action will largely depend on the level of residual salts and related chemicals left behind in the soil as well on soil type and other factors.

Articles:
Many landscape plant materials need special care to recover from the short and long term effects of Hurricane Ike. Here are some of the latest articles prepared by Texas AgriLife Extension.

Landscape Recovery and Renovation - (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 5, 2008)
Dr. Don C. Wilkerson, Horticulture Specialist & Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University

Damaged Plants Feeling Stressed Out . . .  (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 30, 2008)
Dr. Don C. Wilkerson, Horticulture Specialist & Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University

A New Garden - (The Islander, December, 2008)
Jan Brick, Galveston County Master Gardener

Evaluation of Trees Damaged by Ike
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

Floodwaters Can Affect Health of Landscape Trees, Plants - (Galveston Daily News, Oct. 1, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

Restoring Landscape Plants Damaged by Hurricane Ike - (Galveston Daily News, Oct. 15, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

Plants Produce Striking Out-of-Season Blooms After Ike - (Galveston Daily News, Oct. 22, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

Add Color to the Fall Landscape to Brighten Spirits - (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 5, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

Soil Fertility Tests for Ike-Ravaged Landscapes - (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 12, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

More Q&As on Hurricane Ike-Ravaged Landscapes - (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 19, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

December Garden Checklists Stress Getting Back to Normalcy - (Galveston Daily News, Nov. 26, 2008)
Dr. William M. Johnson, County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Galveston County

The Effects of Tidal Surge on Fruits and Vegetables
Dr. Joe Masabni, Vegetable Specialist & Assistant Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University

Read about Salt Tolerance Assessments for Various Landscape Plants

Read about how to choose a certified arborist - When Your Trees Fail: Who Do You Call?

Publications:
The following Texas AgriLife Extension publications review important topics for landscape recovery and renovation.

Proper Pruning Techniques:
Removing damaged branches and limbs requires some basic information on how best to make cuts and treat wounds.
Read more…

Proper Use of Fertilizers:
Fertilizers are not a "medicine" for sick plants. Used improperly, fertilizers can cause more harm than good.
Read more…

Choosing Replacement Plants:
Looking for an easy to use tool for choosing replacement landscape plants? Check out the EARTH-KIND Plant Selector.
Read more…

Additional Resources:
Texas AgriLife Extension offers numerous resources to assist with landscape recovery and renovation. Contact our office with additional question.

Plant Disease Diagnosis:
Unsure of a plant problem? The Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory can help in identifying and treating landscape problems.
Read more…

Insect and Mites:
Experts say to be prepared as insects and mites attacked damaged and stressed landscape plant materials. This web site provides useful info on identification and control.
Read more…