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Planting for hurricanes: how to lose fewer trees next time

Melissa taught hard lessons. These planting and management choices give a tree crop the best chance of standing through the next storm.

Breadfruit's weak point is its brittle wood and heavy, sail-like canopy. You cannot make a tree hurricane-proof, but you can change the odds a lot.

Choose the spot

• avoid exposed ridge tops and the open side of a slope facing the sea
• plant on the leeward side of hills, or behind a permanent windbreak
• avoid waterlogged ground — roots that sit in water hold less

Plant a windbreak first

Two or three rows of dense, flexible trees on the windward side of the field, planted a year before the crop: coconut, bamboo (clumping), moringa, guango, or a mixed hedge of local species. A windbreak protects a strip about ten times its height.

Spacing and structure

• give trees full spacing (10–12 m) so each develops a broad, low crown rather than a tall thin one
• from year two, cut the leader back so the tree spreads instead of climbing; a 6 m tree survives what kills a 12 m tree
• keep one main trunk; multiple leaders split in wind

Root health

Mulch and compost build a wide, shallow root plate. Never dig or plough within the drip line of a bearing tree.

Before a storm

When a hurricane watch is issued:

• strip most of the fruit — the weight tears branches
• if there is time, remove a third of the outer canopy on young trees
• stake and tie trees under three years old

After a storm

Most breadfruit that are blown over but still have some roots in the ground can be saved:

1. within a week, prune back the canopy hard (leave a third)
2. lift the tree upright with rope and props, pack soil into the root hole, water in
3. stake in three directions for a year
4. do not fertilise until new growth shows

Trees snapped at the trunk will usually resprout from the base; keep the strongest shoot and it will bear in 3–4 years — faster than a new seedling.

Diversify

The farm that lost everything to Melissa was usually the farm with one crop. Mixing breadfruit with ackee, avocado, coconut, cocoa and root crops means the storm never takes the whole income at once.