Protecting Your Woods from Tornadoes

va_saplings.jpg

It’s all about the right place and the right tree, like these longleaf pines in Virginia.

Credit: Rob Amberg

To foster a strong, tornado-resistant forest, you’ll need to choose the right tree for the right place. But what does that mean?

• The right tree.  Some tree species are more resistant to high winds, disease and damage than others. Planting these species—which include longleaf pines, baldcypress, and live oak—will give your woods a better chance of surviving a tornado strike.
• The right place. Controlling the spacing of your trees and their structure—meaning a mix of ages and sizes—will help your woods weather tornadoes and other high-wind conditions.

For more on tornadoes, tornado damage, and where to get professional help, go to our Tornado Resources Guide.