One often overlooked effect of a hurricane is its effect on forest ecosystems.  Coastal forests are obviously the most directly affected. Forests can undergo significant damage on many levels, occurring primarily within close proximity to the coast. According to the USDA Forest Service, for instance, nearly 90 percent of all forests damaged during Hurricane Katrina, were within 60 miles of the coast, predominantly in Mississippi. (1)

Of the damaged trees, nearly 60 percent of the damage to trees occurred to softwoods, predominantly pine trees, with the remaining 10% of the damage occurring, not surprisingly, to hardwoods. On average, about 20% of previously standing trees were damaged substantially, with rates of as high as 35 to 40% in some areas located near, or on, the coast.

There can also be substantive changes to the soil composition of the forest floor. According to the University of South Carolina, soil samples taken one month after the hurricane [Katrina] showed substantially higher concentrations of sodium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium and potassium, as well as differences in pH, cation-exchange capacity, and nitrogen in storm-surged areas.(2)

While forests can, and do, recover from such disturbances, the level and rate of recovery depend upon such factors as mortality rate, degree of damage to healthy trees, responses of surviving trees and plant life to changing environmental conditions and stress factors, and rate of germination of new trees, either from seeds in the local soil seed bank or from seeds that arrive from sites outside of the affected forest ecosystem.

Effects and/or damage to a forest from a hurricane occur on many fronts:

• High wind damage
• Storm surge
• Salt spray above normal waterline
• Soil composition changes
• Newly introduced species

If you’ve noticed changes in your forest or timberland, or suspect changes in soil composition, contact Southern Forestry Consultants. You may need a professional evaluation of your land to determine its health and to put in place a solid land management plan.

(1) USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station
(2) University of South Carolina