Tropical storms and hurricanes often sustain damaging high winds and torrential rains. Those who participate in key west landscaping must prepare their gardens when such an event is approaching. It is important to prune any branches or small twigs that are not likely to withstand the storm. This is important to reduce the wind resistance on the plant, making it more likely to survive. Also important is properly disposing of any plant trimmings, fruits or pods that could be torn off and cause potential damage. After such a storm, a homeowner must quickly assess the status of their key west landscaping because time is of the essence to save injured plants and trees. Toppled tree roots must be covered with moist mulch or soil immediately. Salt water flooding must be washed away with fresh to salvage all plants, bent or broken plants must be pruned or patched together with splints, and any mud or silt must be removed for proper aeration.

In the past, many people brought favorite plants to grace their key west landscaping with them from other places. Unfortunately, some of them have thrived to such an extent that they now endanger the native foliage. It is crucial to the health of a garden to target and remove any such plants post haste, not only for the health of a homeowner’s garden, but for the long term prognosis of the Key. Gardeners must research and be able to identify such plants.

In addition to these natural paradise killers, pests and plant diseases will also wreck havoc with key west landscaping. Pests can be insects or nematodes that destroy by devouring a plant, or fungi, bacteria or viruses that kill plants from the inside out. It is important to use a pesticide that will not harm people, pets or any wildlife to eradicate these problems. As long as these problems are dealt with in stride, maintaining a beautiful garden can be attained.