Weathering The Storm

As the Burdekin Shire begins to gear up for another disaster season, residents may once again face the familiar sight of fallen trees, broken branches, and damaged green spaces. Living on the coast, local residents understand cyclones are an annual challenge, with recent storms such as Jasper, Kirrily, and Tiffany serving as reminders, while major events like Cyclone Yasi have taught important lessons about how our landscapes cope.

One key question emerges: are some trees better equipped to survive cyclones than others?

Lessons from Cyclone Yasi
Following Cyclone Yasi in 2011, Greening Australia and local partners surveyed trees in Townsville to understand which species were most wind-resistant. Several natives stood out:

• Tropical Ash (Flindersia schottiana) – hardy, maintained canopy, stayed upright
• Queensland Maple (Flindersia brayleyana) – tall, structurally sound, timber-straight
• Tulip Oak (Argyrodendron peralatum) – deep-rooted, resistant to uprooting
• Weeping Paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra) – flexible, fast-recovering, ideal for waterlogged soils

These species share key traits: deep roots, strong central trunks, flexibility, and adaptation to northern Queensland conditions.

What Makes a Tree Cyclone-Resistant?
Tree survival isn’t just about species. Age, structure, root development, and site exposure all matter. Healthy trees with balanced canopies and deep roots are far more likely to withstand high winds. Traits that increase resilience include:

• Flexible branches
• Strong central trunks
• Deep, well-established root systems
• Native origin

Species That Struggled
Exotic or ornamental trees often suffered heavy damage:

• African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis) – uprooted frequently
• Rain Tree (Samanea saman) – brittle branches snapped
• Leichhardt Tree (Nauclea orientalis) – crown damage common
• Poinciana (Delonix regia) – prone to snapping under pressure
• Choosing the right species is critical for reducing future damage.

Maintenance Matters Too
No garden is completely cyclone-proof, but proper care makes a difference. Encouraging deep root growth through deep, infrequent watering and reducing excess foliage through pruning helps trees remain upright during storms.

Planning for the Future
In preparation for disaster seasons to come, planting wind-resilient native species can reduce risk, support biodiversity, and help landscapes recover stronger. Landholders and councils are encouraged to:

• Select resilient native species over exotic ornamentals
• Prioritise deep-rooted, structurally strong trees
• Plan for canopy diversity to avoid mass failure
• Source seeds locally to ensure suitability for regional conditions

Building Resilient Landscapes
By learning from past cyclones and choosing the right species, communities and green spaces can survive and thrive in the face of future storms.

The Melaleuca leucadendra (Weeping Paperbark) is an iconic Australian tree and suited for northern Queensland conditions (Photo Supplied)

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