The Florida Gulf Coast experienced several severe storms during the 2024 hurricane season, which caused unprecedented flooding. But even when a named storm doesn’t directly affect our area, the region is susceptible to heavy rainfall that can cause flooding. For homeowners, managing stormwater runoff is crucial to reducing erosion on their property and protecting water quality for the community. Florida native plants play a vital role in these efforts, and thoughtful landscaping choices can significantly affect how the property handles seasonal flooding.
Please Note: Tropex does not specialize in residential or commercial landscaping. However, given recent events, our team of experts felt it important to cover this topic to help our local community. Read more about Tropex and the services we offer.
Grasses to Manage Erosion and Runoff
These grasses hold soil in place and help to mitigate the effects of runoff from flooding.
Eastern Gamma Grass: This tall grass thrives in moist soils and can tolerate occasional flooding. Its extensive root system helps hold soil in place, reducing erosion.
Seashore Paspalum: Ideal for coastal areas, this grass is salt-tolerant and thrives in wet conditions, making it perfect for managing runoff in seaside landscapes.
Perennial Ryegrass: Although not native to Florida, ryegrass is often used to create quick ground cover in flood-prone areas due to its rapid germination and ability to absorb excess moisture.
Wetland Plants Useful in Floodzones
If you live in a coastal area with water frontage, these plants may help to protect your shoreline.
Cattail: Common in wetlands, cattails’ dense root systems make them excellent for filtering water and stabilizing soil.
Pickerelweed: This aquatic plant thrives in shallow water and effectively absorbs nutrients and excess runoff, making it a popular choice for ponds and wetlands.
Soft Rush: This plant can thrive in consistently wet conditions and helps prevent shoreline erosion.
Swamp Milkweed: Known for attracting pollinators, this plant tolerates saturated soils and helps improve biodiversity.
Shrubs and Trees to Manage Runoff
Buttonbush: This native shrub is often found in wetlands. It provides an essential habitat for birds and insects and helps stabilize the soil.
Wax Myrtle: This versatile shrub tolerates wet soils and provides an excellent habitat for wildlife, as well as helping to manage runoff.
Sweet Pepperbush: This shrub thrives in wet, acidic soils. It produces fragrant flowers and helps improve soil structure.
Bald Cypress: A hallmark of Florida’s wetlands, this tree not only withstands flooding but also provides essential habitat for various wildlife species.
Black Willow: This tree is often found along rivers and in wetlands, where it helps stabilize banks and improve water quality.
Green Ash: Thriving in moist soils, green ash helps mitigate flooding while providing shade and habitat.
Spotlight on Mangroves
Mangrove trees and forests are protected in Florida, and they are considered critical to protecting the shoreline.
Mangroves have extensive root systems that stabilize sediment and reduce erosion caused by waves and currents. Their roots help anchor the soil, preventing it from being washed away. The dense foliage of mangroves dissipates wave energy, reducing the impact of storm surges and high waves on the shoreline. This buffering effect can help protect coastal properties and habitats.
Mangroves also trap sediments from rivers and tides, which can help build and maintain coastal land. This sedimentation process supports the formation of new land and the restoration of eroded areas. During heavy rains and storms, mangroves can absorb excess water, reducing the risk of flooding nearby. This helps protect both natural and developed landscapes.
Tropex Plant Leasing
As stated above, Tropex does not specialize in outdoor landscaping.
However, if you are responsible for the green plants at an office building, medical center, or apartment complex in the Sarasota area, call us. We install plants and living walls that elevate your property’s aesthetics while improving air quality and boosting morale. If you want your property to stand out, Tropex is the call to make in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
