Can my tree regrow after falling during Hurricane Irma???

Robyn Garner
by Robyn Garner
Hi All! I need all your knowledge and advice!

I had a eucalyptus tree that came down during Hurricane Irma icon
I loved that tree!

The guy who cut it up so we could escape the house left the roots in the ground. Now, there are "suckers" sprouting from the portion left behind. I trimmed off all of them except one large, healthy one. It is now growing nicely and quickly - just what I'd want.

My question is: If I continue to cut off the suckers (many more are sprouting), and continue to trim the one that I chose to let grow, will the suckers eventually stop sprouting?

And...will the "chosen" one grow into a tree, with proper roots so it doesn't crash down again?

I know that under most circumstances a tree would never regrow after breaking like this. I also know that eucalyptus trees seem to be creatures unto themselves. This tree grew from a 24" pencil thin stick to 45' tall in just 4 years.

What do you all think? icon

  5 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Nov 23, 2017

    Leave it alone for awhile until it restructures. Cutting to many shoots may inhibit any new growth. I had that happen with a smoke tree.It fell down and I thought it it was done. After waiting a season it grew back. Every now and then I cut the unwanted suckers.

  • Julie Farrell Julie Farrell on Nov 23, 2017

    Hi Robyn the same thing happened to our eucalyptus tree 2 years ago we didn’t try and regrow in tree format but cut it right back to a stump and let it do its own thing for a while and were amazed by the extent it grew back .It developed into bush like appearance!! Which we have maintained but not any our regrowth looked worthy or strong enough to try and regrow into a proper eucalyptus tree I do wonder if ur secondary re growth will be strong enough to sustain itself as a flourishing tree though?! I guess only time will tell! All the best.

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Nov 24, 2017

      Thanks for the answer, Julie. Mine is smack in the middle of my tiny front yard so a big eucy bush won't work in my case. I guess all I can do is what I've been doing to see if I can coax a single tree out of the mess lol!

  • Judy Judy on Nov 23, 2017

    This likely depends on if the roots were damaged, and the condition of the tree. I would put good rich soil around the base, and give it a good drink of water, and then all should be fine. Just give it time, for we are in the edge of winter, and trees, will rest usually, during this time. Tho, this week, there is rain in FL., right? Best wishes, J. Also, keep strong wood, around this to strengthen it, from strong winds, again. J.

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Nov 24, 2017

      Thanks, Judy! I've basically left it to the sprinkler system as that's what it's used to. We'll see.

  • Cat Cat on Nov 24, 2017

    Lucky you! Wish i lived in an area that could support such a wonderful tree!

    • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Nov 24, 2017

      Ha! I'll trade you summer here for yours, Cat! It's lovely to garden in the winter but when you can't walk outside for the summer heat, it's a whole 'nother game!

  • Judy Judy on Nov 24, 2017

    I hope you did put new potting soil around it too, for about 4-5 inches, for this will make a huge difference. With rain coming into the FL area, don't water too much. Best wishes, and do keep in touch, to let us know how you come out in this matter, ok? J.