Are Australian Pines more likely to topple than other large trees because of shallow roots?
Florida’s Australian pines were introduced to the state more than a century ago to stabilize shorelines. It would seem that if these trees toppled so easily, they’d be gone – but they’re not. They’ve been here over a hundred years and they’re still as strong, majestic and cherished, as ever. At Fort Zachary Taylor there’s been very little success in planting large native vegetation due to the nature of the ground which is marine consolidated substrate. Far more natives were lost to the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 than Australian pines.
