Regional report: Southeast
1 Jul, 2007 By: Landscape Management Staff Livescapes• WEATHER
Drought Hurt Sales
Extremely dry conditions during spring brought wildfires and water restrictions to much of the Southeast. Areas of South Florida, south Georgia, and northern Alabama and Mississippi were especially hard hit. The adverse dry conditions challenged nursery production, mainly field-grown material that hasn't traditionally been as heavily irrigated. Water restrictions also put a hit on sales, with homeowners reluctant to landscape or upgrade until more favorable weather returned.
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The drought was expected to subside for most areas, especially Florida, as seasonal rains returned. However, drought conditions were expected to continue for other areas of the Southeast, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
• WEATHER
Hurricane Outlook Heavy
An unexpected El Niño last year caught many Atlantic hurricane analysts off guard, bringing in actual hurricane activity well below their projections. But this year's hurricane season will most likely be heavy, says the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Last year's El Niño produced unfavorable conditions for the development of hurricanes, leading to a relatively quite season. No El Niño will form this year, however. In fact the possibility of a La Niña could make the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season increasingly active.
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"There is some uncertainty this year as to whether La Niña will form, and if it does, how strong it will be," says Dr. Gerry Bell, lead hurricane forecaster at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. "If La Niña develops, storm activity will likely be in the upper end of the predicted range, or perhaps even higher, depending on how strong La Niña becomes. Even if La Niña does not develop, the conditions associated with the ongoing active hurricane era favor an above-normal season."
Overall, predictions are that this season will be above normal, with 13 to 17 named storms, 7 to 10 becoming hurricanes, of which 5 could become major storms (Category 3 or higher).
Increased hurricane activity could be a mixed blessing for the landscape industry. While major storms are certainly devastating, low-grade hurricane events or tropical storms would bring needed rain and spawn a demand in plant and tree material, as many damaged landscapes get upgraded or replaced.
• PEST MANAGEMENT
Red Palm Mite Knocking at the Door
As if we didn't already have enough to worry about, USDA and state agriculture officials are already warning growers and landscapers about the next harmful pest that is making its way to U.S. shores. The red palm mite looks similar to the spider mite, but has a red, flattened body. It feeds on the undersides of leaves on various palm species, including coconuts, arecas, queens, washingtonias, and many others. It is also known to feed on some non-palm species such as gingers, bananas, traveler trees and bird of paradise. The red palm mite is well-known in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, but wasn't spotted in the Western Hemisphere until 2005. It has since spread throughout the Caribbean. Officials now expect that its entrance into the United States is imminent. For more information, or to report a possible infestation, visit www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi or call 888-397-1517.
• TRENDS
Housing Market Slump Drags Economy, Sales
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