I'm not an official East Coaster, but I was on Long Island for a wedding (I lived my whole life there until 11 years ago when we moved to Georgia). The wedding was luckily on Friday, so wasn't affected by the storm. The grooms parents had to rush back to their home the next morning as they were being evacuated. And out of town guests were stuck at the hotel since the airports closed on Saturday. I was stuck an extra day, just got back this evening. The poor bride and groom haven't left for their honeymoon yet. I was staying at my Moms, she had some minimal damage, two branches off a large Rose of Sharon broke off. So on my vacation, I was drafted into doing yard work. I can't get away from it!

Here in eastern Massachusetts, we've escaped any significant difficulties. We are not in a flood zone at all and most trees around our property are not in a position to damage the house, maybe the garage, but just a small branch down near the back lot line so far. We are staying in and being productive which has been pleasant. I actually was hoping for more rain than we got. I think I might have gotten 3 or 4 inches only. The local ponds were looking a little low the other day and I have shrubs in the yard that have browned leaves, so the rain has been welcome. Hoping that others have fared as well. Trudi, the only tree that ever came down in our neighborhood in 30 years here, was a willow tree. I've always heard they come down easily. At least they weren't large enough to fall on your house. I imagine you are already thinking about what you are going to plant. :-)

Thanks Randy! I used to have a pygmy palm, but it died last year. I never have good luck with them indoors. My fig tree is doing good, but I saw a fig tree a few blocks from be that was about 25 feet across, 20 feet tall, and probably had somewhere around 2000 figs on it (not 200, 2000). It was LOADED! I never saw so many figs per stem ever, everywhere a fig could grow on the stem, it was growing. I might knock on the door just to know what they are doing for it because mine had a lousy 5 figs this year (but in its defense, it was planted just this spring). Even though figs are suppose to be somewhat marginal here, I have to admit that I have never see a fig that wasnt full and loaded with fruit! Good luck Chadec! I hope it doesn't do doo much damage by you either! Looks like you should be far enough to escape the hurricane force winds, but some of those gusts can definitely knock a few plants over. Definitely take some pics! Thanks TJ. Im not sure the name of the fern, but I got it from Home Depot and I think its a Polystichum, but I dont know the species. If you can find out, tell me and I'll tell you if I do find the name! I was under a tropical storm warning a few years ago and I remember some minor damage to the banana plants, losing a large outdoor lamp, and having a few potted plants falling down. I think your plants should make it through though! Good luck! Good luck to everyone who is dealing, or will be dealing, with Irene. It isnt as threatening as before, but its still dangerous and can still do some plant damage. -Alex

Wish I could help. If you are THAT close to the ocean (where exactly are you?) I don't think there is too much you can do. Shoring up, tying down, etc is about it. I wouldnt worry so much about salt spray, but inundation from the ocean and / or sounds/ bays, along with severe winds are probably your worst threats. What I have done, (and am doing now) is I take 4 foot steel rebar and drive it 2 feet into the ground, and tie up my taller palms / plants as tight as I can. I don't thing they will go anywhere even in 80 mph winds honestly. I pushed on my 8 foot tall pigmy date palm as hard as I could and it would not budge. But that is really all you can do. Secure loose objects, bring them in, or tie things down. Unfortunately, there is really not much you can do about salt water inundation. I honestly dont thing wrapping things will do much of anything. Neither will tying up the fronds. I suppose there is always the infamous "hurricane cut", which would cut down on pressure from the winds, but then youd have to wait for it to grow back. My two pigmy date palms (one 8 feet tall and one 4 feet tall) took a severe storm last summer where we had 100 mph winds, and they were just fine. Like nothing ever happened, even after they were blown completely over (they are in pots) they were fine. I did learn my lesson tho, and now secure them so almost nothing can knock em over. Anyway, Wish you all the best and hope things dont get too bad for you and your plants are all ok, if not salvageable.