Question
QUESTION: Can you Help?  We have a lovely condominium complex in St. Martin and Hurricane Omar did some beach erosion and the Seagrapes stood up well but the roots are exposed.  Should we cover the roots?  Some owners wanted to cut the strangling roots, but we are awaiting your response.....Also a small message of some Palm Tree roots would also be appreciated....thank you much..Maria

ANSWER: Hi Maria, ideally you want to have the Sea Grapes in the same covered position that they were before the storm, this will require covering them to their pre Omar condition. I would try to get a picture somewhere of the base of the Sea Grapes prior, so as to get an idea how much to cover them, and be sure if you do cover them, to do so with indigenous soil, not top soil from a different location. I am not sure what you meant by the last statement on Palms, please reiterate it to me so I can better help you. The last thing I would do is cut the exposed roots on the  Sea Grapes, so discourage that if at all possible, this will only serve to stress the plants. A final not is to contact your local Cooperative Extension Service, they will be happy to help you on site with repairing your situation. Nick

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QUESTION: Hi Nick, I guess the Sea Grapes lost 2-3 feet of sand as they are located on the beach.  So my question is should we cover the roots which are quite extensive, and the bark to the prvious level which is apparent on the trunk?  Should we also raise the level of the sand to the point around the Palms.  We can do it with man power.  We do not have an Cooperative Extension Service here....this Island is not for many reasons out of the 3rd. World Country status.  So, your help is much appreciated.

Answer
Hi Maria, sorry, I never got where you were, ok, you need to bring the level of sand back to where it was prior to the hurricane if possible, anything is better then nothing; the sea grapes may or may not survive if this isn't done, but the palm definitely needs it. Again, cutting the exposed roots away will definitely stress it and more then likely lead to the decline of each one that is effected by it. Nick