How do I save mango (and lychee) trees from flash flooding?

Question

Tropical storm fay stopped by here last night, and dumped 10 inches of rain on us. My father has mango trees ranging from 8-10 feet in height (anywhere from 2-4 years since planting them). This will be the fourth time he'll will have had to re-place his fruit trees in the past 4 years. and he might not have enough left in him to do it all again. what are some tips for us to give these young trees the best chance of survival once the waters recede?

btw, the mango trees are the most prevalent/important to us.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there is really nothing you can do.  It is impossible to dry soil our or get rid of water that is already there.  My only suggestion would be that for next time you sandbag around the trees or that if you replant that you put them in on higher ground (if that is an option).  Sad but true, you just cannot control acts of God.

Also, keep in mind that mangoes and lychee are tropical plants and are used to wet conditions.  If the flooding goes down within a few days, they should be fine.  It is only prolonged flooding that goes on for a week or more that you should really be concerned with.