Some Sandy Damage On Long Island Is Only Now Apparent
FREEPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Only now, when landscaping is supposed to be turning green, are Long Island's shoreline homeowners realizing additional devastation caused by superstorm Sandy.
It turns out many trees, shrubs, lawns, and other landscaping didn't survive.
"We were talking the other morning about 'Are we gonna be able to look out our deck and see those beautiful flowers grow?'" Eli Legatto of Freeport told WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs. "We're hoping that the cherry trees aren't dead, but it's not budding yet."
He fears he's lost stuff that has been around for 20 years.
Experts blame the devastation on the salt water from Sandy.
Victor Caroleo, who runs a garden department in Dix Hills, said the plant root system cannot take the salt water. So, they have to start rejuvenating the ground.
"I'm telling you I am so busy this year compared to last year," said Caroleo. "People are starting to go in their yards and say 'Man, my grass in not turning green.'"
Several landscapers told Xirinachs they've never had so much business.
