So sorry to hear about that. In Kentucky we had hurricane like winds from Ike as well. Damaged my roof and has to be replaced. My above ground 'redneck' pool was damaged and also had to be taken down.
We did not experience any rain, but we did receive 60 to 80 mph. winds for about 10 hours. This of course devastated my banana grove, however they made a come back, and now they are currently sleeping through the winter.
This was my first and closest I have ever been to what can be considered hurricane like weather.
Again, My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Tally,

I read your posts on the Texas forum immediately after Ike and feel for you. Rita and Ike did damage to us in southwest Louisiana also. Along the southwest LA coast just east of the Texas border lie small rural communities that flooded for both. Along the ridges are thousands of oak trees. The salt water defoliated them both times but they have come back so those oaks might not be dead. The oleanders come back if they weren't in standing water for an extended period of time. And the naturalized bananas are probably Orinoco. They are everywhere along the Gulf Coast. My property in Grand Chenier, LA was completely destroyed by Rita. I rebuilt higher afterwards and didn't get any water for Ike but it came close. Good luck to you.

Steve

I just read your post. I sent you an e-mail. BTW, scratch the oleander stems near the ground to see if they are still green. If they are green, scratch higher up and check again. Repeat. Prune below any dead stems. If all are dead, prune to the ground and cross your fingers in hopes the roots are alive.