YOUNGSVILLE, La. (KLFY) — As floodwaters crept into her tree nursery early Tuesday morning, Alicia Stebbins knew exactly what to do; grab her boots and start moving trees.
Mystic Forest Nursery, located in Youngsville, was nearly submerged after several inches of rain fell overnight. Stebbins, who owns the plant business, said it’s not the first time flooding has disrupted her operations and it likely won’t be the last.
“I heard it about 5:00 this morning,” Stebbins said. “I checked the camera and could see it was rising. I got up at 8:00 and everything was under water.”
Stebbins, who opened the business just over a year ago, said the problem is getting worse. She’s had to relocate trees to higher ground at least three times in the past few months. Some of the species she sells, like Japanese maples and dogwoods, are sensitive to standing water and risk dying if submerged for too long.
“Some of my trees don’t like the water, so I’m just trying to keep them safe,” Stebbins said.
Youngsville has faced mounting pressure over drainage and infrastructure issues in recent years, especially after devastating floods in 2016 and again in 2021. While the city has invested millions into drainage improvements, including expanding and dredging local coulees, residents like Stebbins said it hasn’t been enough.
“They came and dug it out about two years ago, made it wider and deeper, and it helped for a while,” Stebbins said. “But this past year, it’s just not draining. The water stays super high.”
During Tuesday’s flood, Stebbins said the water rose above her thighs. “I’m 4’11” and it’s up to my thighs, everything’s under water,” she said.
She believes the city needs to revisit long-term drainage solutions, suggesting a larger culvert might help relieve the water faster.
“I’m not an engineer,” Stebbins added, “but something’s got to change.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, Stebbins remains committed to her business and to the community.
“They can support us by coming to visit,” Stebbins said. “Come to Mystic Forest Nursery. Color your landscape with my trees.”
As storms become more frequent and severe, Stebbins said she’s bracing for what may come next but still hopes the city will take action before the next downpour.
