Reviving Your Landscaping: The Road to Recovery After Storms

9/25/2023 (Permalink)

The Southeast region of the United States is known for its tropical storms and hurricanes. These weather events can have devastating effects on homes and landscapes, leaving homeowners wondering how to restore their yards to their former glory. In this blog post, we'll explore the steps you can take to recover your landscaping after storms in the Southeast.

Prioritize Safety First

The first priority after a storm is safety. If there are any downed power lines, do not attempt to clear them. Instead, contact your local utility company to report the issue. Additionally, be on the lookout for any damaged trees or branches that could be a safety hazard. If you're unsure about the safety of a particular area, err on the side of caution and consult a professional.

After ensuring safety, it's time to assess the damage. Walk around your property and evaluate the condition of your landscaping. Look for broken tree limbs, uprooted plants, and standing water. Make note of any damage you find, as this information will be helpful later.

Clean Up Debris

The next step is to clean up any debris that's lying around. This includes branches, leaves, and other organic matter that may have accumulated on your property. Use a rake or leaf blower to gather up the debris and dispose of it properly. Keep in mind that some cities have special rules for disposing of yard waste, so check with your local government before placing the debris on the curb.

If your property has experienced standing water after the storm, you may have a drainage issue. Proper drainage is essential for maintaining healthy plants and preventing soil erosion. Look for areas where water has pooled and determine if they need to be regraded. If you're not sure how to go about this, consult a professional landscaper.

Prune and Remove Damaged Trees and Plants

Once you've assessed the damage and cleared away the debris, it's time to focus on damaged trees and plants. Prune any broken or damaged branches on trees, but be careful not to remove too much. Removing too many branches at once can further stress the tree and make it more vulnerable to disease. For severely damaged trees, it may be necessary to have them removed entirely. Similarly, remove any damaged or dead plants from your garden beds.

After completing the above steps, it's time to begin the restoration process. Replace any damaged plants with new ones, being sure to select species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions. Verify that any new plants are disease- and pest-resistant. If you've lost a significant amount of soil, use topsoil to fill in the area.

Future Landscape and recovery

While you're restoring your landscaping, it's a good idea to plan for the future. Consider planting trees and shrubs that are known to be more storm-resistant. You may also want to look into installing erosion control measures, such as retaining walls and rain gardens.

Recovering your landscaping after a storm in the Southeast can be a daunting task, but by following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a successful restoration. Remember to prioritize safety, assess the damage, clean up debris, check for drainage issues, prune and remove damaged trees and plants, begin restoration, and plan for the future. By taking these steps, you can prevent further damage and establish a resilient yard that can withstand future storms.