If there has been a heavy storm in your area, you may be concerned with the state of your garden. Wind, frost, and rain can destroy plants and cause other damage.
Fortunately, it is usually possible to save your garden and repair damage from a storm. In order to restore your garden and save your plants, try implementing these tips on how to fix storm damage in your garden:
Remove Branches and Debris
Oftentimes, storms can knock large branches and debris loose. If branches or other obstructing objects have wound up in your garden, it is important to remove these as quickly as possible because they could be damaging the plants beneath them.
If there are any broken or dead tree limbs hanging from your yard or near your garden, it is important to remove these as well. Dead branches are likely to fall off the tree and can cause more damage to your yard. Removing these will ensure that no further damage is done to your garden.
Take care when cutting down trees or branches, as this can be a dangerous task. Wear protective clothing and eyewear at all times when removing branches, especially if you’re using a chainsaw or other cutting tool.
Use a rake to clean up any smaller debris that may have fallen from the trees during the storm, exercising care to avoid uprooting any fragile plants.
Repair or Replace Damaged Fences
Fences are important in a garden for supporting plants that grow vertically, and also for protecting your garden from pests and animals. Fences are prone to being damaged in a storm and may become bent or broken.
If a fence is bent or broken, you’ll need to replace it so that plants can continue to be supported as they grow.
Check for Downed Power Lines or Other Hazards
While you’re likely concerned with the aesthetic and functional state of your garden after a storm, it is important to consider the safety hazards that can arise as a result of a storm.
One of the first steps to repairing damage after a storm is to ensure that there are no hazards that can cause further damage to your property.
Make sure to check for gas leaks, downed power lines, and other potential safety hazards before you start repairing any damage.
Replace Uprooted Trees
In violent storms, it is possible for otherwise healthy trees to become uprooted. It may be difficult for an uprooted plant to continue growing after being placed in the ground. When there has been excessive storm damage, you may consider replacing uprooted trees with new ones.
When planting new trees, allow ample space in the ground for the tree to spread its roots and secure itself into the ground. This means spacing out trees evenly from one another and creating large enough planting holes for roots to grow. This will make it less likely for trees to become uprooted again in the future.
Check Your Water Pump
Water pumps are another essential element of a garden that can become damaged in a storm. If you have a water pump, make sure it’s working. Make sure the hoses are not damaged, valves aren’t leaking, and the pump isn’t clogged or broken.
It’s also important to check for structural damage to gutters and downspouts that may be causing rainwater to flow into your garden instead of away from it. All gutters should be free of debris and may need to be cleaned after a heavy storm.
Replant Disturbed Plants
It is not uncommon for gardens to become completely flooded during a storm. It can take several weeks for excess water to settle after a garden has been disrupted by a storm. In this case, plants will need to be relocated to a new area as soon as possible so they aren’t drowned by the standing water.
If you’re restoring or renovating your garden after a storm, start with the soil. Dig up any plants that have been affected by the storm and then replant them into fresh soil in a new area that has better elevation and drainage in the event of another storm.
Instead of using soil from your existing garden or the ground, it is best to source fresh bagged soil that isn’t saturated with water.
Repot Plants in Containers
Repotting plants in containers is an excellent way to save your garden, especially if you live in an area that sees frequent storms. Potted plants have the added benefit of being easy to move indoors or outdoors whenever necessary. This means that your plants are significantly more likely to survive inclimate weather and can even last through the winter months.
If any of your plants can be transferred into pots and containers, this is an excellent idea. This can help you save your plants from the flooded ground, while also preventing them from storm damage in the future.
How to Fix Storm Damage in Your Garden: Final Thoughts
Cleaning up after a storm is something that most gardeners may have to do at some point in their lives, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. As long as storm damage is addressed quickly, it is possible to save your plants and restore the condition of your garden. If your area sees frequent heavy storms, potted plants that can be moved indoors or under a covered porch may be the best option for you.
As you enjoy fresh produce from your garden, download the Lil’ Broc app in order to track and monitor the shelf life of your produce.