Hurricane season is an annual challenge for North Carolina homeowners. While securing your home is vital, it’s equally important to prepare your landscape. High winds, heavy rain, and flooding can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces, damaging plants, trees, and hardscapes. Proper preparation can minimize the damage and make cleanup easier. Here’s a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist for your landscape:
Inspect and Prune Trees
One of the most significant risks during a hurricane is falling branches or trees. Before a storm, inspect your trees for weak, dead, or overhanging branches. Prune these areas to reduce the chance of breakage.
Tip: Work with a certified arborist for large trees to ensure proper pruning techniques are used. Over-pruning can weaken a tree and make it more vulnerable to wind damage.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decorations
Items like patio furniture, garden décor, and potted plants can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Move smaller items indoors and secure larger pieces with heavy-duty straps or chains.
Tip: Store potted plants in a garage or covered area to protect them from flying debris and excessive rain.
Clear Gutters and Drains
Clogged gutters and drains can lead to flooding and water damage in your yard and home. Before the storm, remove debris from gutters, downspouts, and landscape drains to ensure proper water flow.
Tip: Check that any drainage systems in your yard are free of blockages to prevent pooling water around plants and structures.
Protect Vulnerable Plants
Cover delicate or young plants with burlap, tarps, or specialized plant covers to shield them from wind and debris. Consider staking taller plants to provide additional support.
Tip: Mulch around plants to help absorb excess water and stabilize roots, but avoid piling mulch directly against the plant stem.
Turn Off Irrigation Systems
Heavy rains from hurricanes make irrigation unnecessary. Shut off your system to prevent overwatering and potential damage to the system itself.
Tip: After the storm, inspect the system for leaks or clogs caused by debris before turning it back on.
Secure Trees with Proper Bracing
If you have recently planted trees, ensure they are securely staked. Improper bracing can lead to uprooted trees in strong winds. Use flexible ties to allow for some movement, which encourages stronger root systems.
Remove Debris and Loose Materials
Survey your yard for loose sticks, rocks, or other debris that could become dangerous in strong winds. Collect and store these items in a safe location until after the storm.
Prepare for Power Outages
If you have outdoor lighting, fountains, or pumps, disconnect them to avoid electrical damage. Consider investing in solar-powered landscape lights for backup lighting.
Create a Post-Storm Plan
After the hurricane passes, assess your landscape for damage. Look for uprooted trees, erosion, and broken branches. Address safety hazards first, such as fallen power lines or leaning trees.
Preparing your landscape for a hurricane may feel like a daunting task, but taking proactive steps can save time, money, and stress in the aftermath. A well-maintained landscape is more resilient, protecting not only your property but also your home. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to contact a professional landscaping team for assistance in securing or restoring your outdoor space!
