A heavy storm is a gardener’s worst nightmare. Even if you prepare your property for the storm, there is no guarantee that your garden will be spared from the wrath of the rain and winds.
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with the damage. Here are some of the best ones you can try:
1. Hire an arborist
If you have a tree in your yard that is beyond saving after a storm, it’s time to hire one of the most reliable arborists in Utah. Arborists are professionals who handle the cultivation, study, and management of woody plants. One of their duties includes the removal of trees after a storm. That said, if a large tree or branch has fallen in your yard, call a professional instead of attempting to remove it yourself.
2. Drain pots and planters
After the storm has cleared, drain pots and planters from excess water. Otherwise, your plants could “drown” and die afterwards.
3. Remove debris
Remove non-salvageable plant debris from your garden, such as branches, leaves, and twigs. If you don’t want to throw the debris out, you can keep it to use as mulch or compost material later on.
4. Save plants
Luckily, you can replant an uprooted plant as long as the root system is still intact. Hence, as soon as it’s safe to go outside, work on replanting salvageable plants to keep them alive.
5. Consume the edibles
Do you have vegetables, herbs, and fruits in the garden that were damaged by the storm? As long as they are still edible, it’s better to consume them (or use them in compost) than let them go to waste. After all, maybe a fresh garden salad is just what you need after a huge storm.
6. Turn off your irrigation
If you have an irrigation system in your garden, turn it off immediately, preferably before the storm hits. In this way, the soil in your garden does not get excess water. Otherwise, the soil can become deprived of oxygen, which can drown the roots of your plants.
7. Wait until the mud has dried
After a storm, it is expected to have an abundance of mud in the garden. At this time, resist the urge to work on your garden, as this can make the damage even worse due to soil compaction. Instead, wait until the mud dries before you work on your plants.
8. Aerate the soil
Soil compaction is a common problem after a storm. To prevent this from damaging your plants, you can aerate the soil using an aerator. A soil aerator is a garden tool that makes holes in the ground, which enhances soil drainage and eases compaction.
No green thumb wants to lose their garden after a storm. So aside from preparing your garden for the storm, these are the ways you can save what’s left afterwards. Even though you may not save everything, using these tips is the first step to recovering your garden after a strong and damaging storm.
