As the season changes, the probability of hurricanes may increase, which can lead to severe damage to your property. Cleaning your home, stocking up on necessities, and making arrangements for evacuation are some of the preparations that come to mind. However, one of the most overlooked areas that require attention is your yard. This blog post will focus on five yard preparations for hurricane season. It’s best to get ready and implement these steps as soon as possible to avoid damages later on!
Get Rid of Dead or Dying Trees or Limbs
Before the hurricane season begins, it’s essential to assess your yard for any dead or dying trees or limbs. These can be extremely dangerous as they can easily snap and cause damage to your property or even harm someone. Contact an arborist to inspect all trees and limbs and remove any that are about to fall. By doing so, you will minimize damage during a potential hurricane.
Cut Down or Trim Extraneous Branches
Trimming trees before a hurricane can help strengthen them against strong winds. Look for branches that may be close to your house or any utility poles, and trim them back to prevent damage. Also, trimming back low-lying branches and foliage can reduce the risk of clogged gutters and drains, which can lead to flooding.
Secure Patio Furniture and Other Outdoor Decor
The best way to prevent your outdoor furniture and décor from flying away during a hurricane is to secure them. Bring in all small items like cushions, lighting, or breakables. Store larger items such as tables, chairs, or outdoor grills in a safe location like a garage or shed. You can also bolt down heavy furniture or statues so they don’t get carried away by high winds.
Turn Tree Limbs into Mulch
Once you’ve trimmed down trees and branches, the question that arises is what to do with all the debris. Instead of disposing of it in landfills, consider turning the trees and limbs into mulch. Mulch is an excellent material for your garden beds as it helps retain water and reduce weed growth while improving the soil’s overall health. You can rent a chipper/shredder or hire a company to do mulching for you.
Invest in Flood Prevention Measures
While there are many ways to prepare for high winds, don’t forget flooding is a potential risk as well. Investigate options for flood prevention, such as sandbags or flood barriers, and keep them on hand for quick deployment. You might also need to install a sump pump to help remove any excess water that may gather in low-lying areas of your property.
Preparing your yard for hurricane season is an essential part of your overall hurricane preparation plan. By following these five steps, you can minimize the damage to your property and reduce the risk of harm. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to hurricanes, so start preparing today so that you won’t have to worry when the next storm comes.
Written by: Lizzie Weakley
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.
