Protecting Your Backyard from Storm Damage

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Before the damage is irreparable, it is important to be prepare your home and backyard from these storms.

No matter where you live, your house can be at risk of a major storm. All types of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, can wreak havoc on your home. While you may not be able to do anything about high-speed winds, there are certain steps you can take as a homeowner to minimize backyard destruction. Before the damage is irreparable, it is important to be prepare your home and backyard from these storms.

Here are a few tips to prepare your backyard from storm damage:

Be Smart About Planting Trees

In order to ensure you can be as prepared as possible for a storm, you should start by choosing the right trees to plant as a preventative step. “Florida Fancy” trees grow well in the Florida climate and are more hurricane resistant. According to research at the University of Florida, homeowners should avoid planting, trees that are shallow rooted in soft soil because they have a tendency to topple over in high winds. These trees could cause more backyard damage than others. Also, it is important to be cautious about where the trees are planted, making sure that the mature height will not interfere with fences, buildings, or powerlines.

Check All Trees and Shrubs

While it may be too late to consider the type of tree planted, you can inspect your plants for any rotting or damaged branches and roots. Dead branches and trees can easily fall in a storm and cause major damage. Also take time to remove any coconuts or large palm seeds, which can be potential hazards if they fall from a high up.

Check Drainage Areas

In case of heavy rain and flooding, you should make sure that all debris is removed from the storm drains and the path is clear. If there is something blocking water from being drained, there is an increased risk of flooding which can ruin your house and backyard.

Remove Any Storm Hazards

If there is any type of storm approaching, it is crucial to remove any objects outside that can get picked up by the wind or ruined by the elements. This often includes items such as toys, plants, lawn/patio furniture, pool items or anything else that is unable to be secured to the ground. It is also recommended by The South Florida Water Management District to do a running a check of the yard to determine whether any debris in your swales or drainage systems might prevent water from flowing away from your property.