How to prepare your garden and landscaping for a hurricane

Hurricanes bring powerful winds and heavy rains that can wreak havoc on your garden and landscaping.

While we often focus on securing windows and stocking up on supplies, it's easy to overlook the potential damage these storms can inflict on our outdoor spaces. Your garden and landscaping deserve just as much attention.

Follow these steps to prepare your garden and minimize storm damage.

Prune trees and shrubs.

One of the most important steps in preparing your garden for a hurricane is to assess and prune your trees and shrubs. 

• Inspect trees and shrubs. Start by checking for weak or dead branches that could become dangerous when detached during high winds. Look for any signs of disease or decay that might need to be trimmed.
• Prune properly. Trim back overgrown areas and remove any dead or damaged limbs to reduce the risk of breakage. Proper pruning helps improve the structure and strength of your trees and shrubs. For reference, check out the pruning guide, provided by the University of Maryland Extension.
• Secure young trees. Stake young or newly planted trees to provide additional support against strong winds. Use flexible ties to avoid damaging the tree bark.
  

Protect and secure your plants.

Protecting your plants from the elements is crucial during a hurricane, and with a little effort, you can keep them safe.

• Move potted plants indoors. If possible, bring potted plants inside or place them in a sheltered area like a garage or shed to shield them from wind and heavy rain.
• Group potted plants together. If you can't bring them inside, group pots together in a corner and secure them with heavy objects to prevent tipping.
• Secure the mulch beds. Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch to help prevent soil erosion and protect plant roots from heavy rain.
• Cover delicate plants. Use garden fabric or burlap to cover delicate plants. Secure the coverings to prevent them from blowing away.
  
  

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Secure garden structures and prepare your irrigation system.

Properly anchoring garden structures (like pergolas, arbors, sheds, and raised beds) and turning off irrigation systems can minimize damage and reduce the risk of injury and water-related issues during a natural disaster.

• Anchor down. Secure garden furniture and other structures to prevent them from being blown away or damaged. Use ground anchors or heavy weights to hold them in place.
• Remove loose items. Store loose garden decorations, tools, and toys indoors to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards. This also includes patio furniture cushions and umbrellas.
• Turn off irrigation. Shut off your sprinklers, drip lines, and other irrigation tools to prevent overwatering and potential flooding.
• Disconnect and store garden hoses. After draining hoses, coil them neatly without tight bends, which can lead to kinks. Store them in a dry, sheltered area, such as a garage or shed, to prevent UV damage and brittleness.

Relevant Article: How to prepare your home for a hurricane

Plan for post-storm recovery.

Recovery starts with preparation.

Being ready to clean up and restore your garden after the storm is essential. To ensure a smooth recovery process, stock up on necessary supplies beforehand. This includes garden tools, fertilizers, rakes, pruning shears, garbage bags, and other essentials that will aid in post-storm cleanup and recovery.

After the storm passes, carefully inspect your garden and landscaping for any damage. Addressing issues promptly is crucial to minimize long-term impact. This might involve re-staking trees, replanting displaced plants, and repairing damaged structures.

Preparing your garden for a hurricane isn't just about protecting your plants and structures—it's about ensuring peace of mind in the face of unpredictable weather. By taking these proactive steps, you'll not only safeguard your investment but also make the recovery process smoother and faster.

Don’t wait until the storm is on the horizon—start preparing now to keep your garden beautiful and resilient. For more tips on weatherproofing your home and garden, check out our related articles for ongoing advice.

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