After a summer storm, your landscape will likely need some special attention. Downed tree branches, puddles across the lawn, defoliated plants – all of these issues can result from the high winds and strong rainfall that can come during a storm. It’s worth looking into your landscape storm damage to amend issues like huge puddles and tree branches that have been entirely or nearly broken off. If you leave behind some of this damage, it can lead to unhealthy trees or turf in the future. So, what should you do to repair landscape storm damage? Follow these tips to get your landscape back on the right path.
Inspect Your Trees
After storms, your trees may pose a safety risk. It is especially concerning if you notice broken branches hanging in the tree. These are commonly referred to as “widow makers” for obvious reasons. If you see tree branches hanging from a tree, cordon off the area to warn everyone of the situation until you can have the branch safely removed. Contact Scientific Plant Service to assess the situation and evaluate your next steps. Remedial pruning may be necessary to help the tree recover from damage caused by broken tree branches.
Pick Up Smaller Twigs and Debris
You can pick up smaller branches or twigs to clear your landscape. These can be used as firewood for outdoor fire pits when the twigs have dried. If you pick up large amounts of leaves or other organic debris, you can compost them.
Trim Leaf-Damaged Plants
If the stems of your annuals, perennials, or vegetable plants are intact, remove any damaged leaves. If the flower or shrub was uprooted, you can try to replant and then prune if the stem looks alright. Do not remove more than a third of the leaves at one time because your plants need their leaves to replenish themselves and restore what they lost.
A snapped stem will be cause for replacing many plants. If you are in doubt about whether replacement is necessary, contact Scientific Plant Service.
Fix Puddles on Your Lawn
One of the most common elements of landscape storm damage is water pooling. If you spot a puddle in your yard after storms, you likely have a problem with water runoff in that area. You can try planting water-loving shrubs in that area so they can help soak up water in the future. If the water puddle grows, you may want to consider filling in the depression or redirecting the water flow.
Help Your Trees Recover
Mulching, watering, controlling pests, and fertilizing throughout the year will help maintain the health of your trees. Healthy trees are much less likely to break during storms.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.