Landscaping for Storm Preparation
Hurricanes are usually thought of as a tropical occurrence, but they do travel up the coast to New England, which is why it’s important to create a storm-resistant landscape.
The most essential—and potentially dangerous—element in your yard is a tree. During high winds, trees that aren’t strong, such as willow or red cedar, can be uprooted and cause damage to your house or your neighbor’s house.
Smart landscape design as prevention from wind damage
Consider planting strong trees with deep root systems. These include: magnolia, elm, oak and many others. Not only do they help to create a regal appearance in your yard, they also protect you from damage during severe weather. You can protect all plants in your garden by planting trees in strategic locations to act as windbreakers.
What can you do if you know a storm is coming?
Prevention is great, but what if you already have things like exposed garden beds, and you know a major storm is on the way? Try moving them. But if they can’t be moved, place large bags of soil or sandbags around them to help secure them.
When you know a storm is coming, you have to secure any loose items that can become projectiles in a strong wind. Remove garden tools, ornaments and yard decorations. Bring inside potted plants and hanging baskets. Some potted plants can be too heavy to move. If this is the case, try clustering them together, so they’ll stay put! Potted trees can be placed on their sides to secure them. A four-inch layer of mulch can cover fragile plants, protecting them from high winds.
Deadly downpours and flooding
Downpours can be deadly with flooding if you don’t have proper drainage built into your landscape design. Also, when you first design your landscape, try not to have built-up garden beds or elevated features that can direct flood water toward your house’s foundation.
What happens if you do experience flooding in your yard?
The water can damage vegetables and herbs more than flowers. So if you have to, go ahead and pick the vegetables before they rot. If that’s not appropriate, a floating row cover will protect your veggies.
When lightning strikes. . .
Last but not least, trees can act as lightning rods, especially the tallest ones. A single lightning strike can blow the bark right off a tree! There are lightning protection systems available for trees, but these can be costly. If you have a particular tree that you’d like to protect, talk with professionals who can install a rod and cable system that will keep electricity away from the tree. It’s a complex process, but is proven to be effective. So talk with experts about installation.
The Veron Company is your partner in environmentally friendly landscaping. Contact us today to let us go to work for you!
The Veron Company, serving Marlborough, Massachusetts and surrounding areas, including Cape Cod since 1982.
