Storm-Proof Your Outdoor Space: 5 Pro Tips for Quick Protection
When you see a storm rolling in, the last thing you want is to have to scramble to protect your outdoor space. Having a storm-proofing plan in place beforehand will help you be ready when lightning strikes, saving you time, stress, and potential damage to your yard.
Read on to learn five expert-approved tips you can use to quickly protect your outdoor areas before bad weather strikes
1. Reinforce your plants with mulch & stakes
Don't let your beautiful garden become a casualty of the storm! Adding extra mulch to your plants helps stabilize them against strong winds. For an added layer of protection, use garden stakes to keep them secure. If you have to leave potted plants outdoors, group them together in a sheltered area to protect them from wind gusts.
If you can, bring potted plants indoors where they’re safest. For plants that have to stay outside, consider wrapping them loosely in burlap or sheets. This extra layer can shield delicate branches and leaves from harsh winds and driving rain, giving your garden a better chance of surviving the storm.
2. Trim trees and check for weak branches
Trees can become dangerous during storms if you don’t take care of them properly. Before bad weather hits, take time to check your trees for any weak or dead branches that could potentially fall and cause damage. Removing these unstable limbs reduces the risk of them being blown off into something (or someone) by high winds.
Pay special attention to branches near your home, power lines, or other buildings. Trimming back overgrown shrubs and trees is not only good for their health, but also minimizes the chance of them causing damage during a storm. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, consider calling a professional arborist for an assessment and pruning.
3. Secure your outdoor furniture and decor
Your patio set and outdoor decor can quickly become dangerous when a storm hits. To keep tables and chairs from blowing away and causing damage, secure them properly. Stack chairs and tie them down with bungee cords, or use lawn stakes to anchor them in place.
For larger pieces like tables or grills, use heavy-duty tie-down straps or zip ties. If you have the space and time, the safest option is to move outdoor furniture and decor indoors to an area like a garage or basement. Don't forget about smaller items like planters, umbrellas, and toys — these can be thrown around in strong winds and should be stored safely in your house or shed.
4. Protect your driveway and front yard
After securing your backyard, don't forget about your front yard either! You can secure trash cans with bungee cords or tie-downs to keep them from tipping over or blowing away. It also works to weigh them down with sandbags or bricks.
If you have a basketball hoop in your driveway, lower it as much as possible to reduce wind resistance. Take a walk around your front yard to find and secure any loose items that could be picked up by strong winds. This might include garden ornaments, welcome mats, or hanging plants.
5. Check on your outdoor structures
While the weather is good, take a walk around your yard and check out any structures like sheds, garages, awnings, and canopies. Take a look for any loose screws, bolts, or weak spots in these structures that need to be secured and fix them now. If necessary, consider taking down awnings or canopies that might not be able to hold up severe winds.
For sheds and garages, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked. Check for any loose panels or siding that could be torn off by strong winds. In high-risk areas or for extra precaution, consider boarding up windows with plywood for a bit of extra protection against flying debris.
And there you have it! By following these five tips, you can quickly and effectively prepare your outdoor space when you see a storm coming. Remember, the key to successful storm-proofing is being proactive and having a plan in place before bad weather arrives. Check the weather forecasts and make storm preparation a part of your routine outdoor maintenance.
With these strategies, you can rest easier knowing you've taken important steps to protect your outdoor living areas from the risk of storm damage.