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How to Help Your Lawn Recover from Storm Damage
It’s been over a decade since Central Florida witnessed its last major hurricane, but it looks as though 2016 is the year to break the streak. Hurricane Hermine was the first system to make landfall in Florida since 2005, although it didn’t cause a significant amount of damage; but now, we are gearing up for Hurricane Matthew, which promises to be a big one. Hopefully by now you have shutters for your windows and your emergency supplies stocked up, but what happens to your very vulnerable lawn?
Many people forget that big storms can do a number on their lawns. Just in case Matthew causes some damage, here are a few easy tips to help your yard recover after the hurricane:
Don’t start the cleanup process until the storm has officially passed. It may be tempting to being cleaning up any debris at the first sign that the winds are subsiding, but it’s very important for your safety that you remain in a safe place until the all-clear notice is given. Hurricane winds tend to come in squalls, and any debris can become dangerous projectiles in the blink of an eye.
Get rid of all big sticks, stones, and branches in your yard. Once the storm has left, go outside and collect all the large pieces of debris that you can. That way, the sun will touch each area of your lawn evenly, helping it to dry out. Leaving debris where it is can lead to rotting and other problems caused by oversaturation.
Try to water your lawn as soon as possible. Especially if you’re in a coastal area, hurricanes carry with them a lot of silt and saltwater that can kill your grass. Make sure you check with your city ordinances about watering regulations after the storm. As soon as you get the thumbs-up, give your lawn a quick rinse with the sprinklers to help get rid of the bad stuff.
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to taking care of your yard during the hurricane. Before any storm arrives, make sure to cut down any dead or dying branches on your trees and harvest as many vegetables from your garden as you possibly can to help avoid unnecessary debris floating around. For more information from the Central Florida mower experts, call Gator Mower Parts at 407-260-1292 today. And please, stay safe during this hurricane season.
