There’s a lot of beautiful weather in Georgia, from sunny summer days to crisp autumn breezes and colorful leaves. But just like most climates, Atlanta-area residents can expect a few powerful storms from time to time.
Georgia’s biggest severe weather threat? Thunderstorms. And while that may sound mild, they can pack a punch, bringing high speed winds, hail, and tornado potential.
Homeowners in Atlanta may be wondering, “How should I prepare for a storm?” Most of us know the indoor essentials: charge electronic devices and have battery-powered lighting handy, gather supplies and shelf-stable food, and identify the safest place to shelter in your home.
But did you know that you can prepare your yard for a major storm, potentially minimizing damage and avoiding costly repairs? Read on to find out how to be weather-prepared.
How to Prepare Your Yard for Inclement Weather
You don’t need to rush to prepare your yard every time you hear a thunder clap in the distance, but if a major storm is forewarned, these steps can offer protection. In fact, some of them can be completed far in advance to keep your yard healthy in just about any scenario.
Long Term Preparations
No need to wait for a rainy day to prepare for severe weather in Georgia! These three steps will keep you ahead of any storm.
- Check your drainage.
In Georgia, flooding caused by heavy rains is more common than wind damage – and flooding can cause damage to both your yard and your home! Checking the drainage in your yard is an essential step in minimizing potential flooding. Add it to your seasonal to-do list to ensure that your yard has proper drainage every year.
Every home is different, but there are lots of things you can do to ensure that water is draining properly around your home. Consider this checklist:
- Clean your gutters. This prevents roof damage from water build-up. While you’re there, consider adding gutter screens for future build-up prevention.
- Direct your downspouts. Make sure that water is running away from your foundation instead of into it.
- Aerate your yard. This breaks up compacted soil and allows water to soak into the ground rather than puddling on top of packed earth.
- Check ditches and drains. Inspect typical stormwater runoff areas to make sure they’re blockage free.
- Install a sump pump. If your lawn has poor drainage, a sump pump can direct excess rainwater to a safer place when storms arrive.
- Plant trees. This is certainly a long-term solution, but mature plants and trees partially absorb heavy rainfall, preventing flooding and lawn damage.
- Get your trees inspected.
Diseased or dying trees lack the stability of healthy, mature trees. When a storm arises, weak branches can snap off, causing yard debris, or entire trees can fall, causing serious issues if they’re close to a home, fence, or outdoor structures.
Arborists who offer professional tree services in the Atlanta area – like Northside Tree Professionals – can help you trim healthy trees and remove dead or diseased ones, keeping your yard beautiful and storm-ready.
- Check your fence.
Fences can shift over time due to poor installation or ground erosion. And when a fence falls in a storm, it can be costly – not to mention that children and pets aren’t secure outside while it’s down. Before a storm is in the forecast, walk the perimeter of your fence to make sure everything is strong and steady.
Short Term Preparations
Once you’ve checked off your seasonal list, you’re already off to a strong start in inclement weather preparation. But when a major storm looms in the forecast, you’ll probably want to add a few more things to your to-do list for safety and peace of mind.
- Secure loose objects.
Patio furniture, potted plants, and outdoor decor add ambience to your yard and make for a great living space. But when storms are headed your way, it’s best to move smaller pots and decorations indoors and secure larger items with bungee cords, sandbags, or straps.
Things to move indoors:
- Potted plants
- Small decorations
- Children’s toys
- Lawn ornaments
Things to secure:
- Large or heavy outdoor furniture
- Grills
- Trampolines
- Play sets
This simple step will prevent damage from high winds, keeping your pots – and windows – unbroken.
- Protect your plants.
If you’ve spent lots of time tending to your backyard garden, lawn, and foliage, a storm can feel extra stressful. The good news: there are several ways to minimize damage! Protect smaller potted items by moving them into a shed or garage temporarily.
If you have outdoor plants that can’t be moved, protect them with coverings whenever possible. This is especially true for newly planted trees and shrubs whose root systems haven’t developed enough to stabilize themselves in high winds and heavy rains.
- Secure sheds and pergolas.
Sheds and pergolas seem like permanent backyard fixtures, but extreme winds during thunderstorms or other adverse weather events can tip them over or shift them around. To avoid damage to the shed or pergola and the soil around it, secure these structures with anchor kits, ground stakes and sandbags.
Tree Experts You Can Trust
Great storm preparation leads to safer conditions at home during adverse weather and easier clean-up after the storm clears. If you’re looking for expert tree services in Atlanta, give Northside Tree Professionals a call. We’re committed to providing the best tree services in Georgia, combined with superior customer service and affordable costs.
Our team of certified arborists is here to help you tackle all kinds of tree-related tasks, from seasonal trimming and pruning to removal of dead or diseased trees – we’ll even secure the permits for you! And if you’re not sure about the health of an existing tree or you’re ready to plant some new ones, our tree analysis services will help you make the best decision for your yard and home.
Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to protect your yard and prevent potential damage. If you want to give your trees the best chance to thrive in any conditions, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule an estimate and discover your options.