In North Carolina, summer means high heat and humidity, which often lead to afternoon thunderstorms. While the rain can be great for your lawn and landscape, there are also some steps you can take to protect your home and yard from high winds and flooding.
Add Mulch
Hard rains and strong winds can be tough on plants. However, helping your plants build a strong root system can make them more resilient and ensure that they come back healthy even if they are damaged by weather. A three-inch blanket of mulch will help plants be more durable and trap moisture during the hot summer months.
Keep Trees Trimmed
Extreme weather can also be tough on trees, especially if they have become overgrown. Losing a limb also has the potential to damage your home and take down power lines. Be sure to remove any dead branches and trim any other branches that aren’t doing well. This will allow the tree to send more energy to the root system and help it become more solidly anchored in the soil.
Tether Plants
If you spent the spring installing new plants throughout your landscape, it is a good idea to tether these young plants to a fence or a stake that has been placed securely in the ground. Again, these plants are still trying to establish a strong root system, so anchoring them will help them survive summer thunderstorms.
Install a Retaining Wall
Flooding can also be a problem as storms move in and out quickly and drop a good amount of rain. This can be tough on plants and also cause soil erosion. A retaining wall may be the solution for effectively redirecting water and providing a barrier for plants and soil. Fortunately, these walls can also make a great decorative addition to your landscape.
While summer storms can be tough on your landscape, there are some precautions you can take to help your plants survive summer conditions. For additional help protecting and improving your landscape, contact the experts at JT’s Landscaping and Lawn Care.
