Preparing Your Landscape for a Hurricane
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 | The Greenery, Inc.
Beryl, the first major storm of the 2024 season, has come and gone already. It left a path of destruction as it tracked through Texas…with widespread flooding, more than 2.7 million people without power and 14 confirmed tornadoes across the state.
That is a good reminder that whether you are new to the Lowcountry or have faced many storms – it is critical that you have a hurricane preparedness plan in place for your household and your landscape. There’s no way to avoid a storm, but it does pay to be prepared!
The Greenery’s Storm Response Plan
The time to plan for a storm is now, when skies are clear and before the threat is imminent. That’s our company’s philosophy! The Greenery, Inc. prepares for hurricane season 365 days a year.
In the event of a storm, our goal will always be to prioritize and help as many people as possible. Our post-storm plan includes responding as one coordinated team with many arms completing a wide variety of tasks. We have tractors and mini loaders for moving large tree trunks and limbs, plus dump trucks and trailers for moving larger debris. This depth of manpower, coupled with equipment, machinery, and additional vehicles, makes The Greenery, Inc. one of the best prepared landscape companies and most equipped to respond to a crisis in the region.
Major Concerns
Flooding, high winds and tornadoes are typically the biggest threat with any hurricane or tropical storm. These storms often produce heavy rainfall, which can result in deadly and destructive floods. This flooding can persist even after the storm has passed due to runoff and overwhelmed drainage systems. Hurricanes can result in deadly storm surges among the coast, where the low pressure and strong winds of the hurricane push ocean water inland. Lowcountry residents are particularly at risk.
In addition, winds from a hurricane can destroy buildings and outdoor items and debris can become projectiles in high winds. Tornadoes can also accompany hurricanes and tropical storms in our area. These tornadoes can cause localized damage within the hurricane’s broader path.
How to Secure Your Landscape Before a Storm
- Plan ahead – Before the season begins, be sure to check your yard for dead or dying trees. Be sure to contact a local tree company to remove any hazardous trees or fallen limbs. It is also important to confirm that leaves or debris are not blocking storm drains around your property.
- Move anything light indoors – Decorative yard items and light furniture should be moved inside of your home, if possible. Examples of these items include – hanging baskets, outdoor furniture, bird feeders, gardening tools, wind chimes or anything else that is not secured.
- Secure heavier items – Group together heavier items that are too large to move indoors. Try to secure larger, potted plants together at the lowest point of your yard, like a hedge or a wall, to help block the wind. If you cannot group them together, try securing them with ropes or stakes.
- Lay stone items down – Heavy items made of stone, like benches and bowls, should be laid flat to prevent them from becoming projectiles. If you have a stone bird bath, don’t forget to remove the top of the pedestal.
- Sprinklers and lighting – Cut off power for your outdoor lighting and sprinkler systems or irrigation system. Turning off your irrigation system before a hurricane helps conserve water, protect your irrigation equipment, ensure electrical safety, and allows you to focus on more pressing storm preparations and safety precautions.
The Greenery, Inc. team encourages you to share this information with your Lowcountry family and friends so we can all begin to prepare for the 2024 storm season together. Need help with your hurricane preparation? Call The Greenery team today for a consultation at 843-785-3848.
