Salvaging your lawn or landscape after a serious Midwest storm can feel downright overwhelming. Whether it was a tornado or strong winds, our landscapes can take a hit. If your trees and shrubs got hit or if your property got damaged, there are ways to mitigate this storm damage. So let’s cover ways on how to go about it.
Assessing the damage
First and foremost, you’ll want to assess the damage before moving forward. Survey your entire property. Did any limbs fall on power lines? If so, you’ll want to get this sorted out immediately. Your local utility company will be more than happy to come and remove these, so don’t try to be the hero in this scenario. Often fallen branches were initially dead branches. Therefore, in many cases, this can be a positive thing. Additionally, if limbs are too large to handle, you’ll want to hand this over to the experts so you don’t injure yourself. Removing branches from your lawn will also prevent any insects and rot from making their way to them. These will eventually kill your grass over time. More damage is probably the last thing you want.
Changes in weather
Summer/Spring
Has your landscape gone dry? Damage doesn’t only come from crazy winds and hail. Drought can have just as much of an impact, especially in Nebraska. If you live in a particularly dry area during the summer months and forget to water your lawn, you may experience some significant consequences. One of the first steps here is to check for new growth. Do your stems and roots have any touch of green in them? If so, don’t lose hope. Cut out any dead areas to make way for the new growth to occur. Once you’ve accomplished this, start giving it the water it deserves. Just don’t overdo it! This goes for your lawn as well. Watering it regularly is a must. Once it’s quenched its thirst, you can lay fertilizer to speed up the healing process. Soon enough, your lawn and plant life should be looking green and vibrant like it’s meant to.
Fall/Winter
On the flip side, did you get hit with a particularly rough fall or winter? Heavy snow, ice, and even salt can have some devasting effects on your lawn. Luckily there are ways to prevent and fix these problems. Branches are one of the main subjects affected by a winter storm. Heavy snow can often be too much for these branches to handle. If you notice a branch is struggling after a snowfall, you can prevent its downfall by lessening the load. Only remove from the lower branches so you don’t hurt yourself in the process. Furthermore, if any branches have storm damage, you can trim these to stimulate growth and repair.
Your grass can also take a beating in the cold harsh winter, especially the salt that’s used for de-icing. Salt will eliminate the necessary moisture that your grass needs to live off of it. Once the weather starts to warm up, make sure you’re watering adequately.
Additional things to keep in mind
Did you lose a tree altogether? If you’re dealing with a fallen tree, it may be time to say goodbye. How old and how big is your tree? If it’s young and small, it may be able to be replanted. It will need to be done as soon as possible so the roots will be able to properly take hold. How’s your garden looking after the storm? Again, you’ll want to remove anything damaged, broken, or completely dead. You can add in some fertilizer or compost afterward to bring in some nutrients.
There is hope!
The first glance of your lawn after a severe storm may have you feeling hopeless and defeated. No matter the severity of the storm damage, this doesn’t have to be the case. With proper assessment and a few tweaks here and there, this doesn’t have to mean the end of a beautiful lawn. It may not happen overnight, but there is always hope for growth and repair. If the storm damage seems to be out of your hands, make sure to call in the landscaping experts for a hand.
Arbor Hills Landscaping Company Omaha | Best Landscaping Company in Omaha, NE
Arbor Hills Trees & Landscaping Services can provide you with everything from detailed maintenance programs to unique plant production, and other services in between. That means we build water features, walls, patios, irrigation, walkways, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and anything else you can help us dream up. Our professionally trained staff can build the landscape of your dreams and keep you from breaking any Home Landscaping Rules.
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