There’s plenty to love about Autumn, from the falling leaves to bonfires and cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, Fall also brings inclement weather in the form of hurricanes. With hurricane season approaching, it is time to ensure that your backyard is ready for the storms ahead.
Have sufficient storage space
A high-intensity storm is likely to blow away or damage almost anything in your yard. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to store away any and all outdoor accessories. Clear out your garage or shed to make enough storage space to store away patio furniture, toys, and other yard items before the storm hits.
Décor items in your patio should be moved indoors for safety and prevention from imminent damage in the wake of a hurricane. Table covers and bench covers can both be used to protect furniture that will remain anchored outdoors.
Clean the gutters to prevent clogging
The importance of clearing your gutters is often underestimated. The reality is that you can’t afford to put off cleaning your gutters any longer if a storm is about to hit. The risks associated with clogged gutters are numerous-:
- It can lead to basement flooding and, in turn, cause the very foundation of the house to shake and cracks and crevices to develop.
- Clogged gutters can cause leaks that lead to mold and mildew.
All this translates to a pretty penny spent on repair and rework. If it’s been a while since you last cleared your gutter, get ready with your goggles, dusk masks, and heavy work gloves to get down to some serious cleaning.
Safeguard your pool
Your pool is a huge investment, and keeping it safe during a hurricane is crucial. Power off all pumps, chlorinators, and pool lighting ahead of the storm. Store away pool toys, floats, and poolside furniture to prevent them from flying away in the wind. Lastly, take the time to add more chlorine to your pool’s water so algea doesn’t end of forming as a result of the storm.
Carry out a thorough roof inspection
Do not wait until the last moment to get your roof fixed when a hurricane is on the horizon. This is the busiest time of the year to request a roof inspection, and service providers have long waiting lists. If not addressed in time, even the seemingly minor problems can lead to a major catastrophe. Ensure that the inspection is thorough and be ready to pay for any necessary fixes.
Shield your Outdoor furniture
For accessories that cannot be brought indoors when a hurricane is about to hit, you will need to anchor and cover them. Sectional covers and custom tarps are essential for protecting patio furniture and other stationary items. Heavy-duty covers and tarps made with durable and waterproof material will save your belongings from destruction. Anchor them to the ground with the help of stakes and rope.
Power Unplug
Low-voltage lines should be switched off in preparing for hurricanes. Make sure to turn off circuit breakers at the main electrical panel when preparing your pool for a forthcoming disaster. You should also turn off any equipment that is electrically or gas-powered and store it away if possible.
Shorten long trees
There is a chance that your yard’s trees and shrubs that can withstand hurricanes depending on your hardiness zone. Some trees and shrubs can serve as windbreakers, protecting your house from flying debris. Conversely, weak branches can be ripped off by strong winds and hit your home. By trimming down tall trees and removing damaged limbs, you can lessen the chance of damage.
Disconnect irrigation systems
One precaution that should be taken at the outset of the hurricane season is to get your irrigation systems checked by a professional. You will also want to turn off the sprinkler systems in order to prevent your yard from flooding in combination with the hurricane’s rainfall.
Avoid fertilizing plants
Adding fertilizers to the soil should be avoided at all costs right before a hurricane. Fertilizer that is not absorbed into the soil will find its way into the irrigation system. It will contaminate the drainage system leading to diseases and worm infestation.
Prune to Prevent
Trees that are pruned regularly by a professional help extend their lifetime. Take care of pruning far ahead of hurricane season to ensure that weak branches are out of the picture. You can shred the pruned branches and use them for mulch in your post-hurricane. fall yard transformation.
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