Heavy Rain and Plant Damage

Hurricanes aren't the only weather problem for landscapes—even a heavy rain can cause water damage. Inspect your lawn and garden after a storm: pick up debris and clean out clogged storm drains, prune damaged trees and shrubs, and dry out garden beds by removing excess mulch. As a precaution against rain damage, never plant tender plants under roof eaves without gutters, and consider a rain garden to collect excess water.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Landscapes Under Water!
• Trees & Hurricanes: What to Do After a Storm

UF/IFAS Publications

• After the Storms: Landscaping Tips (PDF)
• The Effect of Soil Saturation on Trees and Other Plants (PDF)
• Promoting Lawn Recovery After a Hurricane
• Storms and Our Landscape (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Lightning Damage to Trees
• Preparing for Hurricanes
• Preparing Trees for Hurricanes
• Rain Gardens

Other Sites

• After the Storm: Garden and Landscape Triage--Purdue (IN) Extension
• Effects of Flooding on Woody Landscape Plants--University of Wisconsin Extension (PDF)
• Nine Gardening Tips to Do After a Heavy Rain--Veggie Gardener