Tracking Hurricane Dorian while moving closer to the Virginia coast -

While we watch the radar and tracking Hurricane Dorian while moving closer to the Virginia coast, it means preparing our homes for the potential damage that comes from heavy rains and high winds. Most of the time, however we overlook a very important part of our homes and neighborhoods, and doing so can have disastrous results. That often-forgotten place is right outside your front door – your landscaping.

Just like the roof over your head, the trees and plants surrounding your home and around your community can be devastated by storms. And even worse, landscaping that hasn’t been properly tended can become a source of flying debris, creating significant damage and injury.

While Hurricane Dorian is on its way to the Virginia coast, start your preparations from the outside in. Below are 10 quick fixes you can make where your landscaping is concerned that will help you weather the storm as safely as possible.

1. Look at your trees from top to bottom.
Trees can be a major source of destruction during a storm, but that doesn’t have to be the case if you see to a few things before the storm winds kick up. The removal of any dead or brown branches on your trees, as well as any debris lying at the base of the tree, should be removed for the same reason.

2. Clean your gutters.
Cleaning your gutters is important year-round, but especially so during hurricane season. It’s particularly important to make sure your gutters are free of debris when a storm hits. The last thing you want when the heavy rains come is to deal with clogged gutters. When the weather is good, spray your gutters with a hose. Installing screens and protective guards can also help you keep your gutters clutter free.

3. Keep the good stuff.
Before the storm hits, you want to make sure you harvest what you like from your flowerbed and veggie patch. Why leave your beautiful blossoms and tasty vegetables at the mercy of a hurricane when you can enjoy them from the comfort and security of your home?

4. Keep your building tree-free.
If you live in a House or building, keep an eye out for tree limbs that are too close to the House or building as they pose a potential hazard. During high winds, tree branches can break windows and/or create holes in your roof, both of which are costly to repair. Talk to your landscaping company about pruning trees so that they stay well away from your building.

5. Take out the trash.
Remove all green debris from your property and curb lines. Look for downed trees, fallen leaves and branches on the ground. Removing this debris will help keep storm drains from getting clogged and remove possible projectiles from your yard.

6. Shut down your irrigation system.
Before a storm hits, make sure that all of your irrigation system controllers are shut off so that the system doesn’t come on during a storm. To protect the system against damage from lightning strikes or power surges, unplug the controller or shut down its power source.

7. Watch those power lines.
Scan your property for any power lines. If you see any branches close to them, consider having your professional landscaper trim the branches. They can become a major hazard during a hurricane.

8. Bring potted plants and lawn ornaments inside.
Potted plants will likely flip over in high winds, damaging both the plant and planter. Of course, they can also become airborne and damage other property. Bring them inside, along with any gazing globes, bird feeders, wind chimes and other lawn ornaments. Be sure to protect and store any lawn or patio furniture as well.

9. Be prepared for post-storm insects.
After a storm, insects will be actively looking for food and shelter. Stock up on bug spray for both crawling and flying insects that will likely be looking for a new home. Mosquitoes will be particularly active in the days following a storm. After a storm, eliminate sources of standing water around your home, if possible, to limit mosquito activity. If standing water cannot be eliminated, treat it as soon as possible to avoid it becoming a mosquito breeding ground.

10. Consult a professional.
If you don’t own your home or your property is managed by a professional property management company, they have likely already connected you with a reliable landscaping company. Your property management and landscaping professionals will be able to provide more insight on how to prep your yard and common areas within your community for weather related issues that may arise.

Why you should contact Diamond Landscape Solutions:
At Diamond Landscape Solutions we are committed to providing high-quality Landscape level service, while taking care of our clients and customers in a way that separates us from other landscape companies. We treat each and
every home/client as if they were our very own no matter how big or small the job may be. If you are looking for a quote for lawn care or landscape solutions in the Richmond/surrounding area we’ve got you covered!