Strong storms and tornadoes can wreak havoc on the outdoor areas surrounding your home, even when the house itself is fortunately spared. Following an inclement weather event, you might wonder how to clean up your landscaping and what lawn care equipment is most helpful. Here's a closer look at how to care for your yard and promote safety after a storm has passed.

4 Tips for Cleaning Your Yard After a Big Storm

1. Check for Hazards

Storms can cause large branches to fall onto power lines, and gusty winds might knock down utility poles. Getting too close to these areas while cleaning up your lawn may lead to electrocution. Any puddles of water near downed wires may conduct electricity, increasing the risk of shock. Additionally, strong winds can partially uproot trees, causing them to lean and making them more prone to falling on people and property.

For this reason, it's best to perform a thorough check of the property while wearing shoes with thick rubber soles before you start the cleanup. If you notice any of these hazards, allow the utility company or a professional tree service to resolve issues for safety purposes. 

2. Remove Fallen Debris 

If left on your lawn, fallen branches, twigs, and leaves can attract wood-eating pests to your property. They might also block sunlight, oxygen, and moisture from nourishing grass, creating dead patches on your lawn. Collecting branches and raking debris can promote yard health and keep insects away from your home. 

Rather than discarding branches, you might consider purchasing a wood chipper from a lawn care equipment dealer. These machines pulverize branches, providing you with mulch to spread in planting beds. Having this device in your garden shed will make DIY landscaping a breeze throughout every season.

3. Unblock Drains and Gutters

Storms can cause leaves, twigs, pine cones, and needles to obstruct drainage systems on your property. For instance, this debris might block gutters and downspouts, preventing moisture from draining off your roof. This is dangerous because water can seep under the roof's shingles and spill down to the foundation, leading to deterioration.

The excess moisture may put pressure on your foundation, leading to cracks that allow water to leak into your basement. Clearing gutters, downspouts, and drains can ensure moisture properly diverts away from your property to prevent damage. 

4. Trim Damaged Foliage

Storms may cause tree branches to break and dangle. You might also notice broken twigs and stems on shrubs and landscaping foliage. In addition to creating eyesores and injury risks, these damages can compromise the health of plant life in your yard. 

You can help foliage in your lawn and landscapes recover and improve curb appeal by trimming damaged segments with shears or pruners. Investing in a chainsaw and safety gear will also provide your toolshed with the means to handle future cleanup with a lot more efficiency.

If you need supplies for cleaning up your lawn after a storm, head to Stanly Tractor Company. They provide landscaping and lawn care equipment, including riding mowers and accessories, to customers throughout New London, NC. Call (704) 983-1106 to ask this Kubota® power equipment dealer about products in stock, and visit the website to learn more about the brands and gear they carry.