Living in rural France, we’re no strangers to sudden storms that can cause unexpected storm damage in the garden. High winds, heavy rain, and even the occasional hailstorm can turn a tidy outdoor space into a jumble of fallen branches, scattered debris, and battered plants. While it’s disheartening to see your garden in such a state, the good news is that with a little care (and sometimes a helping hand), it can be restored ~ and even made stronger for the future.
Step 1 – Safety First
After any storm damage, the most important thing is to check for safety hazards. Fallen tree branches, loose fence posts, or broken glass from garden structures should be handled carefully. If a tree looks unstable, it’s safest to call in a professional rather than tackling it yourself.
Step 2 – Clearing Debris
Start by removing branches, leaves, and any scattered items from your lawn and beds. This not only improves the look of the garden straight away but also prevents debris from smothering your grass or plants. Clearing storm debris is the first step in bringing order back after storm damage.
Step 3 – Assessing Plant Damage
Many plants look worse than they are after a storm. Broken stems and branches can usually be pruned back cleanly to encourage healthy regrowth. Flattened plants will often perk up after a few days ~ so don’t be too quick to dig them up! Regular pruning after storm damage helps plants recover faster.
Step 4 – Repairing Hard Landscaping
Storms can scatter gravel onto paths, dislodge mulch, or even damage fences and edging. Raking gravel back into place, resetting borders, and topping up mulch helps restore order and also protects the soil for the rest of the season. These small repairs can make a big difference after garden storm damage.
Step 5 – Prevention for the Future
While you can’t always avoid storm damage, you can reduce its impact with a few preventive steps:
- Regular pruning keeps trees and shrubs less vulnerable to breakage.
- Secure lightweight items like pots or garden furniture before a storm.
- Good drainage reduces waterlogging and soil erosion.
A Helping Hand in the Limousin
Clearing up after storm damage can be a big job, especially if you’re not living at your property full time. That’s where I come in ~ I can take care of the heavy lifting, branch removal, and tidying up so your garden is safe, neat, and ready to enjoy again.
If you’re in the Royère-de-Vassivière, Vallière, or surrounding areas, get in touch and I’ll be happy to help with storm damage clean-ups or ongoing garden care.