Are you aware of how easily your backyard can transform into a hazardous zone? If not careful, a sudden gust of wind can send your patio furniture flying, or a tree branch can crash into the roof.
The risks are real, but can you bring in everything that’s outdoors or keep a watch around the clock? Certainly not! What you can (and should) do is prepare for the storm season.
Yes, that’s possible and even imperative. The Atlantic hurricane season was notably severe in 2024. A total of 11 hurricanes from 18 storms led to 427 fatalities and $130 billion in damage.
To avoid becoming the next statistic, it’s crucial to protect your yard. How to do so? Just stay and keep reading, as this article discusses three effective ways of preparing your yard ahead of ‘nature’s wild hair days.’
Inspect and Address Tree Health
Since yards often have trees, it’s best to start there. While lush greenery is good, it cannot be left to itself. In other words, prepare for the storm season by thoroughly assessing the health and stability of your yard’s trees.
Weak or diseased trees are particularly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rainfall. They will become a hazard to homes, vehicles, and outdoor structures. So, what are the signs you need to look for? They would include, but not be limited to, leaning trunks, splitting branches, and exposed or damaged roots.
Even if the issue is minor, it can quickly escalate and turn into a major disaster during storm season. Let’s take the example of Simpsonville, South Carolina, in the US, where summer thunderstorms are pretty common. After all, the forecast for the 2025 hurricane season across South Carolina revealed an over 60% chance of an above-normal intensity of the hurricane season.
For homeowners in Simpsonville, this would indicate an increased likelihood of more frequent and intense storms. Those who are unprepared may find themselves in a rude awakening due to property damage, which includes flooding and fallen trees.
Swamp Rabbit Tree Co notes that tree removal becomes necessary when a tree is dead or poses a safety risk to one’s property. Not only that, but such cases call for professional support.
Homeowners with access to services for emergency tree removal in Simpsonville, SC, will be able to remove hazardous trees safely. Not only would property damage be minimal, but even the likelihood of injuries would decrease.
Besides emergency removal, you can still keep expert contacts for routine pruning or stabilization of vulnerable trees. That would altogether remove any risks during the storm season. Since it is about maintaining a safe environment for your household, why not be proactive, right?
Secure Loose Outdoor Items
Trees are not the only things in the yard you need to worry about. Even items like outdoor furniture, garden tools, and decorations can become projectiles in strong winds. This would only lead to property damage and injury.
So, start by bringing in small items whenever possible. Tables, chairs, umbrellas, and any lightweight decor can be stored in a garage or basement. For larger items that are difficult to move, use strong straps and bungee cords that secure them to the ground.
As for any playsets or a trampoline, reinforce these according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. It would most likely involve removing any loose swings or parts. Additionally, consider grouping similar items to make them easier to secure.
You can use weighted covers or tarps to protect the different items from wind or rain. Again, ensure they are tightly fastened to prevent them from being lifted. Let’s see an example of someone from Raleigh, North Carolina. This state is also among the top hurricane-prone areas in the country.
A patio set with lightweight chairs and a glass table is left unsecured during a thunderstorm. As the winds pick up pace, one of the chairs smashes into a nearby window. The tabletop also gets knocked over, damaging the garden fence.
This hypothetical scenario illustrates how even seemingly minor outdoor items can cause serious damage if not properly secured. It’s only through prior preparation that you can avoid something similar from happening.
Maintain Proper Drainage
The storm season can be pretty reckless. Heavy rainfall can easily turn your yard into a flood zone. The soil may get washed away, and trees could become unstable.
Proper drainage is essential to prevent the water from sweeping away your home’s critical outdoor structures. Water will likely not pool near the foundation or around trees. Otherwise, there may be structural damage along with an increased risk of tree falls.
So, start by inspecting the gutters and downspouts regularly. Ensure no leaves or twigs are blocking the flow of water. The water should be directed away from the home, ideally toward a slope or drainage area to avoid accumulation.
If your yard has low spots where water tends to pool, create a shallow trench to channelize it safely. Larger properties may benefit most from installing French drains or catch basins. Even simple measures like grading the yard can reduce the risk of flooding considerably.
In light of how bad the flash flooding situation has been in 2025, you cannot afford to skip proper drainage. Did you know that the US National Weather Service had issued over 3,500 flash flood warnings in 2025? All of this happened by July itself.
If you already reside in one of the riskier areas, it’s essential to minimize potential damage. Effective drainage systems are the safety net you need.
Mother Nature will throw her temper tantrums as she does so faithfully each year. The good news is that your yard need not participate in the chaos.
Put into practice what we have discussed and stay alert. Amid all of it, don’t forget to stash a pair of heavy-duty garden stakes in an accessible spot. They will help you anchor oversized plants or outdoor decor at the first signs of a storm.
A little extra prep now can save you hours of cleanup later. Who said storm season can’t be handled with a little style and a lot of strategy?