What to Do in Your Garden After Storm Bert 26 November 2024 Storm Bert has passed, leaving many UK gardens battered by heavy winds and rain. While the worst is over, your garden might need some care to recover and thrive again. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional gardener, here’s a practical guide to getting your outdoor space back in shape after the storm. Assess the Damage Start by surveying your garden to understand the extent of the damage. Take your time to: Inspect Trees and Plants: Look for broken branches, uprooted plants, or signs of stress like bent stems. Check Fences and Structures: Inspect fences, sheds, greenhouses, and other structures for damage or instability. Taking stock of the damage will help you prioritise what needs attention first. Tidy Up Debris Storms like Bert often scatter debris across gardens. Clear up fallen leaves, twigs, and other debris to make way for repairs and prevent pests or diseases from spreading. Use: Leaf Blowers or Rakes: To gather leaves quickly. Garden Bags or Compost Bins: To dispose of debris or turn it into mulch. Remember to check pathways and driveways for slippery patches caused by wet leaves. Repair and Stabilise Once the garden is tidied, it’s time to fix what’s broken: Support Damaged Plants: Stake plants with broken stems or those leaning from high winds. Gently tie them upright to give them a chance to recover. Prune Broken Branches: Use clean, sharp tools to cut damaged branches back to a healthy joint. This prevents disease from spreading. Fix Fences and Sheds: Replace broken fence panels, tighten loose screws, and patch any holes in sheds or greenhouses to prevent future damage. Revive Your Lawn Heavy rain and standing water can leave lawns looking patchy or muddy. Here’s how to help your grass recover: Remove Water: If there’s pooling, gently brush water into nearby drains or use a garden fork to aerate the soil and improve drainage. Rake Out Debris: Clear leaves and twigs to give the grass access to sunlight and air. Reseed Bare Patches: Sprinkle grass seed on areas that look thin or bald, and keep the soil moist to encourage growth. Look After Your Tools If you used tools like saws, strimmers, or blowers during the clean-up, take time to clean and dry them. Damp tools can rust, so give them a wipe down and store them properly in a dry space. Plan for Future Storms Secure Loose Items: Tie down or store garden furniture, pots, and decorations in a shed or garage. Trim Trees: Regular pruning reduces the chance of branches breaking in high winds. Final Thoughts Recovering from a storm can feel overwhelming, but tackling the clean-up step by step will make the process manageable. By repairing damage now and planning ahead, your garden will bounce back stronger than ever. Need tools to help with post-storm recovery? Here at Mowshop we offer everything from lawn strimmers to leaf blowers to keep your garden looking its best.