This season has been an active one for tropical storms in Gainesville, and with Matthew threatening tomorrow I thought it would be a good time to review ways that you can prepare your Gainesville lawn and landscaping. Here are seven steps to take to have your yard better prepared for the storm.
1. Stay informed. Keep an eye on the forecast. Know when the storm is headed your way so that you can begin to prepare days in advance. Never attempt to go out in the storm and move stuff around.
2. Secure Loose Items. Remove loose items that can be moved by heavy winds, creating potential hazards. Garden furniture, grills, pots, trellis' and yard tools that may be laying around can become dangers in high winds. Move these items into a garage or secure structure before the storm arrives.
3. Stormproof your irrigation. Unplug your irrigation timer. One of the most common calls that we get after a storm is an irrigation timer that is no longer functioning after being struck by lightning. Unplug your timer during the storm to prevent this from happening.
4. Trim your trees. Pruning tree limbs back that may be close to home, windows or roof can help from the wind causing them to damage your home. Although they may not be touching your home on a normal day, the weight of all the rain and wind will cause them to rub and pull shingles up, break windows, and damage anything they come into contact with.
5. Batten down the hatches. Close all doors and windows on your storage shed and reinforce if possible.
6. Tend to new trees. If you have recently planted trees or large shrubs, make sure they are staked and driven deep into the ground. Without a firm rooting to hold them in, they will be pushed over in a storm.
7. Unplug Fountains. Before a storm, fountains should be turned off and secured, electrical cords should be unplugged, rolled up and secured. Any body of water is a draw for lightning, and will commonly fry pumps if not unplugged.
Exercise these precautions in your Gainesville lawn to keep your home and neighbors safe. Remember that we would rather err on the side of caution and be over-prepared than the alternative. If we can be of service for Gainesville storm cleanup or Fall lawn clean-up after Matthew passes, please contact our office at (352) 378-5296 or info@themasterslawncare.com. Thanks and stay safe!