How to Protect Your Plants Against Heavy Rain and Storms

Extreme weather can wreak havoc on your outdoor spaces, especially in areas like Florida, where storms are frequent and heavy rainfall is common. Whether you manage a commercial landscaping project or your own landscaped garden in Lake Mary, FL, preparation is key to keeping plants safe and thriving despite unpredictable weather.

This guide will walk you through practical tips to protect your plants from heavy rain and storms while preserving the beauty and health of your landscape.

Why Protecting Plants from Storm Damage Matters

Storms and heavy rain don't just water your plants—they can flood root systems, tear branches, and strip soil of its nutrients. Without proper safeguards, a single storm can turn your lush landscape into a damaged mess. For businesses maintaining commercial landscaping in Lake Mary, FL, this can be especially problematic, as the appearance of your landscape directly impacts customer impressions and your brand image.

Taking these preventative measures will save you time and resources in restoration, keeping your garden resilient and healthy year-round.

How Heavy Rain and Storms Can Harm Your Plants

Before we get to the solutions, it’s important to understand the specific risks heavy rain and storms present. Common challenges include:

Flooding: Too much water can drown roots, blocking them from absorbing oxygen, leading to rotting and plant death.
Wind Damage: Strong winds can snap branches, uproot trees, and dislodge small or weak plants.
Erosion: Torrential rain can wash away topsoil, depriving plants of essential nutrients and stability.
Debris Impact: Flying objects during a storm can damage leaves, stems, and trunks.
Fungal Diseases: Excess moisture encourages fungal growth, which can quickly spread disease across a garden.

Now that we understand the risks, here’s how to safeguard your plants.

6 Tips to Protect Your Plants from Heavy Rain and Storms

1. Evaluate and Prepare the Soil

Healthy soil is your garden’s first defense against heavy rain and storms. Well-aerated soil can absorb rain more effectively and reduce waterlogging. To prepare:

Check Drainage: Ensure your soil isn’t compacted and that water can flow freely. Consider adding organic material, like compost, to improve absorption.
Use Mulch: A layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants will protect topsoil from harsh rain and reduce erosion.
Elevate Flood-Prone Areas: If parts of your garden flood regularly, install raised beds or berms to keep your plants above water.

2. Reinforce Vulnerable Plants

Certain plants, especially young or newly planted ones, might not withstand the force of a storm. Reinforce them by:

Staking Plants: Use sturdy stakes and ties to provide support for trees and tall shrubs.
Pruning: Trim weak or overgrown branches to reduce wind resistance and prevent breakage.
Securing Lightweight Pots: Move fragile or potted plants indoors if possible, or anchor them to ensure they don’t tip over.

3. Install Protective Barriers

Barriers can help shield your landscape from strong winds and flying debris.

Windbreaks: Use structures like fences, hedges, or trellises to block strong winds. For large commercial landscaping projects, consider installing wind-resistant hedges.
Netting or Row Covers: Lightweight netting can protect delicate plants from both wind and debris without smothering them.

4. Improve Garden Drainage

Proper drainage systems are essential to prevent water from pooling in and around your garden. Here are a few modifications you can make:

Add Drainage Channels: Between larger plants or along pathways, channels can direct water out of the garden.
Install French Drains: These underground gravel-filled trenches redirect rainwater from your landscape towards safer outlets.
Use Rain Gardens: These shallow, planted basins collect runoff and allow water to slowly percolate into the soil.

5. Protect Trees

Mature trees can often withstand storms, but younger or recently transplanted trees may need extra care.

Check Stability: Secure trees with stakes if they are showing signs of instability.
Mulch Around the Base: This protects roots and reduces soil compaction caused by heavy rain.
Remove Deadwood: Prune dead or weak branches to prevent them from falling during storms.

6. Inspect After the Storm

Once the skies clear, assess your landscape’s condition immediately:

Look for Flooded Areas: Remove excess water from around plant bases promptly to prevent root rot.
Check Tree Damage: Address broken branches or leaning trees immediately to prevent accidents.
Aerate Soil: If heavy rain has compacted your garden beds, gently aerate the soil to help roots breathe again.
Apply Fungicides (if necessary): Wet foliage can lead to fungal infections, so act fast if you see signs of disease.

Working with Experts to Protect Your Landscape

If you manage a commercial landscaping project in Lake Mary, FL, maintaining your greenery doesn’t stop with storm preparation. From choosing storm-resistant plants to installing drainage systems, professional landscapers like Plant This can provide expert advice and solutions.

Whether it's a business park or a restaurant garden, Plant This offers tailored services to safeguard your landscape against extreme weather, keeping it beautiful and functional year-round.

Make Storm Protection Part of Your Garden’s Maintenance Routine

Storm preparation doesn’t only happen during hurricane season—it’s an integral part of maintaining a thriving landscape. By implementing the strategies above, you create a garden resilient enough to endure Florida’s heaviest rains while standing out as a green, vibrant space.

If heavy rains and storms have been a challenge for your garden or commercial property, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Plant This today for a consultation and get your landscape ready to face Lake Mary’s weather with confidence.