Storms can feel pretty overwhelming, and it’s not just people who struggle with them; our plants do too. Whether it’s heavy rain, strong gusts of wind, or an unexpected hailstorm, the aftermath can leave your garden looking messed up. Soil shifts, leaves get shredded, and stems snap. It’s heartbreaking for any plant lover to see. The silver lining is that most plants are far more resilient than they appear, and with a bit of proper care, they often bounce back stronger than before.
Damage from a storm is usually just a temporary hurdle, not a permanent loss. Much like how you’d comfort a sick friend, your garden needs some gentle attention to recover. From propping up a toppled tree to dealing with waterlogged flower beds, there are practical ways to fix storm damaged plants back to healthy ones.
Preparing Your Garden for Stormy Weather
- Stop fertilizing plants at the end of the season, so they don’t produce soft new shoots that are highly vulnerable to frost. Let them slow their growth naturally.
- Remove any diseased leaves or branches you spot. Don’t compost them, as they can spread infection through your compost pile during winter.
- Tidy up garden beds, borders, and your lawn by clearing away dead leaves and broken branches.
- Lift tender bulbs that may not survive the cold. Let them dry for a few weeks before storing them in containers for spring replanting.
- Add a 3–5 inch layer of mulch to help plants retain moisture and shield roots from harsh conditions.
- Wrap sensitive plants in fleece or plant jackets to give them extra insulation against freezing temperatures.
- Stop feeding roses around August so they can properly shut down for the season.
- Support unsteady plants with canes, ties, or rings to prevent them from toppling over in harsh winds.
- Ensure your garden has good drainage, with proper runoff to carry excess water away from plant roots.
After the Storm
Knowing how to care for your garden after the storm helps damaged plants recover and thrive again.
Assess the Damage
Look over your garden and notice if any plants have been uprooted or snapped. A shrub that appears broken can often still recover. If a plant remains mostly intact, don’t discard it too quickly. Give it some patience, as perennials often bounce back. Wait about six weeks to see whether fresh growth starts to appear. If nothing changes, trim the stems all the way down to the base and see if it revives the following season.
It’s best to trim away any dead or damaged growth on both annuals and perennials right after a storm. Doing this reduces the chance of disease setting in.
Remove Broken Stems
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut broken parts as close to the main stem as you can. This prevents the plant from wasting unnecessary energy and helps it recover faster.
Reposition and Stabilize Plants
If a storm has pulled a plant out of the ground and left its roots exposed, don’t assume it’s lost. Many plants, such as hydrangeas, handle replanting very well. In this situation, spread fresh mulch across the bed or border, replace any topsoil that may have washed away, and settle the plant back into the ground. Fill in the empty spaces with soil and firmly press it down to stabilize it.
Avoid adding fertilizer right away. Give the plant a few weeks (minimum 3 weeks) to regain its strength. Forcing new growth when the plant’s structure is weak can do more harm than good.
Remove Plants That Are Not Salvageable
It can be tough to decide when a plant or shrub can’t be saved, but sometimes the best choice is to remove it. Don’t hesitate to clear away plants that show no signs of recovery. If possible, recycle them into your compost pile.
Weed
One upside of stormy weather is the softened soil, which makes weeding far easier. Pull unwanted plants out by hand, or use a weeding tool to lift them from the roots. The loosened ground makes the process quick and effective.
Aerate
Because storms leave the ground wet, soil often compacts. Use a garden fork or border fork to open small air pockets. This improves drainage and helps oxygen reach the roots, encouraging healthier growth.
