Hurricanes and Your Gulf Coast Lawn

Hurricanes and your gulf coast lawn. Hurricane season officially starts June 1st and runs to the end of November. So, right now we are in the thick of hurricane season. You may have already experienced the effects of the 2021 hurricane season, or you may be one of the lucky ones whose property has largely been spared. Whichever group you land in, there are still things you can do around your property to protect your lawn so it can make it through this hurricane season.

Turn Off Your Sprinklers

When there is a hurricane on the way, it is always a good idea to turn off your sprinkler system. While some models have rain sensors that will help with turning off the system automatically during inclement weather, not all sprinkler systems have this feature. It is best to always do it manually, just to be safe. Don’t forget to turn it back on when the weather clears!

Hurricanes are known for bringing heavy rainfall. Even after the rains have stopped, the soil under your lawn will likely still be saturated for a while. Which means, giving your lawn additional water can do more harm than good. Wait until it is mostly dry once again before returning to your regular watering schedule.

Check Your Yard’s Drainage

Heavy rains can often lead to flooding. This is especially true if your yard does not drain well. Check any drains or grates in and around your property to ensure they are clear of debris. Leaves, trash, and other items can block these drains, rendering them ineffective when you need them most. Just remember when a hurricane is heading your way, check the drains frequently to ensure they are always clear.

Prune Your Trees

If you have any trees around your yard, trim away any weak or damaged branches. High winds can break those type of branches off trees and can cause significant damage to your lawn. This type of damage often requires extensive repairs. Not only are broken branches potentially hazardous for your lawn, but they can also damage your home or injure you or a loved one. Keep your trees trimmed and tidy to stay safe.

Clean Up Your Yard

As with branches, many other common yard items can be thrown through the air during hurricanes. Outdoor furniture, children’s toys, pool accessories, yard décor, gardening equipment and more can be tossed in the air during high winds. These objects can all cause damage to your lawn or home. Bring as many loose items as you can indoors until the weather is clear. It’s a temporary inconvenience that could save you a lot of time, money, and hassle on repairs.

Preserve Your Safety

Always remember, no lawn is worth risking your life. Even before a hurricane truly hits, you may experience heavy rains and strong wind gusts. Your own safety should always take priority over your lawn, so only follow the above tips if it is safe to do so. Conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared to head back indoors quickly if necessary. You can always repair your lawn in the spring; you can’t replace your life.

Restore Your Lawn with Sod

If hurricane season has damaged or even destroyed your lawn, Woerner Turf is here to help. We offer premium sod for sale on the Gulf Coast, including St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, & Centipede sod. All these varieties are well-suited for the Gulf Coast climate. They make great options for your lawn in need. We can help get your yard back to normal. Contact our experts at any of our locations for answers to your questions and to help you prepare or revive your lawn.

Locations

Mobile Outlet 251.639.6857

Baton Rouge Outlet 225.752.2660