Thunderstorm Plant Damage: How to Protect Your Plants
Thunderstorms can be a beautiful sight, but they can also be destructive to your plants. The high winds, heavy rain, and lightning can all cause damage to your plants, but there are steps you can take to protect them.
Lightning: A Double-Edged Sword
Lightning is a powerful force of nature that can be both beneficial and harmful to plants. On the one hand, lightning can help to put nitrogen into the soil, which is essential for plant growth. On the other hand, lightning can also strike trees and shrubs, causing them to fall and damage property or people.
To protect your plants from lightning, you should:
- Remove container plants to a sheltered location before a thunderstorm.
- Perform regular maintenance on trees and shrubs to remove dead or damaged branches that could fall and cause damage.
High Winds: A Force to Be Reckoned With
High winds can also cause damage to plants, especially small and young trees. The wind can cause trees to sway and snap, and it can also blow away containers and pots.
To protect your plants from high winds, you should:
- Stake small and young trees to help them withstand the wind.
- Tie up interior branches of shrubs and trees with pantyhose or other soft material to prevent them from splitting.
- Cover small plants with a bucket or other sturdy container to protect them from the wind and rain.
Heavy Rain: A Blessing and a Curse
Heavy rain can be beneficial to plants, but it can also cause damage. The rain can help to water your plants, but it can also cause them to rot or drown.
To protect your plants from heavy rain, you should:
- Make sure your plants have good drainage so that they don’t get waterlogged.
- Avoid overwatering your plants, especially during periods of heavy rain.
- If your plants do get waterlogged, you can try to revive them by removing them from the pot and letting them dry out in a shady spot.
Assessing Plant Damage
After a thunderstorm, it’s important to assess any damage to your plants so that you can take steps to protect them from further damage.
- Look for broken or damaged branches.
- Check for leaves that have been torn or shredded.
- Look for signs of disease or rot.
If you find any damage, you should:
- Remove any broken or damaged branches.
- Treat any diseased or rotting areas with a fungicide.
- Water your plants deeply to help them recover from the storm.
Prevention is Key
The best way to protect your plants from thunderstorm damage is to take preventive measures before the storm hits. By following the tips in this article, you can help to keep your plants healthy and beautiful, even after a thunderstorm.
Additional Tips
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to take action if a thunderstorm is approaching.
- Have a plan in place for where you will move your container plants and how you will protect your trees and shrubs.
- Gather the necessary materials, such as stakes, pantyhose, and buckets, before the storm hits.
- Be patient and don’t give up on your plants if they are damaged by a thunderstorm. With a little care and attention, you can help them to recover and thrive.
