LANDSCAPING CONSIDERATIONS THAT CAN HELP PREVENT STORM DAMAGE AND FLOOD DAMAGE

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

Storm damage Ventura

In any season, storms can be severe. There are ways to prepare your home for inevitable storms that sooner or later come. It can be difficult to protect your home and yard from the strong winds of a hurricane, but there are some steps you can take to help minimize the damage. Here are storm wise landscaping tips to better prepare your property.

Practice proper tree care

A home’s treescape provides shade, saves on energy bills, creates ambiance, and can add significant value to the selling price of a home. Secure the services of a reputable, experienced and well-equipped tree service to extract the trees. The dead tree may drop limbs or, worse, fall over while being tied off or cut down. They can also fall during high winds. Tree removal makes this type of damage avoidable.

Healthy trees need regular maintenance, especially if the canopy is near the home or overhangs the roof. Limbs impact damage to siding, trim, paint, gutters, or windows caused by a tree near the structure is considered regular wear and tear over an extended period of time and would be covered by insurance. A limb puncture to the roof may unnoticed until a cascade of water pours into the attic, causing ceiling and wall water damage in the rooms below.

Avoid planting trees and shrubs near the septic system

When designing and installing a new landscape plan, avoid planting trees and shrubs on or near the septic drain field or main sewer line. The sewer line may be damaged during the planting process, resulting in a sewage backup disaster. Overtime, roots from trees and shrubs can clog the drain field or crack the sewer line. The repairs to the sewage system will be costly, and sewage backup in the home can result in costly cleanup and restoration.

Carefully manage water runoff around the home

Make sure the grade around the home slopes away from the foundation at one inch per foot for at least six to ten feet. Do not pile mulch next toe the foundation since the excess moisture can cause mold or wood rot. Inspect downspout periodically to determine if connections are secure and do not leak.

Inspect and clean out gutter

Clogged gutters frequently cause water damage in the attic, sliding, ceilings and walls inside the home. Clean the gutters several times when the leaves begin to fall during autumn. A heavy thunderstorm with high winds can strip a tree bear.