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Storm protection

Reduce damage by gales – be prepared

We have to learn to plan ahead to lessen the damage by gales in our changing, more turbulent climate and storm protection is vital. In reality, there’s usually a couple of days’ notice at best to make your garden and property safe.

If torrential rain is forecast with the likelihood of flooding, please see my Flooding and Waterlogging page. For storms with gale-force winds, here are the most important things to do to lessen the destruction. Always check the Met Office for warnings. Read more on why you need to windproof your greenhouse.

Panels blown out in Storm Desmond, january 2016
Panels were blown out in Storm Desmond, January 2016. I’ve since retrofitted glazing bars

Greenhouses

Keep doors and windows shut. If possible, fit with glazing bars instead of the usual W clips to secure the glass. If desperate, use heavy-duty Gorilla or T-rex tape to secure loose panels (I’ve done it).

Storm protection – Trees

They cause much of damage to homes, by breaking apart or uprooting in severe winds. Inspect any mature trees on or near your property for structural weaknesses, or dead wood.

storm protection
Pond area after a November storm

Outdoor furniture

Bring inside any loose, lightweight objects. Either bring your patio furniture and barbecue into the garage or indoors, or tie them securely to (sturdy) trees in the garden. Turn tables upside down so the wind can’t catch the surface.

Hammocks and children’s trampolines

Bring them inside – they catch the wind like a sail and can cause major damage when still attached to a metal frame.

Rosemary
Rosemary snapped by gales, January 2015

Storm protection – Border plants

Smaller plants in pots can be brought inside but shrubs in beds and borders will have to weather the storm. You have to accept that they’re probably going to suffer damage, so be prepared to prune and stake once the weather clears.

Annual flowers and vegetables

Bad weather may spell the end for crops such as runner beans, and tall flowers like sunflowers and Cosmos.

Jasmine
Jasmine trellis snapped, January 2015

Storm protection – Large potted plants

Lie them on their sides with the tops of the plants pointing away from the expected direction of the strongest winds.

Ceramic pots

Protect expensive, fragile pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap. Use bricks or wooden blocks to wedge the pots so they don’t roll.

Choosing trees for small gardens
Unsafe – an old berberis split right down the middle!

Storm protection – Fruit and other weight on trees

As well as fruit, remove hanging ornaments, bird tables and swings from trees, to prevent branches from splitting. Pick apples and pears, which are likely to be blown from their trees.

Garden ornaments and structures

Make sure obelisks, arches and frames are secure BEFORE the winds hit.

Storm protection updated 2023