Bradenton & Sarasota 
Englewood, with its beautiful waterfront properties and lush landscapes, is a slice of paradise. But paradise can sometimes face challenges, particularly during hurricane season. As residents of Southwest Florida, we know that storms are a part of life. While we can’t prevent these events, we can certainly prepare for them and recover effectively. This guide, brought to you by Lawn Care Extraordinaire, will provide you with valuable information and resources to help you navigate the aftermath of a storm and restore your property to its former glory.
Understanding the Impact
Storms, especially hurricanes, can wreak havoc on our landscapes. From torrential rain and flooding to destructive winds and flying debris, the damage can be extensive:
- Tree Damage: Uprooted trees, broken branches, and fallen leaves are common sights after a storm. These can pose safety hazards and obstruct access to your property.
- Flooding and Erosion: Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, which can damage your lawn, plants, and even the structure of your home. Soil erosion is another concern, as it can wash away valuable topsoil and nutrients.
- Structural Damage: High winds can cause damage to fences, sheds, and other outdoor structures. Flying debris can also break windows and damage roofs.
- Saltwater Intrusion: For coastal properties, saltwater intrusion from storm surge can be particularly damaging to plants and soil.
Immediate Steps After a Storm
Safety first! Before you begin any cleanup or recovery efforts, ensure the following:
- Personal Safety: Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures. Wear protective gear like gloves and sturdy footwear.
- Property Assessment: Carefully inspect your property for any damage. Take pictures for insurance purposes.
- Emergency Services: If you have significant damage or safety concerns, contact emergency services and your insurance company.
Landscaping Recovery: Where to Begin
Once you’ve ensured safety and assessed the damage, it’s time to start the recovery process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Debris Removal: Clear your yard of any debris, such as fallen branches, leaves, and other objects. This will prevent further damage and make it easier to assess the condition of your landscape.
- Tree and Shrub Care: Inspect your trees and shrubs for damage. Remove any broken or hanging branches to prevent further harm. If you have large trees that have been uprooted or severely damaged, it’s best to consult a professional arborist.
- Lawn Care: Address any flooding or erosion issues. If your lawn is waterlogged, allow it to dry out completely before mowing or applying any treatments. Aeration can help improve drainage and prevent fungal diseases.
- Plant Care: Remove any damaged or diseased plants to prevent the spread of problems. For saltwater-affected plants, flush the soil with freshwater to help leach out the salt.
- Hardscape Repair: Inspect your hardscaping, such as walkways, patios, and retaining walls, for any damage. Repair or replace any damaged elements as needed.
- Irrigation System Check: Ensure your irrigation system is functioning properly. Repair any leaks or damage to prevent water waste and further problems.
How Lawn Care Extraordinaire Can Help
Recovering from a storm can be a daunting task. That’s where Lawn Care Extraordinaire comes in. We offer a comprehensive range of services to help you restore your landscape to its pre-storm condition:
- Debris Removal and Cleanup: Our team can efficiently remove all types of storm debris, from small branches to large trees, leaving your property clean and safe.
- Tree and Shrub Care: We provide professional tree trimming, pruning, and removal services to ensure the health and safety of your trees and shrubs.
- Lawn Care: Our lawn care experts can assess your lawn’s condition and provide the necessary treatments to promote recovery, including aeration, fertilization, and weed control.
- Pest Control: Storms can disrupt the ecosystem and lead to an increase in pests. We offer effective pest control solutions to protect your property from unwanted invaders.
- Landscaping and Hardscaping: We can help you redesign or repair your landscape, including hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls.
Why Choose Lawn Care Extraordinaire?
- Local Expertise: We are a locally owned and operated company with extensive experience in dealing with the aftermath of storms in Englewood.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of services to address all your landscaping needs, from cleanup and recovery to ongoing maintenance.
- Professional Team: Our team is comprised of skilled and experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing high-quality service.
- Customer Satisfaction: We are committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations and ensuring their complete satisfaction.
Preparing for Future Storms
While we can’t predict when the next storm will hit, we can take steps to minimize potential damage and make the recovery process easier:
- Landscaping for Resilience: Choose wind-resistant trees and shrubs, and plant them in appropriate locations. Prune trees regularly to reduce the risk of branch breakage.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Before a storm, secure or bring indoors any loose objects, such as patio furniture, grills, and decorations.
- Protect Your Home: Reinforce your home’s structure by installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows.
- Develop a Communication Plan: Have a plan in place to communicate with family and friends during and after a storm.
FAQs About Storm Recovery in Englewood
Q: What should I do with my yard waste after a storm?
A: Sarasota County (which includes Englewood) often provides designated drop-off locations for yard waste after major storms. You can also check with Waste Management, the county’s waste collection provider, for their guidelines on debris disposal.
Q: My trees are leaning after the storm. Are they safe?
A: Leaning trees can be hazardous. It’s best to contact a certified arborist to assess their stability and recommend the appropriate action.
Q: How can I prevent my lawn from flooding in the future?
A: Proper grading, aeration, and the use of drainage systems can help improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Q: Is it safe to use my irrigation system after a storm?
A: Check your irrigation system for any damage before using it. If you have any concerns, contact a professional for an inspection.
Q: How long will it take for my landscape to recover after a storm?
A: The recovery time will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the types of plants you have. With proper care and maintenance, most landscapes can recover within a few months.
Helpful Resources
- Sarasota County Emergency Management: https://www.scgov.net/government/emergency-services/emergency-management-4420
- UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/
- National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/
Lawn Care Extraordinaire is here to help you through every step of the storm recovery process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you restore your Englewood landscape to its full beauty.