Storm season is upon us, and that means it’s time to get your backyard ready for the potential damage caused by strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and lightning. But don’t worry, with some simple steps, you can protect your outdoor space and make it more inviting for hosting your family and friends during the holidays. Here are some tips from Murphy’s Lawn Care FNQ, your trusted experts in lawn maintenance and landscaping.
Secure or Store Loose Items
Anything that can be blown away by gusty winds should be tied down, anchored, or put away in a shed or garage. This includes outdoor furniture, umbrellas, trampolines, toys, tools, and pots. Not only will this prevent them from flying into your windows or roof, but it will also reduce the risk of injury to yourself or others.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Overgrown branches can snap and fall on your property, causing damage to your roof, fence, power lines or vehicles. They can also block your gutters and drains, leading to water overflow and flooding. Before storm season hits, inspect your trees and prune any dead, diseased or weak limbs. You should also check with your local council about any regulations or permits required for tree trimming.
Clean Gutters, Downpipes and Drains
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your roof cavity, walls or foundation. To avoid this, clear out any leaves, twigs, dirt or debris from your gutters and downpipes regularly. You should also make sure your drains are free of any obstructions that could prevent water from flowing away from your house.
Repair Damage
Cracked tiles, loose shingles or rusty sheeting can allow water to leak into your home during a storm. To prevent this, inspect your roof for any signs of wear and tear and fix any issues as soon as possible. You should also check your fence for any loose panels, posts or rails and reinforce them if needed.
Spruce Up Lawn and Garden
If you want to host some festive gatherings in your backyard this summer, get your lawn and garden ready for the occasion. A lush and beautiful lawn can create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests and a fun playground for the kids.
- Mow your lawn to a height of about three inches to help it retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Water lawn deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Avoid watering in the middle of the day, as this can cause water loss and stress to the grass.
- Fertilise with a slow-release organic fertiliser that will nourish throughout the summer. Choose a fertiliser that is suitable for your grass type and soil pH.
- Aerate with a core or spike aerator to loosen the soil and improve air and water circulation.
- Weed, mulch, and prune your garden beds to keep them neat and colourful. Remove any dead or diseased plants, weeds, and debris. Apply a layer of organic mulch to protect the soil and plants from evaporation and weeds. Prune any overgrown or damaged branches but avoid heavy pruning that can stimulate new growth.
Follow these steps to get your backyard ready for storm season and transform it into a festive and inviting space for your family and friends. You can also add some summer decorations, such as lights, garlands, flowers, and candles, to create a bright and cheerful ambiance. Enjoy your backyard summer parties!
If you need any help with lawn care or landscaping services, contact Murphy’s Lawn Care FNQ today. We have the experience, equipment, and skills to handle any job, big or small. Call us now for a free quote!
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