Learn how to safely clean up your garden after a storm

February 17, 2026

A big storm can leave your garden looking like it’s been through a battle - branches scattered everywhere, plants flattened, soil soggy, and maybe even a few unexpected “flying objects” that landed where they definitely don’t belong. While it can feel overwhelming at first, a thoughtful clean-up will help your garden recover faster and come back healthier than ever.

Here’s a simple, practical guide to restoring order after a wild weather event.

🌿 Start with safety first

Before you pick up a single branch, take a careful look around.

Watch for loose or hanging branches that could fall.
Check for unstable trees or leaning structures.
Be cautious of slippery surfaces and hidden debris.
If anything looks risky (especially large, damaged trees), consider calling a professional.

Gardens can wait your safety can’t.

🍃 Clear debris (but don’t rush it)

Start by removing fallen branches, leaves, and wind-blown clutter. Work from largest to smallest so you can see what you’re dealing with.

Good news - not everything is waste:

Leaves and small branches can go into compost.
Larger branches can be cut into mulch or edging.
Natural debris can help rebuild soil once broken down.

If the ground is very wet, avoid heavy foot traffic in planting areas - compacted soil can damage roots and slow recovery.

🌱 Check on your plants

Once the mess is cleared, assess what survived and what needs help.

Look for:

Broken stems or branches
Uprooted or loosened plants
Flattened perennials or shrubs
Torn leaves or bark damage

What to do:

Gently re-firm loosened plants back into the soil.
Stake or support anything leaning.
Remove badly damaged stems with clean, sharp pruning tools.
Be patient — many plants look worse than they are and will bounce back quickly.

✂️ Prune with purpose

Storm damage can leave plants vulnerable to disease, so tidy cuts matter.

Remove split, torn, or jagged branches back to healthy growth.
Avoid heavy reshaping — focus on damage control first.
Make clean cuts to help plants heal properly.

For trees and large shrubs, less is often more. Over-pruning after stress can slow recovery.

🌧️ Let the soil recover

Storms often leave soil waterlogged and compacted.

Help it breathe again:

Wait until it’s slightly drier before digging or planting.
Lightly loosen compacted areas with a fork (don’t churn muddy soil).
Add compost to restore nutrients that may have washed away.

Healthy soil = faster plant recovery.

🌼 Feed and nurture (gently)

Once things settle:

Apply a light mulch layer to regulate moisture and protect roots.
Resume watering only if conditions dry out — saturated soil doesn’t need more.
Hold off on strong fertilisers immediately after a storm. Plants need recovery time before rapid growth.

🌳 Replace what didn’t make it

Sometimes losses happen and that’s okay. Gardens are always evolving.

When replanting:

Choose wind-tolerant species where possible.
Plant slightly deeper stakes for support.
Consider shelter planting or windbreaks if storms are common.

Every replant is a fresh start.

🌬️ Prepare for next time

Storms are part of nature, but a little preparation can reduce damage in future.

Keep trees regularly pruned and balanced.
Secure lightweight garden items before bad weather.
Maintain healthy soil so roots anchor firmly.
Plant in layers - ground cover, shrubs, and trees help protect each other.

Resilient gardens are built over time.

💚 A final thought

Storm clean-up can feel like hard work, but it’s also a chance to reconnect with your garden. As you tidy, prune, and replant, you’re helping it heal and there’s something quietly satisfying about bringing order back to nature’s chaos.

Give it a little care, a little patience… and before long, new growth will remind you just how resilient gardens really are. 🌱