What Does Hail Season Mean for Your Lawn & Landscaping?

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In the summer, many homeowners struggle to keep their lawn green and healthy. Unless homeowners are careful, the blistering sun and unpredictable rainfall pattern can cause grass and shrubs to wilt and die. However, since summer is hail season, too much rain or sun are far from the only threats lawns and gardens face. Come hail season, here are a few changes all homeowners should make to lawn care and landscaping.

Add Soil Around Plant Bases

Summer hailstorms can bring high winds and heavy rain and then leave hailstones in their wake. The high winds of these storms can easily uproot small shrubs and flowering plants. Add extra soil to the bases of the plants in your lawn or garden. Not only will the extra soil keep the plants upright, but it will also prevent the heavy rainfall and strong winds of the hailstorm from washing away the soil.

Protect Your Plants with Household Objects

According to SFGate, homeowners can use common household objects like pots, garbage cans, buckets, and baskets to protect their plants. Open containers are best because hail will fall in and not land on nearby plants. Simply place these objects over the plants prior to the storm. Since high-speed winds can knock over these objects, use rocks or bricks to weigh them down. If you don’t have rocks or bricks, any heavy objects should do.

Use household objects that are sturdy yet easy to replace. Large pieces of hail can easily crack plastic containers like garbage cans and buckets. The strongest winds can blow away even weighed down containers. Don’t use anything you can’t afford to lose.

Avoid Planting Seeds Before Hailstorms

In the summertime, many homeowners reseed to have a green, luscious lawn by the end of the season. Others plant flowers and shrubs all year-long to beautify their landscaping. All homeowners would likely agree planting seeds is arduous and time-consuming work. After reseeding your lawn, the last thing you want is to do it again. However, you may have to do just that if you’re not careful.

According to Grow Organic, if you plan on planting new seeds, you should watch the weather religiously to make sure there are no upcoming hailstorms. Avoid planting seeds if a hailstorm is likely. A hailstorm will wash away the seeds as well as any applied fertilizer. Worst of all, there is very little you can do to stop it because even a tarp won’t do much to prevent the rainwater from washing away seeds and fertilizer.

Regular Lawn Feedings and Composting

Fertilize and water your lawn regularly to help fortify it against heavy rain and strong wind. Composting will also give your lawn the nutrients and minerals it needs to build a strong root system. Healthy roots will prevent the partial uprooting of your lawn.

During hail season, homeowners should make major changes to their landscaping and lawn care. Follow the tips discussed above or consult a professional to keep your lawn and garden in fairly good shape even after the worst hailstorms.