Storm Damage Clean Up Tips

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

The rain has finally stopped falling and the wind has finally died down. The storm finally may be finally over, but the mess it left behind remains.

Here at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, & Jones Counties, we want to help your landscape recover after a big storm and have it in tip-top shape again.

Before you head outside to clean up the mess, make sure there are no downed power lines or trees leaning on power lines.

1. Inspect trees. After storms pass, your trees may be unsafe–especially if you see large fallen branches, a split tree trunk, or a broken tree top.
2. Pick up small twigs, leaves and debris.  When all is dry, branches make excellent firewood. As for the leaves, compost them and work them into the soil to improve it.
3. Clean up smaller branches. If you have examined your tree, and only a few small branches were damaged, you can likely do it yourself. For branches less than 2” in diameter you should be able be able to reach it from the ground without a ladder. If that’s the case, then grab your tree trimming tools and get busy. 
4. Fix puddles of water on the lawn. If you often spot a small pool in the yard after storms, you’ve got a problem with water runoff in that area. Or if it’s a larger puddle each time, consider filling in the depression or redirecting the water flow. You could also plant shrubs that love water, so they can help soak up the water in that area.
5. Help your trees recover.  Throughout the year help keep your trees healthy. Healthy trees are less likely to have deadwood break off during storms.

We at SERVPRO of Lenoir, Duplin, & Jones Counties hope you can use these tips to help make your yard safe again.