Storms can make a pristine and well-cared-for garden look chaotic in a matter of minutes. Branches snap, fences fall, plants break, and soil becomes saturated, leaving puddles that drown your most-loved plants.
Once the weather clears, the best way to get everything back under control is to follow a structured garden clean-up checklist. This guide walks you through each step, from conducting brief safety checks to removing debris, assessing damage, and organising replacements.
If you’re topping up tools, fixings, or hardware as you work through your repairs, our garden essentials range has everything you need to get started.
1. Begin With Safety Checks
A fast visual check prevents injuries and avoids making damage worse.
Look for:
- Hanging or partially snapped branches
- Leaning trees or exposed roots
- Loose fence panels, broken posts, or lifted bases
- Fallen or snapped wires and report immediately
- Sharp or heavy debris hidden in long grass or borders
Remember – anything involving large trees or unstable structures should be left to a professional.
2. Clear Loose Debris First
Removing surface debris helps you see what’s genuinely damaged.
Clear away:
- Leaves, branches, and windblown twigs
- Broken pots, ornaments, and plastic pieces
- Uprooted annuals that won’t bounce back
- General litter swept into the garden by strong winds
A light rake on lawns and a stiff broom for hard surfaces is usually enough to do the job at this stage.
3. Assess Trees and Shrubs After Storm Damage
Once the top layer is tidy, check the structural condition of your plants.
Damage That’s Usually Reparable
- Bent shrubs can be lifted and supported with stakes and soft ties
- Light bark tearing can be trimmed cleanly to prevent infection
- Young trees loosened at the base often recover with firmer soil and better staking
Damage That Often Requires Replacement
- Deep trunk splits
- Branches ripped too far down the limb for clean pruning
- Trees that have shifted to the point they can’t be straightened
Take photos before removing anything major – this helps professionals advise on next steps.
4. Inspect Fencing, Sheds and Structures
Wind tends to cause more structural damage than rain.
Check:
- Fences for gaps, loose rails, and broken slats
- Shed roofs for lifted felt or water ingress
- Greenhouses for cracked panes, missing clips, or damaged seals
Fixing these early stops water damage from spreading and keeps the garden usable.
5. Fix Waterlogged Areas and Standing Water
Heavy rain can saturate soil and suffocate roots.
Improve conditions by:
- Spiking lawns with a fork to boost drainage
- Sweeping surface water off patios and pathways
- Mixing grit or compost into borders that stay wet
- Raising pots slightly to allow air to circulate underneath
If you can, avoid walking on very wet soil to prevent compaction.
6. Restore Beds and Borders
This is where your garden starts looking like itself again.
Repair:
- Replace mulch lost to runoff
- Clear debris that has collected around stems
- Replant perennials that have lifted or shifted
Replace or remove:
- Snapped stems with no healthy growth points
- Collapsed annuals and bedding
- Plants showing early signs of rot or crown damage
Once everything is upright and stable, a slow-release feed helps encourage recovery.
7. Replace Damaged Hardware and Tools
Storms highlight weak or worn-out garden kits.
Check:
- Stakes, ties, wire supports and plant frames
- Broken pots, seed trays and grow-bags
- Rusted, loose-bladed or damaged tools
- Gloves, gutter guards and drain covers
Replacing these now helps your garden cope better when the next spell of bad weather arrives.
8. Reduce Future Storm Damage
Use the clean-up as an opportunity to reinforce trouble spots.
Helpful steps include:
- Restaking young trees and tall perennials
- Clearing gutters and drains more regularly
- Removing dead or heavy branches before winter
- Using windbreak netting in exposed gardens
- Positioning pots so they’re less likely to topple
These simple adjustments can significantly reduce clean-up time after future storms.
Garden Damage Triage: Quick Guide
Can the plant be supported and stand upright?
Yes → Stake, tie and monitor for a few weeks.
No → Move to structural assessment.
Is the main structure (trunk, main stem, or root system) still sound?
Yes → Prune damaged areas and allow it to regrow.
No → Replace and review positioning or supports for the future.
Replacing What Can’t Be Repaired
Some storm damage is simply too severe to fix. Whether you're replacing broken stakes, new plant ties, tools, pots, or drainage aids, our collection of garden essentials has everything needed to restore order and protect your garden moving forward.
FAQs: Garden Clean-Up After Storms
How soon should I clean up my garden after a storm?
Ideally, start within 24–48 hours once it’s safe. Leaving debris too long can trap moisture, damage grass, and increase the chances of rot or pests.
What should I check first after storm damage in the garden?
Safety comes first: hanging branches, leaning trees, damaged fences, and any sharp debris. Once hazards are dealt with, move on to debris removal and plant assessment.
Can storm-damaged plants recover?
Many can. Bent shrubs and minor tears often bounce back with staking, pruning, and support. Plants with broken stems at the base, split trunks, or major uprooting typically need replacing.
How do I save a waterlogged garden?
All is not lost – a waterlogged garden can be reversed. First, improve drainage by spiking lawns, then sweep away surface water, and add grit or compost. Avoid walking on very wet beds to prevent soil compaction.
What should I do with a leaning tree after a storm?
If the tree is young, add a support to encourage the continuation of growth. Consult a professional to assess mature trees for lean or root damage.
Is it worth repairing storm-damaged fences?
Absolutely – loose panels and rails are usually easy fixes. While you’re there, check for rotten posts as these may need replacing to properly support the structure during the next storm.
How can I prevent storm damage in the future?
If your garden is particularly exposed, well-placed windbreaks are a smart idea. Regular pruning and supportive staking will also help minimise the chaos after a storm.
