While your garden may not look like much right now, with some effort and the right approach, it can bounce back stronger than before. Check out these recovery tips to get your green space back to health after the storm passes.

1. Safety First: Assess and Document

Before you dive into recovery mode, take a moment to check if it’s safe to be in your garden. Look out for downed power lines, unstable structures or hanging branches that could pose a danger.

Take photos for insurance purposes. Capture fallen trees, uprooted plants and debris-laden areas. This visual record will be invaluable when filing claims or contacting local resources for assistance.

2. Clean Up

Once you’ve confirmed it’s safe, remove debris from fallen branches, leaves and other storm-tossed items. This initial cleanup will give you a clearer picture of the damage you’re dealing with. Then, identify which plants can be saved and which are beyond help. Don’t rush this step — sometimes, those that look bad have the highest potential to bounce back. Smaller plants may also be buried under a layer of debris, so be gentle as you uncover them.

While walking around, remember to check structures like fences, trellises and raised beds. It’s best to stabilize damaged infrastructure before proceeding to plant recovery.

3. Conduct Damage Control

One of the most challenging tasks after a hurricane is saving the plants.

Uprooted Plants

Wind can be merciless, sometimes uprooting entire plants. If you find any of your green friends lying on their sides, act quickly to save them. Gently lift the plant to avoid further damage to the roots. Replant it in its original spot, ensuring the roots are well-covered with soil. Add mulch and water thoroughly. Remember, the storm has already waterlogged the soil, so be cautious when watering post-hurricane. Avoid it for a few days if the soil is still saturated until it dries out. Overwatering can cause root rot in stressed plants.

You may need to state larger trees or shrubs to provide additional support while their roots reestablish. Make sure to tie the plant loosely, leaving an allowance to sway slightly in the wind to build strength. It should also be secure enough to prevent further uprooting.

Bent Plants

Some plants might have survived the wind but ended up bent or leaning. Help these resilient fellows stand tall again by gently straightening them and providing support. Use twine, stakes, trellises, or cages to prop up bent stems or branches. You’ll have to be patient as it may take some time for them to regain their original posture.

Broken Branches

Winds from a hurricane can easily snap branches, stems and leaves. If you notice any broken parts, now’s the time to grab your pruning shears and get to work.

Remove broken limbs, making clean cuts just above the nearest healthy bud or at the branch junction. This improves the plant’s appearance and thwarts potential disease entry points. For larger branches, use a saw to make a clean cut.

Remember, proper pruning promotes new growth and helps your plants recover faster. Over-pruning can stress the plant further. Also, sanitize your tools before using them to avoid spreading diseases.

Salt Damage

If you live near the coast, salt spray from storm surges can be a silent garden killer. Rinse your plants thoroughly with fresh water to wash away salt residue. This is especially important for salt-sensitive plants that may face stunted growth or death. Also, consider applying a foliar fertilizer to provide an extra boost and help them recover from salt stress.

4. Nurture the Soil

Hurricanes disrupt the soil’s structure and composition. Wind, heavy rain and flooding can erode the topsoil, washing away essential nutrients. This is why it is important to check the soil’s health after a hurricane.

Consider incorporating organic matter like compost or mulch to restore soil health. This will improve structure, retain moisture and replenish lost nutrients, giving your plants the boost they need to recover faster. If you notice places where the soil has been heavily eroded, consider adding an amendment to rebuild it or create a barrier to prevent future erosion.

Heavy downpours can also compact soil, resulting in poor aeration and drainage. Give your garden’s foundation some TLC by gently loosening compacted areas with a fork.

5. Fertilize With Caution

Once your plants are back in the ground and recovering, they’ll need extra nutrients to regain strength and vitality. While you might be tempted to give your battered plants a boost with industrial-grade fertilizer, it might be best to reconsider. Synthetic versions have been shown to be detrimental to the environment, causing soil, water and air pollution.

Using natural fertilizers can help restore the health of your garden without adding harsh chemicals to the already fragile environment. Organic household waste makes for good composting material.

For instance, eggshells are packed with calcium, phosphates, magnesium and fibrous proteins called keratins. These nutrients enrich the soil — particularly calcium, which helps moderate soil acidity, promote plant growth and strengthen plant cell walls. Thanks to their high biodegradability and benefits to the soil, eggshells make fantastic seedling pots. Just make a hole at the bottom, fill it with soil and plant your seed.

6. Replace Severely Damaged Plants

Unfortunately, not all plants will survive a hurricane. It may be best to remove those that have been too severely damaged.

Consider replacing them with hurricane-resistant varieties, which are a smart long-term strategy. Opt for salt-tolerant grasses, sturdy palms, native shrubs and other varieties that fare better in storm-prone areas.

7. Mulch Generously

After storms, mulching can be your garden’s best friend. A thick layer of mulch around your base will help prevent further soil erosion, retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulch, such as wood chips, straw or shredded leaves, is ideal.

To prevent rot, avoid piling mulch too high against the stems. It’s best to let waterlogged soil dry for a couple of days before applying it.

8. Seek Help When Needed

If the damage is extensive or you feel overwhelmed, seek help. This can be as simple as asking family members to lend a hand or joining a local gardening group. You can call professional extension services or landscapers for assistance with large trees or complex repairs.

9. Plan for Future Resilience

As you work on recovery, think about how you can make your garden more resistant to future hurricanes. The U.S. gets at least two hurricanes yearly, with regions along the coastline experiencing more.

While it’s impossible to prevent what the storm does, you can take steps to minimize the extent of future damage. Consider planting wind-tolerant species and create windbreaks with sturdy shrubs or trees. Regularly maintain your plants throughout the growing season to help them better withstand strong winds.

If your garden is prone to flooding, develop better drainage systems by adding trenches or using raised beds. While they don’t seem like much, these simple acts can help protect from waterlogging. Planning will help lessen the damage the next time a storm hits.

10. Document the Recovery

As you implement these garden recovery tips, consider taking photos or keeping a journal of your progress. This will help you track what works best for your plot and can be a source of encouragement as you watch it come back to life.

Implement These Garden Recovery Tips

Recovering your sanctuary after hurricane wind damage takes time, effort and patience. These garden recovery tips and a little TLC will lead to new growth and vibrant life.

Remember, nature is resilient — just like the gardeners who tend them. So roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and watch your garden rise from the storm, stronger and more beautiful than ever. Just remember to be patient and give your plants the time they need to heal.