Though Hurricane Erin’s slow but steady path towards the UK might sound frightening, it won’t be anywhere near as intense as a hurricane by the time it reaches it, the BBC said.
The Met Office wrote that we’re still uncertain how much the storm may affect UK weather, though they say it could well bring wind and rain to our shores in the latter end of this Bank Holiday weekend.
But blustery conditions can wreak havoc on a lovingly-grown garden. So, to those who’d rather stay safe than sorry, James Ewens, a gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers, shared five gardening tasks you should complete ahead of the winds.
After all, he said, “A late-summer storm is the ultimate way to rain on our parades. Sudden extreme weather can catch gardeners off guard, but with a few simple steps, you can protect your garden and minimise the damage”.
1) Secure loose garden objects
Unsecured plant pots, hanging baskets, and garden furniture can become “dangerous projectiles” in stormy weather, the expert said.
Either bring them indoors or, if they’re too big, use straps or anchors.
“But remember that even your shed isn’t immune to high winds; even the best-built ones can have their roof torn off,” Ewens added.
“Securing them with concrete, auger anchors, or heavy-duty straps can help protect your equipment and property from damage”.
2) Protect vulnerable plants
Young trees will need staking with wooden posts, while fences and hedges can work as natural windbreakers.
Heavy rain can be hard on newly-rooted plants and can even drain soil of nutrients, which is why “Mulching your garden with a thick top layer can protect the soil and stop those essential nutrients being flushed away by rainfall.”
3) Think about wildlife, too
The much-needed critters in your backyard can be “even more vulnerable than plantlife,” Ewens shared.
Make sure bird boxes and bug hotels are carefully secured or moved somewhere sheltered (like against a south-facing wall).
Bird food may blow away from feeders, too. Hang them “close to a wall, fence, or under a sturdy tree canopy where they’re shielded from the worst of the wind and rain,” Ewens said.
“You should also ensure that you are not allowing bird-feed to go mouldy after heavy rainfall, as this can be harmful to birds, so replace food more often if necessary.”
4) Clean your gutters
It’s not the most glamorous job in the world, but properly clearing your gutters and drains can help to keep both your house and your garden safe in a storm.
“Clearing out moss, foliage, leaves and debris from gutters and garden drains is vital to ensure sufficient drainage,” Ewens stated.
“Not only will this prevent your plants and lawns from becoming waterlogged, but it also reduces the risks of flooding into homes, too.”
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