{"id":46979,"date":"2026-06-15T13:37:36","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:37:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=46979"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:36:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:36:21","slug":"hurricane-yard-prep-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Hurricane Yard Prep Checklist: What to Do Before the Storm"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Tree trimming and drainage<\/strong> <strong>work<\/strong> should be done weeks ahead \u2014 arborists book solid once a storm enters the cone.<br>\u2022 <strong>The 72-hour window<\/strong> is for securing loose items, not trimming trees.<br>\u2022 <strong>After the storm<\/strong>, stay off saturated lawns for at least 48 hours to avoid compacting soil and damaging roots.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season opened June 1, and NOAA forecasts 8 to 14 named storms.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The eye of the storm can be hundreds of miles away and still cause major damage to your home and yard \u2014 and the hurricane yard prep that prevents it takes weeks, not hours.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As someone who has hunkered down through many hurricanes over the past 35 years living in Florida, I have the yard prep down to a science. This checklist covers what to do weeks ahead of any storm, 72 hours before a storm hits, and the first days after it passes.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-fecc1f60-1d14-4132-9798-16b9e6d6ef71\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#0-why-early-prep-matters\" style=\"\">Why early prep matters<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#1-hurricane-prep-timeline-at-a-glance\" style=\"\">Hurricane prep timeline at a glance<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#2-pre-season-prep-weeks-ahead\" style=\"\">Pre-season prep (weeks ahead)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#8-72-hour-checklist-when-a-storm-enters-the-cone\" style=\"\">72-hour checklist (when a storm enters the cone)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#18-24-hour-final-prep\" style=\"\">24-hour final prep<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#23-after-the-storm-yard-recovery\" style=\"\">After the storm: yard recovery<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/hurricane-yard-prep-checklist\/#31-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-why-early-prep-matters\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"why-early-prep-matters\">Why early prep matters<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the past 10 years, there have been 29 hurricanes or tropical storms that have caused a total of over $820 billion in damage in the U.S. Protecting your property from loss is a priority.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a hurricane forms and you\u2019re in the forecast cone, 3 things happen fast:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Arborists and lawn care pros<\/strong> book up within 24 hours.<\/li>    <li><strong>Hardware stores<\/strong> run out of tarps, plywood, and sandbags.<\/li>    <li><strong>Tree limbs <\/strong>become projectiles \u2014 too late to trim weak ones.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAnything loose in a yard can become a projectile when winds pick up,\u201d says Kody Robinson, owner of ProCutz Lawncare &amp; Landscaping in Mount Dora, Florida. \u201cI\u2019ve seen branches come down, patio furniture get tossed around, and debris cause damage that could have been avoided with a little preparation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt also helps reduce cleanup and can protect your landscaping investment.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damage as a hurricane or tropical storm approaches and after it makes landfall is not isolated to coastal communities hit hardest. Trees branches often fall, pool cages can crumple, and yards can flood hundreds of miles inland even where I live in Ocala in Central Florida.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 72-hour window before a storm is only enough time to secure loose items, prep the pool, and bring equipment inside. Real damage prevention happens weeks ahead.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-hurricane-prep-timeline-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hurricane-prep-timeline-at-a-glance\">Hurricane prep timeline at a glance<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>When<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Top priorities<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Time needed<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Weeks ahead<\/strong><\/td><td>Trim trees, fix drainage issues, document what\u2019s in your yard, and stock supplies.<\/td><td>1\u20133 weekends<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>72 hours out<\/strong><\/td><td>Secure loose items, drop your pool\u2019s water level 1\u20132 feet, charge your generator, and mow your lawn<\/td><td>4-5 hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>24 hours out<\/strong><\/td><td>Do a final walkaround of your yard, tie down any lawn art, and secure your pool equipment<\/td><td>1 hour<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>48 hours after<\/strong><\/td><td>Take photos of any storm damage, clear drainage, and stay off your wet lawn<\/td><td>1-2 hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>5\u201314 days after<\/strong><\/td><td>Resume mowing your lawn, and schedule yard cleanup<\/td><td>Ongoing<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">OK, here\u2019s what you need to do \u2013 and when \u2013 before you&#8217;re in the path of a hurricane or tropical storm.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-pre-season-prep-weeks-ahead\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"pre-season-prep-weeks-ahead\">Pre-season prep (weeks ahead)<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 id=\"3-get-tree-trimming-done-now\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"get-tree-trimming-done-now\">Get tree trimming done now<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_608501444.jpg\" alt=\"Professional gardeners in green uniforms pruning trees and clearing cut branches in a residential neighborhood\" class=\"wp-image-46997\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_608501444.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_608501444-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_608501444-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_608501444-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Professional gardeners pruning trees and clearing branches in a residential area. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/professional-gardener-pruning-a-tree-at-village\/608501444\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dontree<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ideal tree pruning window is the dormant season (late winter or early spring), according to the University of Florida Extension Office. If you&#8217;re reading this in June and haven&#8217;t booked an ISA-certified arborist, do it immediately.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tree-trimming-cost\/\">Tree trimming costs<\/a> $412 to $612 per tree, but waiting until a storm is approaching means you may not be able to get an arborist at any price.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tree pruning rule, per Miami-Dade County: Don&#8217;t remove more than 25% of the canopy at once, and never &#8220;top&#8221; or &#8220;hatrack&#8221; a tree. Have your arborist thin interior branches so wind passes through the canopy, which helps prevent the tree from falling.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cameron Miller, founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/spartantreeny.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spartan Tree and Landscape<\/a>, in Stanley, North Carolina, agrees that you can\u2019t just hack off branches. You have to be more precise.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe root system is built to support a full canopy,\u201d Miller says. \u201cStrip too much away and the tree goes into survival mode \u2014 watersprouts everywhere, all weakly attached, actually making the tree less safe than before.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/tree-removal-cost\/\">How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in 2026?<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-identify-high-risk-tree-species\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"identify-high-risk-tree-species\">Identify high-risk tree species<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">University of Florida\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/FR010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tree and wind damage research<\/a> from Hurricanes Ivan, Erin, and Opal shows that laurel oak, water oak, sand pine, and slash pine lose the most branches in major storms \u2014 between 11% and 25% of canopy per storm. By contrast, live oak and sand live oak had 81% and 98% post-Ivan survival rates respectively.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Species<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Wind resistance<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Live oak<\/strong><\/td><td>High<\/td><td>81% survival post-Hurricane Ivan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sand live oak<\/strong><\/td><td>High<\/td><td>98% survival post-Hurricane Ivan<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Longleaf pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Medium<\/td><td>Better than slash\/sand pine, but still loses branches<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Laurel oak<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>66% survival post-Ivan; loses 25%+ of branches in major storms<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Water oak<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>Among lowest-rated of wind-resistant coastal plain tree species<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Slash pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>11%\u201318% damage in Hurricanes Erin and Opal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sand pine<\/strong><\/td><td>Low<\/td><td>11\u201318% damage in Hurricanes Erin and Opal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHere in Florida, I see a lot of issues with older laurel oaks because they can develop internal decay as they age,\u201d Robinson says. \u201cTrees with weak branch attachments or multiple large trunks can also be more susceptible to storm damage.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robinson says any diseased tree, no matter what species, can be a problem, so you should evaluate the health of all the trees on your property.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAny tree that\u2019s unhealthy, has decay, or hasn\u2019t been maintained can become a concern during a hurricane,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-check-drainage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"check-drainage\">Check drainage<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/standing-water.jpg\" alt=\"Puddle of standing water on a grassy lawn, indicating poor drainage and potential yard flooding issues.\" class=\"wp-image-39030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/standing-water.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/standing-water-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/standing-water-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/standing-water-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Standing water. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/grass-died-becauseyard-drainage-problems-and-waterlogged-lawns\/1178529471\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toa555<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walk your yard during the next heavy rain (or run a hose for 30 minutes). Note where water pools. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-standing-water-in-yard\/\">Standing water<\/a> means saturated soil during a storm, and saturated soil means trees that fall.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common fixes: <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-french-drain\/\">French drain installation<\/a>, downspout extensions, and regrading low spots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robinson says flooding from tropical systems can be a major problem for your landscape.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cFlooding can weaken turf, promote disease, and cause root problems,\u201d he says. \u201cDepending on the severity of the storm, you may also <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-control-erosion-in-yard\/\">deal with erosion<\/a>, washed-out landscape beds, and damage that doesn\u2019t become noticeable until weeks later.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-document-yard-valuables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"document-yard-valuables\">Document yard valuables<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take photos or shoot video of everything in your yard \u2014 patio furniture, your grill, all your pool equipment, sheds, hardscaping features, fire pits, and outdoor lighting. Store backups of this documentation in the cloud. Photos with a date stamp make a much faster insurance claim than memory.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-stock-up-on-tarps-sandbags-and-rope\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"stock-up-on-tarps-sandbags-and-rope\">Stock up on tarps, sandbags, and rope<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying tarps, sandbags, and rope in May or June is easy. Trying to buy the same items from Lowe\u2019s or Home Depot when a storm is 72 hours out is impossible \u2014 every store in the eye of the storm is sold out within hours.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since I have a driveway that slopes down to my home, I line my garage door with sandbags. I keep them on hand because it\u2019s better to have some than to be standing in long lines just days before a storm hits trying to get free sandbags from the city or county.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"8-72-hour-checklist-when-a-storm-enters-the-cone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"72-hour-checklist-when-a-storm-enters-the-cone\">72-hour checklist (when a storm enters the cone)<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what to do once a named storm enters the forecast cone:<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-bring-in-or-secure-all-loose-items\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"bring-in-or-secure-all-loose-items\">Bring in or secure all loose items<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secure or bring inside all patio furniture, planters, grill covers, kids&#8217; toys, bird feeders, garden flags, decorative rocks, hanging plants. Per FEMA, hurricane-force winds turn anything unsecured into a projectile.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have furniture around my backyard fire pit and around my screened-in swimming pool. I move all of it onto my porch that is under the roof and also enclosed by a screen. That keeps it all secure even with 100-mph winds blowing.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-anchor-what-cant-be-brought-in\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"anchor-what-cant-be-brought-in\">Anchor what can&#8217;t be brought in<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Propane tanks, grill, AC compressor housings, large planters. Strap them to a fixed structure or move them into the garage or shed.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I have a trampoline that I move in between large pine trees and secure it on all sides to the tree trunks with heavy rope. I also have a large soccer goal my son uses for practice that I also secure to trees on both ends.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-mow-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-your-lawn\">Mow your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t just mowed your lawn, it\u2019s smart to mow it before the storm hits.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s why: You never know how long it will be after the storm before you can mow again since you will have to wait until your lawn dries out. Also, if your property suffers a lot of storm damage, it could take weeks to clean up all the fallen trees and other debris in your yard.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-height-cut-grass\/\">Cut grass at your normal height<\/a> \u2014 don&#8217;t scalp it, which stresses the lawn \u2014 and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bagging-vs-mulching-grass-clippings\/\">bag or remove clippings<\/a> so they don&#8217;t become projectiles or clog drains.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-turn-off-your-sprinklers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"turn-off-your-sprinklers\">Turn off your sprinklers<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turn off your irrigation system as soon as a storm enters the forecast cone. A hurricane can drop 6 to 12 inches of rain in 24 hours \u2014 running sprinklers on top of that saturates soil faster, increases runoff, and stresses pipes that may already take a beating in the storm.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your system has a smart controller or rain sensor, don&#8217;t rely on it; override it manually. After the storm, wait at least 5 to 7 days before resuming your normal <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-long-should-water-lawn\/\">watering schedule<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-drop-pool-water-by-1-to-2-feet-%E2%80%94-but-dont-fully-drain-your-pool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"drop-pool-water-by-1-to-2-feet-but-dont-fully-drain-your-pool\">Drop pool water by 1 to 2 feet \u2014 but DON&#8217;T fully drain your pool<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1.jpg\" alt=\"Backyard in-ground pool\" class=\"wp-image-43957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0929-1-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Backyard pool in Gainesville, Florida: Jeff Herman \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Florida Swimming Pool Association warns that a fully drained pool can pop out of the ground from groundwater pressure during heavy rain. Lowering your pool\u2019s water level by 1 to 2 feet gives room for rain without overflowing.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many in-ground pools, like mine, have automatic water level control systems that prevent overflow, so you don\u2019t have to worry about lowering the level before heavy rain.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have an above-ground pool, you can drain some water with a submersible pump or siphon with a garden hose.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-move-outdoor-equipment-to-higher-ground-or-inside\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"move-outdoor-equipment-to-higher-ground-or-inside\">Move outdoor equipment to higher ground or inside<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This includes generators, pressure washers, lawn mowers, gas containers. Move gas cans AWAY from the house. I store all my gas cans and lawn equipment in my backyard shed.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-charge-your-generator-fill-propane-tanks-fill-gas-cans\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"charge-your-generator-fill-propane-tanks-fill-gas-cans\">Charge your generator, fill propane tanks, fill gas cans<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Power may be out for days or weeks. Depending on the size of your generator, it can just run a few important appliances like your refrigerator or it can supply power to your entire house.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I always fill up my gas cans and propane tanks days before a storm. I use the propane in my grill tanks to cook food so it doesn\u2019t spoil during a power outage.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-clear-gutters-and-storm-drains\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"clear-gutters-and-storm-drains\">Clear gutters and storm drains<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_381395486.jpg\" alt=\"Gloved hand cleaning out a clogged roof gutter full of dirt, debris, and fallen leaves\" class=\"wp-image-46996\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_381395486.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_381395486-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_381395486-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_381395486-610x419.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man cleaning a clogged roof gutter full of leaves and debris. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/a-man-is-cleaning-a-clogged-roof-gutter-from-dirt-debris-and-fallen-leaves-to-prevent-water-damage-and-let-rainwater-drain-properly\/381395486\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bildlove<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flooding damage often comes from clogged drainage, not the storm itself. I have a lot of trees around my home, so I get my gutters cleaned every 6 months, usually in spring and fall. But I schedule an extra cleaning if I see leaf clutter building up during summer storm season.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"17-set-up-your-rain-barrel-or-other-container-to-catch-rainwater\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"set-up-your-rain-barrel-or-other-container-to-catch-rainwater\">Set up your rain barrel or other container to catch rainwater<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s smart to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-install-a-rain-barrel\/\">install a rain barrel<\/a> in your yard, but it really comes in handy when you need water to flush toilets or wash your hands when you don\u2019t have power.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"18-24-hour-final-prep\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"24-hour-final-prep\">24-hour final prep<\/span><\/h2>    <h3 id=\"19-walk-your-yard-one-more-time-for-things-you-missed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"walk-your-yard-one-more-time-for-things-you-missed\">Walk your yard one more time for things you missed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check your yard for anything else that might become a projectile in heavy winds. This includes hose reels, hummingbird feeders, decorative flags, garden gnomes, doormats. Also, make sure you don\u2019t have any loose yard debris that might fly around.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"20-tie-down-%E2%80%98lawn-art%E2%80%99\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"tie-down-lawn-art\">Tie down \u2018lawn art\u2019<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget about statues, fountain bases, and large planters. You may think that they are heavy and won\u2019t move, but they will.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"21-protect-your-pool\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"protect-your-pool\">Protect your pool<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cover and turn off the pool pump and heater to protect your equipment during a surge or power outage. Add extra chlorine or chemicals to protect your pool from algae growth if you lose power for an extended period and can\u2019t run your pump.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"22-make-sure-to-protect-your-pets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"make-sure-to-protect-your-pets\">Make sure to protect your pets<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have small house pets like cats and dogs, make sure they are safe inside your home. You don\u2019t want your pets exposed to heavy rains and high winds.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you have horses or other animals on your <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-states-for-hobby-farms\/\">hobby farm<\/a>, make sure they are protected in outdoor barns, stables and shelters.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"23-after-the-storm-yard-recovery\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"after-the-storm-yard-recovery\">After the storm: yard recovery<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1849423545.jpg\" alt=\"Fallen palm tree leaning against a Florida home after hurricane damage with debris scattered in the front yard\" class=\"wp-image-46980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1849423545.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1849423545-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1849423545-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_1849423545-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A fallen palm tree leaning against a Florida home after hurricane damage. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/tree-removal-after-hurricane-damage-to-palm-tree-in-florida-home-backyard-fallen-down-debris-after-strong-tropical-storm-winds-consequences-of-natural-disaster\/1849423545\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bilanol<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h3 id=\"24-stay-off-soaked-lawns-for-at-least-48-hours\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"stay-off-soaked-lawns-for-at-least-48-hours\">Stay off soaked lawns for at least 48 hours<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t walk on storm-drenched grass. Wet soil compacts under foot traffic, killing roots and creating bare patches that can take months to recover.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"25-survey-your-trees-from-a-safe-distance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"survey-your-trees-from-a-safe-distance\">Survey your trees from a safe distance<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t walk under storm-damaged trees until an arborist has assessed them. Hanging limbs (&#8220;widow-makers&#8221;) can fall hours or days after a storm.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWatch for downed power lines, hanging branches, or trees that may still be unstable,\u201d Robinson says.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"26-photograph-all-storm-damage-immediately\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"photograph-all-storm-damage-immediately\">Photograph all storm damage immediately<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Insurance companies will want to assess any storm damage, so take pictures. Insurance claims move faster with same-day photos. Also, if the storm causes widespread damage, your insurance company could be overwhelmed with the number of homeowners filing claims.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"27-clear-drainage-first\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"clear-drainage-first\">Clear drainage first<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Storm debris blocks gutters and downspouts within hours. Standing water becomes a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-in-yard\/\">mosquito breeding habitat<\/a> within 3 to 5 days.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"28-wait-to-mow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"wait-to-mow\">Wait to mow<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t mow your grass until the lawn dries out \u2014 usually 5 to 7 days after a major rain event. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-mow-wet-grass\/\">Mowing wet grass<\/a> tears it instead of cutting, opening your lawn to fungal disease.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOne mistake people make is trying to mow or drive equipment on saturated ground right away. That can cause additional damage to the turf and soil,\u201d Robinson says.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h3 id=\"29-watch-for-lawn-fungal-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"watch-for-lawn-fungal-diseases\">Watch for lawn fungal diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saturated, warm soil is ideal for fungal diseases like <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-brown-patch\/\">brown patch<\/a>, large patch, dollar spot, red thread, and rust. If you see irregular brown rings 7 to 14 days post-storm, that&#8217;s likely a fungal lawn disease.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"30-be-on-guard-for-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"be-on-guard-for-pests\">Be on guard for pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With heavy rains and standing water, it\u2019s a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, with an abundance of downed, wet trees and wood-damaged homes, termites could be an issue.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With any destructive storm, it can ruin habitats and displace wildlife and other pests like rodents, roaches, fire ants, and snakes. Contact a qualified pest control professional.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"31-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781122431920\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does it take a lawn to recover after a hurricane?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A lawn can take anywhere from 2 weeks to never to recover after a hurricane, depending on flood duration and water type. Most grasses can survive being underwater for up to 4 days, though roots can begin to rot in as little as 24 hours.\u00a0<br><br>If standing water persists longer than 7 to 10 days, assume that your grass is dead and plan to plant new seed, sod, plugs. For lawns that drain within a few days, visible recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781122448486\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal after a hurricane?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">That depends on where the tree landed. <a href=\"https:\/\/legalclarity.org\/does-insurance-cover-tree-removal-after-a-storm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most policies cover removal<\/a> only if the tree fell and damaged a covered structure \u2014 your home, garage, or shed. If the tree falls in your yard without hitting anything, you&#8217;ll typically pay out of pocket.\u00a0<br><br>When you are covered, limits apply: Most homeowners insurance policies cap removal at $500 to $1,000 per tree, with aggregate limits of $2,500 to $5,000 per storm event. You also might have to prove the tree was healthy and not damaged. Review your insurance coverage before storm season.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1781122471723\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do palm trees survive hurricanes better than other trees?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Generally, yes. <a href=\"https:\/\/ask.ifas.ufl.edu\/publication\/FR175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Florida research<\/a> found palm survival rates of 88% in Hurricane Charley and 86% in Hurricane Jeanne, compared to 77% and 76% for all other tree species. The reason: Palm trees can bend 40 to 50 degrees without snapping, and their fronds fold to reduce wind resistance instead of catching the wind like a sail.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"32-call-a-landscaping-pro-before-the-storm-rush\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"call-a-landscaping-pro-before-the-storm-rush\">Call a landscaping pro before the storm rush<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hurricane season is something you can prepare for every year. And the best defense is a good offense.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think one of the biggest things homeowners can do is stay ahead of maintenance year-round,\u201d Robinson says. \u201cTrees and landscapes that are regularly maintained generally handle storms much better than properties that only get attention when a hurricane is approaching.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve slacked on maintenance or still have some tasks to tackle, booking weeks ahead not only saves you money, but literally saves your house. The week a storm enters the \u201ccone of uncertainty,\u201d it\u2019s too little too late.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lawn Love can match you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/landscaping\/\">local landscaping pros<\/a> who handle tree trimming, drainage work, and post-storm cleanup. Get a free instant quote and book before hurricane season hits full stride.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Flooded Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with palm trees bending in hurricane-force winds during Hurricane Irma. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/flooded-las-olas-blvd-and-palm-trees-blowing-in-the-winds-catastrophic-hurricane-irma\/171085695\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Satoshi Kina<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hurricane yard prep includes trimming trees, mowing the lawn, securing loose items, checking drainage, and cleaning gutters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":46983,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-46979","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AdobeStock_171085695.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sharon Sullivan","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sharon-sullivan\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46979"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48134,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46979\/revisions\/48134"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46979"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46979"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}