Hurricanes, much like blizzards or extreme weather of any kind, may cause outdoor trees, plants, and shrubs to suffer a good deal of damage. Is there hope? What to do? Before you hire someone to yank everything out, consider the possibilities.

Storm damage is an exciting opportunity to renew and revitalize your landscape. Plants have a tremendous drive to survive and you can help them look better than ever.

Plants that were overgrown, hiding windows, blocking your front entrance, or crowding out other plants may be great candidates for cutting back, especially when Mother Nature has given you a head start.

For plants that really need to leave, their absence opens up room to move others you like that require more space, more shade, or more sun to do well. You may be able to move larger plants to these spaces and fill in with new ones that complement or bring a fresh look to your landscape.

Perennials may be divided or the undamaged part replanted and given a fresh start. Indeed, many shrubs and perennials may be simply cut to the ground and will reward you with healthy new growth the following year.

Damaged trees — especially the smaller ones — can be salvaged through careful pruning of broken limbs to re-shape the tree and promote new growth.

No matter the damage to your landscape or garden, this is a wonderful time for renewed gardening spirit and TLC for yourself and your landscape.

Sincerely,

Ellen Covner
Custom Gardens, LLC