Wear gloves and closed shoes when going into a flood damaged area to do damage control . Spray plants with fungicides and insecticides to control any pests and diseases that might attack them in their vulnerable state . Get rid of any edible produce that was touched by flood waters and wash everything else as a precaution . Unfortunately , you should also wait at least a few months before replanting anything you plan to eat in an area damaged by flooding , as contaminated spores may still be present . Make sure you clean up any debris and check that storm drains and gutters aren ’ t blocked . It ’ s also a good idea to wash down hard surfaces , such as paving and patio to remove any lingering pollutants . Keep off the lawn while it is still waterlogged as walking on it will only worsen conditions . exposed roots properly to prevent trees from falling over . At the same time , check the trees for hollowness , so that you can cut down any that are in danger of breaking and causing damage to fences , plants or buildings .
Create a soakaway or pond
Soakaways are a very effective way to protect your garden from a flood . It needs to be at least a metre deep and then filled with big stones , rubble , bricks or a combination of materials of various sizes that will help with good drainage . Once complete , cover with topsoil .
Soakaways are a very effective way to protect your garden from a flood .
Another method of dispersing water is to incorporate a pond at the bottom of your garden away from the house . You can lead the soakaway or any trenches you dig to the pond .
By now , you will have seen exactly where the problem areas of your garden are – for instance where water pools in beds , around trees and near the house . You will have been able to identify vulnerable areas and plants and should be able to use the above information to devise a strategy to prevent more damage in the coming weeks . While we love and value the rain , it ’ s also important to make sure causing damage that will be seen and felt even in the drier months . Good luck !