Everyone knows that ‘April showers bring May flowers’—but spring rainfall carries far more than just floral blooms. While a healthy, natural shower can certainly be refreshing and beneficial for your garden, heavy downpours and strong winds can be cause for disaster—bringing destruction and flood risk to both your home and your flower beds.
Consider these tips to help keep your home and garden safe from the rain while still enjoying the upcoming spring blooms:
- Clear your gutters—Blocked gutters during a heavy rainfall can prevent proper flow of water within your drains, causing an increased risk of both interior and exterior home damage. Be sure to prepare for the rain by clearing your gutters of any leaves, dirt, twigs or other build-up from autumn and winter.
- Keep it sealed—The easiest way for water to sneak into your home during a rain shower is through any gaps within the sealant of your windows or doors. Make sure your sealant is secure before a rainstorm, and perform regular repairs to prevent erosion issues.
- Plant smart—Prevent your garden from becoming a giant puddle during rainfall by planting taller flowers and vegetation (eg trees or shrubs). These plants will catch water on their leaves, helping to decrease the risk of flooded soil. In addition, cover bare patches of soil with mulch, and cover any exposed roots.