5 Must-Know Tips to Protect Your Outdoor Space From Storms Fast, According to Pros

Home Improvement Outdoors

Key Takeaways

To protect outdoor plants, add extra mulch, group them in sheltered areas, and consider relocating them indoors.
Secure outdoor furniture using bungee cords, tie-down straps, or anchor them with lawn stakes, and store them indoors if possible.
Check trees for weak limbs and trim shrubbery, secure trash cans and driveway items, and inspect outdoor structures for loose parts.

The next time you hear a storm or strong winds are headed your way, you’ll want to be prepared instead of scrambling at the last minute. Having a checklist of steps to get your outdoor space ready can help keep you calm and your property safe. That’s why we've put together these five expert tips to prepare your yard for severe wind and rain.

Following these steps will help minimize damage to your home and yard. You can relax inside, knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

Here’s what you need to do to prepare outdoor plants, secure trash cans, look after trees with loose branches, and more.

Add Extra Mulch to Plants

To keep your outdoor potted plants safe and stable during high winds, add extra mulch to their pots, suggests Deborah Sauri, co-owner of TriVistaUSA. You can also use garden stakes for added stability.

"Group them in a sheltered area to minimize wind damage, and loosely wrap them in burlap or sheets for extra protection," advises Erin Stetzer, founder of Erin Stetzer Homes.

If you can move your plants indoors, that’s even better, Stetzer notes.

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Check Your Trees

Before a storm hits, make sure the trees in your yard are well-pruned to reduce the chance of branches falling and causing damage.

George Noble, who handles business development at Wilderworks, advises checking for weak tree limbs and trimming shrubs away from your house.

Secure Outdoor Furniture

You definitely don’t want your outdoor furniture blowing across the yard—or toward your home—during a storm. Here’s how to ensure it stays put.

"Secure outdoor furniture by stacking chairs and tying them down with bungee cords, or use lawn stakes to anchor them," suggests Sauri.

Stetzer recommends using tie-down straps, bungee cords, or heavy-duty zip ties for larger pieces of furniture and grills.

If you can move your outdoor furniture to a safe space indoors, like a garage or basement, that’s the best option, Sauri adds.

Stetzer agrees and advises bringing in all patio furniture, planters, umbrellas, toys, and decorations if possible.

"They can become dangerous projectiles in strong winds, so it’s best to store them safely in a garage or shelter," says Stetzer.

Don’t Forget About the Driveway

After securing your backyard, don’t forget the front of your home. If you have trash cans in your driveway, make sure they stay in place.

Stetzer recommends securing trash cans with bungee cords or tie-downs to prevent them from blowing over. You can also weigh them down with sandbags or bricks.

If you have a basketball hoop in the driveway, lower it as much as possible, she advises.

Evaluate Outdoor Structures

Before a storm, take time to assess the condition of structures in your yard.

"Inspect awnings and canopies for loose screws, bolts, or weak spots and secure them tightly or take them down if necessary," says Stetzer.

For sheds and garages, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked.

"Check for any loose panels or siding that could be ripped off by strong winds," she says. "In high-risk areas, board up windows with plywood for extra protection."