An amber weather warning has been put in place in parts of the UK for the coming days, due to wet weather. Given the downpours seen over the weekend, many people’s gardens are at risk of flooding. Flooding is a nightmare, it can cause expensive damage to the outside of your property and potentially gain access to your bottom floor.
Because of this, gardeners need to act fast to avoid their outdoor space from being underwater. Thankfully one garden expert has given a helping hand to protect your garden in the UK this weekend.
Joshua Houston, a garden expert from Household Quotes, has revealed five tips to protect your garden from flooding.
Houston said: “Summer is over, and don’t we know it given the awful weather over the last few days. This is set to continue into the week with it getting worse in some regions. It’s crucial that you protect your garden from flooding, as this will ultimately protect your home as well.
“Bad weather can bring communities together, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when it comes to supplies. Also, avoid walking on flooded grass as this can prevent it from growing back in the future.’’
Sandbags
This is particularly effective for the front garden. Line sandbags at the end of the drive to stop water from gaining access. Pile one behind the other with them being at least two high.
Sandbags can be bought from hardware stores for around £5, alternatively, gardeners can contact their local council to see if they can provide any. If both are not possible, then post on a local community group on social media, someone will be bound to have a few going spare.
Drainage system
Ensure that all drains around the home are clear and unblocked, otherwise, this causes flooding which could affect the lawn. Gardeners can also install their own drainage system which collects water and sends it away from the home and into a nearby drain.
Add mulch
Mulch, when put on soil, not only improves its health but also aids the retention of moisture. This is particularly beneficial during heavy rain as it decreases the likelihood of flooding. Not only this, it also stops topsoils from being washed away in the event of very bad weather.
Water-resilient plants
Some plants are more water-resilient than others, which means the plant can survive in extremely wet weather, along with being able to absorb more water. Water-resilient plants include; lavender, sedum and verbena.
Rain barrel
Rain barrels collect water from the roof to store for a later date. This helps prevent the flooding of the lawn as otherwise the water would fall onto the grass before eventually flooding. Gardeners can pick them up for many different prices, but they are available for as little as £30.
It comes as outdoor building specialists GardenBuildingsDirect’s are emphasising the importance of getting sheds, summerhouses, and garden buildings ready for the colder months.
Without preventive actions, these wooden constructions may suffer from moisture-related decay, rot, and even significant structural problems. Taking the time for proper maintenance now can save homeowners the expense and hassle of having to replace a dilapidated garden building or perform extensive repairs later on.
Their recommendations include treating wood with preservative solutions every year, ensuring appropriate airflow within the structure, and verifying that roofs are secure and intact.
The experts said: “Protecting wooden sheds, summerhouses and other outdoor buildings will improve their longevity and save you from forking out for replacements.”
They added: “While it can be a time-consuming job, it is an important one so checking the roof, doors and windows regularly will mean you find problems you can fix. Other tips like checking ventilation and applying a wood preservative are essential in keeping damp out.”
