1. Stow or store anything that moves
Move, or store any garden items that will easily move in high winds including garden furniture, barbecues, pots, window boxes, washing lines, lighting, tools, hose reels, and play equipment. If you can’t move furniture easily, tie it to the closest immovable object or structure where possible using strong rope.
2. Secure fleece
If you have used fleece during cold weather, make sure this is securely tied or pegged down to prevent it flying away, ripping, or getting tangled in the plants it is trying to protect.
3. Cover ponds
If you have a garden pond, excess leaves and debris can create real problems later in the season including ammonia build up which can damage your pond’s delicate eco system, so cover it with netting or chicken wire to prevent leaf ingress.
4. Remove top growth from shrubs and trees
Evergreen shrubs and trees can pose a challenge in very high winds as they can be susceptible to storm damage. Thin crowns if you can, reduce plant height if possible – especially if your garden is in a coastal zone or is very exposed to wind - or just focus on removing branches that might pose a problem with excess movement in the wind.
If you know you have a tree that could topple in high winds – perhaps you’ve seen it moving in previous storms, consider a pre-emptive felling if you consider it might pose a risk if it fell. Consult a specialist arborist or tree surgeon if you are unsure how to do this.
5. Prune or lop away dead plant material, loose twigs and branches
Perhaps the single most sensible process you can undertake when high winds are due is to quickly audit your garden for loose, dead or dying plant material, and remove it with loppers or pruners.
Lop away whole branches if necessary. Wind can cause tall woody climbing shrubs to rock which can damage their roots, so take as much material off if you can – the less height you have, the lower the risk of damage.
6. Stake small trees and shrubs
If you’ve planted bare root trees over the winter period, their roots won’t yet have had a chance to firmly establish themselves in the ground. Check their stakes are firmly anchored and add stabilisation with additional stakes or canes if required.
7. Check your shed roof
Often overlooked, shed roofs receive a disproportionate amount of damage in high winds. Check felt is properly tacked down and any loose sections are removed, replaced or re-fixed. This simple job will prevent felt loss and water ingress, saving you the job of repairing damage or replacing affected tools and equipment.
8. Check fences
Walk around your garden boundaries giving each of your fence panels a gentle push. Fence panels act like sails in high winds and any excessive movement can be an indication that they need additional securing before they are lost or damaged. You can use stakes secured at an angle towards the affected panels as a temporary strengthening measure, but bear in mind that they will most likely require professionally replacing when the weather has calmed down.
9. Clear drains and gutters
Flying leaves and twigs will find their way to your drains potentially causing blockages. Make sure your drains have wire covers to catch falling leaves so that you can easily remove and compost them after the wind has subsided. Check your gutter if you can for the same reason, making sure the tops of down pipes have a net or wire leaf catcher in place to prevent blockages.
10. Have a plan for waste
Finally, high winds create an incredible amount of debris. Even with the most thorough preparation, leaves, twigs and other debris will find their way to your garden, so be prepared to dispose of it carefully. Read our guide to garden waste for appropriate solutions for your garden.
