Flooding doesn’t only damage your home—it can also devastate your yard. Soil erosion, standing water, and plant loss are common after severe floods. With the right steps, you can repair the damage, improve drainage, and bring your landscaping back to life.
Landscaping Solutions after Severe Flooding
Storm damage often leaves behind problems in the yard that, if ignored, can lead to long-term issues with soil and plants. Taking action quickly helps restore your outdoor space and prevent future damage. This guide explains the following:
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Assessing flood damage to your yard
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Repairing and stabilizing soil
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Restoring grass and plants
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Improving drainage to prevent future flooding
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When to call professionals for landscaping restoration
Here’s a closer look at each.
Assessing Flood Damage to Your Yard
Start by checking for safety hazards like downed power lines, sharp debris, or unstable trees. Once it’s safe, walk through your yard to look for erosion, standing water, and damaged plants.
Floodwater can contain contaminants, so wear gloves and boots while assessing. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, floodwater often carries chemicals and bacteria that can remain in soil.
Repairing and Stabilizing Soil
Flooding often strips topsoil and leaves behind compacted ground. Loosen the soil with tilling and add organic matter or compost to restore nutrients. For sloped areas, consider planting ground cover or using erosion-control fabric to stabilize soil.
Adding mulch around trees and shrubs helps hold moisture at the right level while the soil recovers.
Restoring Grass and Plants
Grass may recover if the water drained within a few days. Rake away dead material and reseed bare spots as needed. For plants, prune away damaged leaves and branches to encourage new growth.
If plants were submerged in contaminated floodwater for more than a couple of days, it’s often best to remove and replace them. Some perennials may survive, but vegetables and herbs should not be consumed if exposed to black water.
Improving Drainage to Prevent Future Flooding
Flooding highlights weak spots in your yard’s drainage. Extend downspouts away from the foundation, regrade sloped areas, and consider adding French drains or swales to redirect water.
If your home has had repeated flooding, combining landscaping changes with professional water damage prevention inside the home offers the best long-term protection.
When to Call Professionals for Landscaping Restoration
Large-scale erosion, contaminated soil, or tree damage usually requires professional help. Landscapers and restoration experts can rebuild retaining walls, install proper drainage systems, and safely handle contaminated soil.
Restoration companies can also handle disaster cleanup inside your home while coordinating with landscapers outside, ensuring your property is fully restored.
FAQ About Landscaping after Severe Flooding
Check out these commonly asked questions about landscaping after severe flooding. If you don’t see your question here, please call our office and we’ll find you the answers you need.
Will My Grass Grow Back after a Flood?
Yes, if water drains within a few days. If flooding lasted longer, reseeding or laying new sod may be necessary.
Is Flood-Exposed Soil Safe for Planting?
Not always. According to the EPA, floodwater may contain chemicals and sewage that remain in soil. Soil testing may be needed before replanting.
Can I Save Plants That Were Submerged in Floodwater?
Some may recover with pruning and care, but vegetables and herbs should not be eaten if exposed to floodwater.
How Can I Prevent Yard Erosion after Flooding?
Use erosion-control fabric, ground cover plants, and mulching to stabilize soil. Regrading slopes may also help redirect water.
When Should I Call Professionals for Yard Restoration?
Call if there’s large-scale erosion, downed trees, or contaminated soil. Professionals have equipment to safely restore and stabilize your yard.
Flooding can take a major toll on your landscaping, but quick action makes recovery possible. By restoring soil, replanting carefully, and improving drainage, you can rebuild your outdoor space and protect it from future storm damage.
Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?
If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and get a free disaster remediation quote today. We offer:
