Tips for helping your garden weather any storm

Given the turbulent weather we’ve experienced in NSW and QLD as of late, it has never been a more important time for people to get expert opinion on the state of their gardens and potentially change things up if extreme wet weather events are becoming our new reality.

From proper drainage to opting for deep-rooted plants or trees, there are ways people can keep their garden looking good when the rain hits hard.

Very few people actually know the important steps that they can take to help ensure their garden remains intact during a weather crisis (or even just some heavy rain). What you might not know is that fertilizing your garden prior to up to 10mls of rain is actually the optimum time to do so, because these conditions can prepare your garden for optimal growth. One of the best kinds of fertilizers you can use is an NPK mix, which comprises nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This is an excellent way to help promote fruit and vegetable growth, as well as broad spectrum root protection.

Given much of the heavy rain we experience in Australia is during the Autumn months, it is likely that your garden will see broadleaf weeds. These pesky weeds are hard to remove and when you start to see them coming through, it’s important that you hit them with something strong like Weed N Feed. However, so many Australians aren’t aware that to use various chemicals in your garden, you’ll need to operate with a commercial chemical operator's license.

It’s important that you don’t try to use chemicals like these ones without professional assistance. Not only is it prohibited by law but you run the risk of causing harm to your family and pets should these chemicals not be handled safely. At GMA, we are licensed professionals and offer a range of services including landscaping and groundskeeping for situations where you find yourself unable to maintain your garden without help.

In order to avoid your entire garden getting bogged down when the heavy rain hits, it’s important that you have proper drainage in place prior to the wet weather season. This is because if you have certain sections of your garden which are sitting in water for extended periods of time, this can lead to root rot and decay. Similarly, if you have grass that is sitting in puddles of water and doesn’t have the correct drainage systems, you’ll find that your grass will brown off and won’t get coverage.

Despite the poor weather conditions in NSW and QLD, there are a number of plants which are hearty enough to survive even the most turbulent weather. Opt for trees and plants that are deep rooted, perennial plants, as well as raised garden beds when planting new foliage. All of the options are going to make your garden a lot more resilient to the elements. If you’re ever in doubt as to the strength of a particular tree or plant, it’s important to engage the expertise of an arborist, as they may just be able to offer you some insights on a tree’s health before it’s too late.