Floods can oversaturate your soil, wash away landscaping, and destroy plants. Luckily, you can salvage what’s left of your garden once the water recedes. Using proven lawn care tips will ensure you cultivate healthy soil and prime your plants to thrive. Follow the steps below for the best results.

How to Fix a Flooded Garden

1. Dig Drainage Ditches

Standing water will gradually kill most plants, so remove it immediately by digging a drainage ditch. Use a shovel to dig a trench that’s 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Start the ditch in the standing water and dig toward a downward slope, drain, or existing ditch. Line the ditch with commercial fabric to improve water flow. This drainage process will mitigate soil oversaturation and help the plants recover.

If you’re dealing with multiple feet of standing water, have a lawn care professionals dig the ditches. They’ll use commercial digging and construction equipment to quickly dig deeper, wider ditches.

2. Clean Plants

Silt, sludge, and debris will be left behind once the water is cleared. These can harm your plants, so hose them off right away. Avoid walking on the wet soil to prevent compaction and plant root damage.

Also, water your plants carefully so you don’t oversaturate the soil further. First, let the soil dry out. You can then begin watering as you did before the flood.

3. Schedule a Soil Test

Have your landscapers check your soil’s nutrient levels. They’ll use a pH test to check the acidity and will then look for carbon, zinc, manganese, and other nutrients by examining small particles. If the levels are above or below baseline, it can lead to poor growing conditions for plants. In many cases, aerating or adding a nutrient-rich fertilizer will help restore balance.

Since 1995, residents of Rochester, NY, have turned to Evergreen Landscape Management for their lawn care needs. These professionals serve both residential and commercial clients and handle landscaping and hardscaping services. To learn more, visit their website. Call (585) 889-9300 to speak with a team member, and connect on Facebook for more lawn care tips.