🌿 2. Protect Your Shrubs & Flower Beds Before the Storm

Shrubs, perennials, and flower beds are some of the most vulnerable parts of a landscape during hurricane season. High winds, pounding rain, and flying debris can flatten or uproot them quickly — but a few simple steps can make a big difference.

Water Deeply 24 Hours Before the Storm

It sounds backward, but watering before a hurricane helps plants handle wind stress and salt exposure. Moist soil cushions roots and reduces shock.

Add a Fresh Layer of Mulch

A 2–3 inch layer of mulch helps:

• Prevent soil erosion
• Protect exposed roots
• Reduce washout in heavy rain
• Keep beds anchored during flooding

Tie Up Tall or Top‑Heavy Shrubs

Use soft plant ties or twine to secure shrubs like:

• Hibiscus
• Oleander
• Knock Out roses
• Tall perennials and grasses

This keeps branches from snapping or whipping in the wind.

Move Containers to Safety

Potted plants should be:

• Brought indoors, OR
• Grouped tightly against the house on the leeward side

Containers are the first things to blow over — and they can become dangerous projectiles.

Storm damage can leave beds, shrubs, and trees stressed. Our landscape maintenance services help restore your landscape quickly and safely.

🍅 3. Protect Your Vegetable Garden Before a Hurricane



Vegetable gardens are especially vulnerable during hurricanes. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flying debris can wipe out an entire season’s progress overnight. A few quick steps can help minimize damage and save what you’ve grown.

Harvest Everything You Can

Pick ripe and nearly ripe vegetables before the storm hits. High winds will shred foliage and destroy produce, so it’s best to gather what’s ready.

Stake Tomatoes, Peppers & Okra

Use sturdy cages, bamboo stakes, or wooden supports to keep tall plants from snapping. Secure them with soft ties that won’t cut into stems.

Lay Down Row Covers or Netting

Lightweight covers help reduce wind burn and keep plants from whipping around. Secure the edges with bricks, boards, or sandbags.

Improve Drainage Where Possible

If your garden tends to flood, create temporary trenches or raised rows to help water move away from plant roots. Standing water can cause root rot within hours.

🌺 4. Protect Your Tropical Plants & Palms

South Louisiana landscapes often include tropicals and palms that are especially vulnerable to high winds. A little preparation goes a long way in preventing breakage, wind burn, and uprooting.

Lightly Tie Palm Fronds Together

For palms such as:

• Pindo
• Sabal
• Windmill
• Queen (in warmer pockets)

Gently tying the fronds into a loose bundle reduces wind resistance and helps prevent fronds from snapping.

Move Container Tropicals Indoors or Under Shelter

Plants like hibiscus, plumeria, mandevilla, bougainvillea, and other tender tropicals should be:

• Brought inside, OR
• Placed in a protected area like a garage, porch, or carport

These plants are the first to suffer wind burn and breakage.

Rinse and Feed After the Storm

Once the weather clears, rinse leaves with clean water to remove salt, debris, and contaminants.

A gentle foliar nutrient or seaweed spray helps stressed tropicals recover faster.

We specialize in palm installation and care, including tying and storm preparation for large palms.

💧 5. Prepare Your Landscape Drainage (Critical for South Louisiana Clay Soil)

South Louisiana’s heavy clay soil holds water longer than most regions, which makes proper drainage one of the most important parts of hurricane preparation. When the ground becomes saturated, roots can suffocate, plants can uproot, and entire beds can wash out.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure water can move freely away from your home and landscape. Clogged gutters overflow directly into beds, causing erosion and root damage.

Open Up French Drains & Yard Drains

🧱 6. Secure Loose Items Around Your Landscape



Anything that isn’t anchored down can become a dangerous projectile during a hurricane. Securing loose items protects your home, your plants, and your neighbors.

Bring Small Items Indoors

Move these inside your garage, shed, or home:

• Potted plants
• Hanging baskets
• Garden tools
• Watering cans
• Decorative items
• Wind chimes
• Small outdoor furniture

These are the first things to blow away in high winds.

Tie Down or Group Larger Items

For heavier pieces that can’t be moved indoors, secure them tightly:

• Patio furniture
• Grills
• Benches
• Large ceramic pots
• Storage bins

Use rope, bungee cords, or heavy weights to keep them from shifting.

Turn Over Lightweight Furniture

Plastic chairs and tables should be flipped upside down to reduce wind lift.

Check Fences & Gates

Loose fence panels or swinging gates can break free and cause damage. Secure latches and reinforce weak spots before the storm arrives.

🌈 7. What To Do After the Storm

Once the storm passes, your landscape will need quick attention. The first 24–48 hours are the most important for preventing long‑term damage and helping your plants recover.

Rinse Plants With Clean Water

Salt spray, debris, and contaminants can burn leaves. A gentle rinse helps tropicals, shrubs, and palms bounce back faster.

Trim Broken or Damaged Branches

Remove:

• Split limbs
• Torn branches
• Hanging or cracked pieces

Clean cuts heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.

Do NOT Fertilize Immediately

Storm‑stressed plants need time to recover.

Wait 2–3 weeks until you see new growth before feeding.

Cover Exposed Roots

If wind or water washed soil away, gently cover roots with fresh soil and mulch to protect them from heat and drying out.

Watch for Pests & Disease

Storm stress attracts:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Scale
• Fungal issues

Treat early to prevent long‑term decline.

📞 Need Help Preparing Your Landscape for Hurricane Season?

Protecting your yard before a storm doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you need tree pruning, drainage improvements, palm tying, or full landscape preparation, Beau Monde Nursery Landscape & Florist is here to help homeowners across Acadiana stay ready and protected.

Our team serves Lafayette, Scott, Broussard, Youngsville, Carencro, Breaux Bridge, Duson, Maurice, and surrounding communities with reliable, professional hurricane‑readiness services.

Call today to schedule your pre‑storm landscape prep and protect your investment before the next storm arrives.