Yard Cleanup After a Storm: What to Do First

The roof isn't the only thing that gets hit.

North Texas storms come fast and hard. Hail, straight-line winds and the occasional tornado can leave a yard full of broken limbs, shredded plants, scattered debris and torn-up beds. It's tempting to grab a chainsaw and start hauling the next morning. Slow down for a minute. A storm cleanup done in a hurry is how people get hurt.

Here's how to handle it safely, in the right order.

What Should I Do First After a Storm?

Safety first, then documentation, then cleanup.

1. Look for hazards before you walk the yard. Downed power lines, hanging limbs, broken glass and exposed nails.
2. Stay away from downed lines. Assume every line is live. Call your utility and keep everyone, including pets, away.
3. Watch for hanging limbs. A broken limb caught in a tree can fall without warning. Don't stand under it.
4. Take lots of video. Before you move anything, walk the property and record damage to the yard, fences, roof and house. Photos and video help with any repairs and give you a clear record.

How Do I Document Storm Damage to My Yard and Home?

Walk the whole property slowly with your phone recording:

• Fallen limbs and trees, and where they landed.
• Damage to fences, gates and outdoor structures.
• Hail-shredded plants and beds.
• Debris on the roof or in gutters.
• Dents on gutters, downspouts and outdoor equipment.

Then step back and get wider shots that show where everything sits. If you think your roof was hit, don't climb up there yourself. Our roofing and storm damage team can inspect and document what we see.

Is It Safe to Clean Up Fallen Limbs Myself?

Small branches and loose debris, sure, with gloves and sturdy shoes. But be honest with yourself about the big stuff:

• Large limbs and downed trees are heavy and can shift or roll when cut.
• Limbs under tension can spring back when cut. This is one of the most dangerous parts of storm cleanup.
• Anything near a power line is a job for the utility or a professional.
• Anything on the roof should stay off-limits to homeowners.

If a chainsaw isn't something you use often, a storm cleanup is not the time to learn.

How Do I Clean Up Hail-Damaged Beds and Plants?

Hail shreds leaves and knocks plants flat. Many will come back. Here's what we'd do:

1. Clear debris first. Get limbs, leaves and trash out of the beds.
2. Trim only what's clearly broken. Cut back torn stems and branches to healthy growth.
3. Give it time. Many shrubs and perennials will push new growth. Don't rip things out too fast.
4. Refresh mulch washed out by heavy rain.
5. Check your irrigation. Storms can break sprinkler heads and lines.

What About Standing Water and Erosion?

Heavy rain can wash out beds and leave standing water in low spots. If it keeps happening, it may be time to look at drainage. Our guide to yard drainage solutions covers French drains, regrading and more. If water got inside your house, that's a mitigation job. Call our water damage team right away.

How Can I Prepare My Yard Before the Next Storm?

• Trim trees away from the roof and remove dead limbs. Our guide on why to trim trees away from your roof explains.
• Secure loose items like patio furniture, trampolines and trash cans.
• Keep gutters clean so water has somewhere to go.
• Know where your shutoffs are for irrigation and water.

How Does G3 Help After a Storm?

We're one family of companies. G3 Property Care handles yard cleanup, debris hauling, bed repair, sod and irrigation repair. G3 Roofing & Construction inspects and repairs roofs and storm damage. One call, and we'll help you understand your next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storm hit your yard? Call G3 Property Care at (940) 391-5588 or visit our landscaping page. We'll help you get it cleaned up safely.

Keep learning: see our Lawn Care & Landscaping page, read Yard Drainage in Argyle, TX: French Drains for Clay Soil.