How to Spot Storm Damage in Your Garden After Winter Weather

Winter storms can leave behind damage that isn’t always obvious straight away. Strong winds, heavy rain, and frost can weaken plants, soil, and garden structures, so it’s important to check your garden once the worst weather has passed.

Start by inspecting trees, shrubs, and hedges for broken branches, split stems, or plants that are leaning or misshapen. These issues can become hazardous or restrict healthy growth if left untreated. Lawns and soil should also be checked for waterlogging, uneven ground, or bare patches, which often point to drainage or compaction problems caused by prolonged rainfall.

Hard landscaping is another area that can suffer during winter. Loose fence panels, shifted paving slabs, cracked walls, and blocked drains may seem minor now but can worsen over time. Raised beds and borders can also lose soil in heavy rain, leaving roots exposed and plants struggling when spring arrives.

The best way to deal with winter storm damage is to act early. Pruning damaged growth, improving drainage, resetting hard landscaping, and repairing structures during the dormant season helps your garden recover more quickly and prevents more costly repairs later. If you’re unsure how much damage has been done, a professional landscape gardener can assess the situation and recommend the right solutions before spring growth begins.