Autumn is a useful time to look at the garden with storm season in mind. The National Hurricane Center identifies mid-August through mid-October as the period when most Atlantic activity occurs. A more comfortable evening does not tell us what a particular property will experience.
A calm-weather walk-through gives you time to notice practical concerns and arrange help before a warning arrives.
Make a plan for loose objects
Look at pots, garden ornaments, cushions, tools and furniture. Decide where movable items will go when conditions require it, and keep that storage route accessible.
Some containers are too heavy to move casually. Plan for their handling in advance rather than attempting a difficult lift as weather deteriorates.
Follow the path of water
Check accessible drains and the areas where leaves collect. Note beds that receive roof runoff and places where water has pooled during ordinary rain.
Avoid pushing garden debris into streets or storm drains. Persistent flooding deserves a drainage assessment; a last-minute layer of mulch will not solve it.
Arrange tree care early
Have concerns about leaning trees, damaged branches or structural defects assessed by a qualified arborist. Do not climb or attempt hazardous cuts yourself.
Keep palm care appropriate to the plant. Removing healthy green fronds in a severe hurricane cut can harm palms; it is not a general storm-protection measure.
Record the garden while it is safe
Take dated photographs and keep useful service contacts together. Clear access to gates and equipment so planned work is possible.
When a storm approaches, follow official warnings and evacuation instructions. Garden preparations belong well before conditions become hazardous.
The most useful checklist is one you can act on calmly: what moves, what drains, what needs specialist care and who you will call.
Plan ahead: Share non-urgent landscape concerns with TLC. For active storm-related landscape requests, call (727) 490-9692. Immediate threats to life or utilities require emergency services or the utility provider.
Sources: NHC climatology, UF/IFAS palm pruning, tree pruning, Pinellas landscape information.
A little help for your garden?
Tell us what you are noticing and how you would like to enjoy the space. We can discuss the appropriate next step.