Drainage is Essential Hurricane Season or Not

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Garden pots, gutters, storm drains and culverts all have something in common. The answer is drainage. Garden pots need good drainage in order for plants to thrive. After making sure a pot has holes in the bottom to allow water seepage, a variety of materials including gravel can be put on the bottom in order to retain moisture and any fertilizer being used. In COVID times, some people are even getting creative and using what’s on hand as a drainage medium including marbles and shells. These steps should help stop the yellowing of leaves and root rot signs that too much water is being retained.

drain clogged with leaves and storm water

Drain clogged with leaves and storm water

So why is drainage even more important this time of year especially when talking about gutters, storm drains and culverts that’s because hurricane season started June 1st. NC State researchers have said this year’s hurricane season will be an active one with 18 to 22 named storms in the Atlantic basin. This means that if your drainage systems are clogged now it could lead to bigger problems if there is a tropical storm or hurricane.

It sounds so easy to just go out and make sure everything is clear and debris free but the problem is out of sight out of mind. So many of these things are not in our viewpoints when we go outside to pull weeds, see if the grass needs mowing or check to see if any vegetables are flowering yet. It’s a good idea to start an inspection list of all the structures that need cleaning on your property. Also, determine how often this needs to be done so a routine is established.

dangling dead tree limbs

Dangling dead tree limbs

While we’re talking about impediments to drainage, it’s wise to add dead tree limbs to the mix. Many properties are still dealing with dead or damaged tree limbs as far back as Hurricane Florence. High storm winds can cause falling limbs that have looked safe dangling above. These limbs can cause damage to property or injury to persons when falling or when floating in high water and also add to already high debris levels in drainage structures.

The motto this hurricane season should be plan ahead so things don’t come to a head. We can’t control Mother Nature but we can work on a drainage plan now and hopefully be a few steps ahead of her no matter what comes our way the rest of the year.