# Plant Water Damage: How to Protect Your Garden from Extreme Weather - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/plant-water-damage-protect-your-garden-from-extreme-weather/ - Published: 2022-10-05T09:33:24-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy Let’s talk plant water damage. For as the Earth’s average temperature slowly rises damage occurs. For we begin to experience more natural disasters like floods. Also hurricanes, and [wildfires](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/01/wildfires-and-climate-change-have-a-real-connection/). So if you have plants; be concerned about [plant water damage in your garden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2024/07/plant-a-garden-tips-for-sustainable-practices/). I mean it’s important now. Especially to take steps to protect them. All from [plant water damage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/01/prefab-innovators-change-the-green-building-game/) caused by these extreme weather conditions. Below, we’ll share some tips on how to do just that. ![Plant water damage](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/ 10/How-to-Protect-Plants-in-Your-Garden-from-Extreme-Weather.jpg?resize=420%2C280& quality=52&ssl=1) ## 1. Choose the Right Plants Be sure to choose plants [native](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/05/planters-plant-shop-best-outdoor-green-carpet/) to your area. Therefore they are more likely to withstand [extreme](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/what-can-they-tell-us-about-weather-forecast/) weather conditions. When selecting plants for your [garden](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-garden-space/), choosing those native to your region is important. These plants will be more likely to have evolved defenses. Especially against the local climate conditions. For that’s including extremes of temperature and precipitation. If you [live in an area that experiences](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/waxed-live-my-hilarious-experience-on-regis-and-kelly-video/) severe winters, then consider planting evergreens. All which can provide year-round protection for your other plants. #### Deciduous trees and shrubs Deciduous trees and shrubs should also be on your list; they may lose their leaves in [winter](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/avoid-the-chill-this-winter-and-protect-the-climate-with-energy-star/), but their roots will continue to grow, providing essential stability during high winds. Another factor to consider when choosing plants is their mature size. Smaller plants are more likely to be uprooted by strong winds, so opt for larger specimens whenever possible. ## 2. Create a Windbreak One of the best ways to protect your plants from damage caused by high winds is to create a windbreak. You can do this by planting trees or shrubs on the side of your property most exposed to strong winds. You can also build a physical barrier, such as a fence or wall, to deflect wind away from your garden. You can also use [custom tarps](https://www.tarpsnow.com/custom-tarps-made.html) or nets to shield plants from wind damage. Whatever method you choose, leave enough space between the windbreak and your plants, so they don’t get damaged by the debris blown against the barrier. ## 3. Improve Drainage Heavy rains can cause [flooding](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/drowning-expert-witnesses-enhancing-water-safety-solutions/), damage plant roots, and lead to disease. Ensure your garden has good drainage to protect your plants from this damage. One way to improve drainage is to raise the bed of your garden so that it is higher than the surrounding ground. This will help [ensure that water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/mar-systems-clean-snow-ensuring-clean-water-in-winter/) flows away from your plants rather than towards them. You can also add organic matter, such as compost, to your soil. Especially to improve its ability to absorb water. Finally, clear any debris. I mean such as leaves or branches. Especially from gutters and drains. That’s so that they are not blocked and water can flow freely. Moreover and away from your home. ## 4. Provide Shade Too much sun can damage plants, causing leaves to scorch or wilt. To protect your plants from this damage, provide them with some shade. One way to do this is to plant trees or shrubs on your property’s south- and west-facing sides.  For this will provide natural shade for your plants. Especially during the hottest hours of the day. You can also use physical barriers. For that’s such as shade cloths or umbrellas. Then to protect the plants from the sun. However, remove these barriers during cold weather. All so your plants can receive the sunlight they need to grow. ![Plant water damage in garden](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/08/garden-radish-gd8dcc0a24_1920.jpg?resize=300%2C200&quality=52&ssl =1) ## 5. Mulch Mulching is a great way to[ protect your plants from extreme weather conditions](https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/lawn-care/winterize-your-lawn-and-garden/). For mulch helps to insulate the roots of plants, keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer. It also helps to prevent soil erosion and can provide some protection against high winds. When applying mulch, leave a space around the base of each plant so that water can still reach the roots. Also, avoid using mulch made from treated wood, as this can leach chemicals into the soil that can damage your plants. ## 6. Water Regularly One of the best ways to protect your plants from [extreme weather conditions is to water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/water-damage-from-hurricanes-5-eco-friendly-preparedness-tips/) them regularly. In addition, this will help keep the soil moist. Thereby insulating the roots and preventing them from drying out. Be sure to water your plants deeply so that the water reaches the roots. Also, avoid [watering in the middle of the day](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/earth-day-2015-innovations-in-water-technology/) when the sun is hottest, as this can cause leaves to scorch. Instead, water in the morning or evening when it is cooler. ## Conclusion By choosing the right plants, creating a windbreak, improving drainage, providing shade, mulching, and watering regularly, you can protect your plants from extreme weather conditions. Finally, these steps can ensure that your [garden will thrive](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/12/topsoil-enrichment-the-key-to-healthy-and-thriving-gardens/). I mean no matter what the weather brings. _**Author bio****:** Maggie Bloom graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations. If you are into video editing and you are looking into [how to remove audio from video](https://invideo.io/tools/remove-audio-from-video), Maggie recommends Invideo._ ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)