5 Things Every East Texas Homeowner Should Do After Heavy Rain
Alert! East Texas has just received some heavy rain after a long, hot stretch with only infrequent showers. While this rainfall is certainly welcome at this point in the season, there are a few things every East Texas homeowner should be aware of after a heavy downpour.
I encourage every East Texan to take a quick ten-minute walk around their property after a heavy rainfall. Storms like this can actually reveal problems around your landscape that aren't nearly as obvious during dry spells.
Check for Standing Water
During your walk-through, look for areas of standing water. Puddles that disappear within a day are usually not a concern, but take note of any that remain for 24 to 48 hours, as they often indicate drainage issues. Poor drainage is a concern because saturated soil contains much less oxygen for grass and plant roots, and standing water can also provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Inspect Trees for Storm Damage
Many trees survive storms just fine, but damage that goes unnoticed can cause headaches later. Check to see whether any younger trees have begun leaning, as heavy wind and rain can loosen their root balls. Also look for broken, cracked, or hanging limbs. Branches hanging over sidewalks, driveways, structures, or play areas can become a serious hazard. Broken limbs should be pruned properly with clean cuts rather than left splintered.
Wait Before Mowing
This is one point many homeowners don't know. Mowing immediately after a heavy rainfall can leave ruts in your yard because wet soil compacts much more easily. Wet grass also doesn't cut as cleanly, and the clippings tend to clump together, potentially smothering healthy grass. In addition, mowing wet grass creates conditions underneath your mower deck that are harder on belts, blades, and other components.
Check Flower Beds and Mulch
Heavy rain can wash mulch out of your flower beds, especially on slopes. It's common to find mulch scattered across sidewalks or into the lawn after a major storm. Take a few minutes to rake or scoop it back into the beds. Otherwise, you'll be left with thin or bare areas where weed barriers may become exposed. Mulch also plays an important role in reducing soil erosion and helping the soil retain moisture. While you're inspecting your flower beds, make sure none of your smaller annual flowers have been uprooted or damaged.
Look for Signs of Erosion
Look for soil collecting on sidewalks or driveways, exposed tree roots, small gullies beginning to form, or areas where grass roots have become exposed. These are all signs of erosion and may indicate that your landscape could benefit from grading or drainage improvements before the next major storm.
A Few Bonus Facts About Heavy Summer Storms in East Texas
Rainwater is often better for plants than irrigation water because it naturally contains small amounts of dissolved nitrogen from the atmosphere.
Heavy rainfall can temporarily wash some nutrients deeper into the soil, especially in the sandy soils common throughout parts of East Texas.
Fungi become much more active during periods of high humidity and prolonged leaf wetness, so it's common to notice mushrooms or lawn diseases after several rainy days.
Earthworms become much more active after heavy rain because saturated soils contain less oxygen, causing them to move closer to the surface.
After a long dry spell, the first heavy rainfall often triggers a surge in weed germination.
Ultimately, heavy rain gives homeowners a rare opportunity to see exactly how their landscape handles water. The problems you notice today are often much easier—and less expensive—to address before the next big storm.