Horticulturists Provide Tips To Protect Yards From El Niño Storm Damage

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — With the possibility of record-breaking precipitation this winter, horticulturists say now is the time to take action by preparing yards against El Niño storm damage.

Heavy rainfall has the potential to cause major devastation, run-off and even mudslides.

In fact, the chance for damage increases if hillsides have little grass, few plants or if the soil is dry and packed.

"The most vulnerable areas of your yard are hillsides and slopes," explained Gary Jones, chief horticulturist for Armstrong Garden Centers. "Resist the temptation to pull up dead shrubs and dried grasses. The roots that remain in the ground will help hold soil during rainstorms. We want to disturb the soil as little as possible."

Horticulturists offered the following tips on how to prevent run-off and yard damage:

— Simple landscaping can make a difference

— Opt for six-packs of groundcover plants as they have more mature and larger roots that benefit in larger areas, especially located on slopes

— Save top-heavy plants, such as ice plants, for flat areas as they tend to become water-logged and uproot on hillsides during heavy rains

— New landscaping may need additional care during storms

— Avoid replanting entire hillsides or slopes during any rainy season

— Rocks can prevent run-off by stopping pathways of rainwater

— Prune trees before storms happen as strong rain storms can cause dead branches to fall and damage property

— Plants that have fibrous roots, such as California wild lilac, are ideal to plant for controlling erosion

— Hemp nets can help keep seeds and new grass in place on hillsides during heavy rain

— Newly created slopes will need to be covered with plastic from top to bottom as they tend to have unstable soil

Armstrong Garden Centers was established in 1889.