Hailstorms can wreak havoc on your beloved garden, leaving a trail of damaged leaves, broken stems and bruised flowers. You may ask yourself, will my garden recover from this hailstorm? The answer is YES! 

Hailstorms are not unusual in the Front Range, so knowing how to recover your plants after a hailstorm requires a combination of careful assessment and supportive actions. Here are some steps you can take to help your plants bounce back.

asses the damage: 

Begin by inspecting your plants for damage. Check leaves, stems and flowers for signs of bruising, tearing or breakage. Assess the overall health of the plant to determine the extent of the impact. 

Note! If the storm hits in early spring, it’s not too late to replant and start fresh.

remove damaged parts: 

Trim and remove any damaged or broken parts of the plant. This includes torn leaves, broken stems or damaged flowers. Pruning helps redirect the plant’s energy to healthy growth.

Note! Trees and shrubs should be okay with hail stones under 3/4 inch in diameter. If you do find dangling or damaged branches, cut them off cleanly.

provide adequate water:

Hailstorms can be deceptively damaging, not only causing physical harm but also increasing the plant’s water needs. Ensure your plants receive sufficient water in the days following the hailstorm to support recovery.

apply fertilizer: 

To aid in recovery, consider applying a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. This can promote new growth and help the plant recover from the stress caused by the hail.

mulch around plants: 

Mulching around the base of your plants helps retain moisture, regulates soil temperature and protects against further environmental stress. Use organic mulch to provide a protective layer.

stake tall plants: 

If your taller plants, such as flowers or vegetables, were affected, consider staking them to provide additional support. This prevents further damage and encourages upright growth.

Wondering if you can shield your precious plants from the next hailstorm? The answer is a resounding yes—especially if you have advance notice! Blankets and tarps can be lifesavers. It’s important that they are properly secured to stay in place, should a gust of wind come in front of that sudden storm.

If your garden needs a little help from the experts after the storm, give us a call!