Rain can reveal problems in your backyard that may not be obvious during dry weather. Here’s a quick checklist to go through before, during, and after heavy rain:
1️⃣ Check for flooding or standing water
Look around trees, gardens, and other plants. Areas that collect water repeatedly may have drainage problems, and waterlogged soil can affect tree stability.
2️⃣ Check your gutters
Your gutters should drain properly and should not be overflowing. This is especially important if you have large or tall trees nearby that can drop leaves, twigs, and other debris onto the roof and into the gutters.
From my experience, cedar and maple trees—including Manitoba maples—are among the worst for easily blocking eavestrough downspouts. Cedars drop a large amount of small twigs, foliage, and solid seeds, while maple trees are notorious for their helicopter seeds. These seeds can accumulate quickly and stick together, creating a dense blockage that prevents water from flowing properly.
💡 Another easy tip: During a good rain, look at the water coming out of your downspout. Compare the flow with a similar downspout from your neighbour’s house or another nearby location. If yours has noticeably less water coming out, there could be a blockage in the gutter or downspout.
3️⃣ Look up at the trees 🌳
Check for dead branches, hanging branches, or large branches that look unstable. Windy and rainy conditions can increase the risk of branches coming down.
4️⃣ Watch for soft or unstable ground
After soaking rain, some areas can become very soft. Be careful around trees, slopes, retaining walls, fences, and other structures. Saturated soil can reduce stability and create unexpected hazards.
🌧️ Rainy weather is a good reminder to look around before a small problem becomes a big one.
Stay safe, and if you notice a large or dangerous-looking tree or branch, keep your distance and have it properly assessed.
#BackyardSafety #RainyDay #TreeSafety #GutterCleaning #StormSafety #HomeMaintenance #TreeCare
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