Summer storms can arrive fast and leave a mess behind. For commercial properties, a poorly prepared landscape isn’t just about cleanup it’s about safety, liability, and potential damage to expensive infrastructure. From falling branches to flooded parking lots, even a short downpour can turn into a major issue.

Here’s how to prep commercial landscapes before a summer storm hits, and why acting early makes all the difference.

Why Summer Storms Are a Big Deal for Commercial Properties

High winds, heavy rain, lightning, and flooding are common during summer storms. These elements pose serious risks to commercial landscapes, especially when they’re not properly maintained.

Damage from downed trees, erosion, or poor drainage doesn’t just ruin curb appeal it can disrupt business operations, increase liability, and drive up repair costs. Commercial sites with high foot traffic, tenants, or customer visits can’t afford to be reactive. The goal is to get ahead of the storm, not chase damage control afterward.

Key Ways to Prepare Commercial Landscapes for Summer Storms

Trim and Inspect Trees and Large Shrubs

One of the most overlooked storm prep steps is regular tree maintenance. During storms, weak limbs can snap and fall on walkways, structures, or vehicles.

• Remove dead or hanging branches

• Prune overgrown canopies to reduce wind resistance

• Check for disease, decay, or instability near the base

Hiring certified arborists or professional landscape crews ensures the job is done safely and up to code.

Clear Storm Drains and Gutters

Clogged storm drains and overflowing gutters cause flooding fast. Water buildup can seep into buildings, damage landscaping, and erode pavement.

• Clear debris from grates, inlets, and trenches

• Check that gutters are securely attached and draining properly

• Grade surrounding soil to direct water away from entrances and structures

Routine inspections before and during storm season help prevent water from pooling in high-traffic areas.

Secure Outdoor Furniture and Loose Items

If the commercial property includes outdoor seating, signage, trash bins, or décor tie them down or store them safely when a storm is expected.

Loose items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Even heavy planters or benches can shift and cause damage if they’re not anchored properly.

Install or Check Drainage Systems

Stormwater management is critical in commercial landscaping. Systems like French drains, bioswales, and retention ponds help divert and absorb excess rainwater.

Before storm season peaks:

• Inspect drainage systems for clogs or wear

• Check retention basins for capacity and sediment buildup

• Confirm that overflow paths are clear and functional

Proper drainage keeps paved surfaces safe and prevents large-scale landscape erosion.

Reinforce Landscape Beds and Mulch

Mulch can help protect plant roots from erosion but too much or the wrong type can wash away and clog drains. Use heavy mulch like shredded bark or pine straw that’s less likely to float.

Edge landscape beds with stones or barriers to keep soil and mulch contained during storms. Also, inspect ground cover and sod for bare patches, which can quickly erode in heavy rain.

Evaluate Irrigation Systems

Irrigation systems should be turned off before and during storms. But beyond that, it’s smart to make sure systems aren’t leaking or improperly calibrated, which can worsen storm flooding.

• Fix broken sprinkler heads

• Cap off unused zones

• Install rain sensors to prevent overwatering

Smart irrigation systems can even detect soil moisture and adjust automatically another layer of protection when weather turns extreme.

Review Emergency Landscape Plans

Every commercial site should have a landscape-specific storm response plan. This includes:

• Contact info for landscape maintenance crews

• Tree service providers on-call

• Instructions for turning off irrigation or lighting systems

• Post-storm cleanup procedures

Having these details ready can speed up recovery and reduce downtime.

Prepping commercial landscapes before summer storms isn’t just about avoiding mess it’s about protecting people, property, and business continuity.

From securing trees and drains to checking irrigation and emergency protocols, each step plays a role in reducing damage and staying ahead of the storm.

The reality is that storm season will come, whether we’re ready or not. But with the right prep, commercial landscapes can take the hit and bounce back fast—without costly downtime or preventable damage.