How to Secure Garden Items Before Storms

Unsecured garden items and a storm are not a good combination. High winds can send furniture, tools, and pots flying, causing damage to your property and potentially your neighbours’ too. A bit of preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to do before the weather turns rough.

At a glance

• Bring loose items like cushions, tools, and ornaments indoors
• Secure large furniture to fixed structures or move it under cover
• Add weight to pots and bins to prevent tipping or rolling
• Lock shed doors and check hinges are secure
• Prune weak or overhanging branches before storm season

Why secure garden items before storms?

Unsecured garden items become hazards in high winds. They can smash windows, damage fences, dent cars, or injure someone. It’s not just about keeping your garden tidy, it’s a genuine safety issue. It’s also worth noting that some insurance policies won’t cover damage caused by negligence, so taking precautions beforehand is not just sensible, it’s important.

Steps to secure garden items

1. Bring small items indoors

Start with anything lightweight or portable: cushions, outdoor toys, parasols, garden tools, and ornaments. These are the easiest targets for strong winds and can cause the most damage if they become airborne. Stash them inside your home, garage, or shed before the storm arrives.

2. Secure large furniture

For heavier items like tables, chairs, and benches, tie them down to fixed structures such as railings or walls using heavy-duty straps or bungee cords. If possible, move them to a more sheltered spot, like inside a sturdy shed or garage.

3. Add weight to pots and bins

Large plant pots and outdoor bins can be surprisingly unstable in gusty conditions. Weigh them down with bricks or sandbags, or move them into a corner against a fence or wall where they’re more sheltered and less likely to tip or roll.

4. Lock sheds and outhouses

If you’re storing items in a shed, make sure the doors and windows are properly shut and locked. A loose door can swing open during a storm and damage the structure or leave the contents exposed to wind and rain. Check the hinges and consider reinforcing them with extra screws if they feel weak.

5. Prune weak and dead branches

Falling branches are one of the most common causes of storm damage. Prune any dead or unstable branches before the weather turns. For larger trees, bring in a professional arborist to make sure the job is done safely.

Ongoing maintenance for garden safety

Storm preparation is easier when the garden is already well maintained. You shouldn’t have to start from scratch every time a warning comes in.

• Keep pathways clear of clutter and loose items throughout the year
• Regularly check outdoor furniture and fixtures for signs of wear or instability
• Maintain fencing and gates so they can withstand strong winds without failing
• Make pruning part of your regular garden routine, particularly in autumn before the worst weather arrives

These habits mean that when a storm is forecast, you’re not scrambling at the last minute.

How Lemonade contents insurance can help

Even with the best preparation, storms can cause unexpected damage. If something does go wrong, the right home insurance can make a real difference to how quickly you recover.

Lemonade’s contents insurance can cover damage to personal items caused by unexpected events. It’s straightforward, modern, and designed to make the claims process as simple as possible. Check what’s covered and make sure your policy reflects what you have in your garden.

Before we go

Securing your garden before a storm protects your property, your neighbours, and anyone who might be nearby. Bring in the small stuff, tie down the large stuff, lock the shed, and prune anything that looks unstable. Do it regularly and you’ll rarely need to panic when a storm warning comes in. And with the right insurance behind you, you’re covered if something still goes wrong.

Securing Garden FAQs