If you live in Massachusetts, the one constant is New England storms. If your landscape—including trees, plants, lawn, and hardscape—is at risk. If you haven’t prepared your lawn, garden, and trees ahead of time, you’re going to have landscaping cleanup after New England Storms. In this blog, we’ll break down what to investigate after a storm, how to manage cleanup, and when it’s time to call in contractors.

Assessing After New England Storms

From Nor’easters in the winter to wind and rainstorms in spring and fall, storms are a part of life in Massachusetts and greater New England. If you’ve had a storm rip through your neighborhood, it’s time to check for damage and get ready for landscaping cleanup.

• Assess Trees and Shrubs: Trees and shrubs are particularly vulnerable to wind and ice. Assess all of them for damage, including branches that may fall later. Investing in protection, even after the fact, can reduce damage from future storms.
• Review Gardens and Lawns: Especially in winter, gardens and lawns can sustain significant damage from impacts and traffic after a storm. Also, look for flooded patches that may drown perennials and grass.
• Check Hardscaping for Damage: We all take our patios, paths, and retaining walls for granted, but storms can put a strain on them. Check them for impact damage from debris and any clogs that could affect retaining wall drainage.

Managing Landscaping Cleanup

Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time to deal with the cleanup. Factors that come into play include the amount and size of the debris, the damage they’ve caused, and how snow, ice, water, and wind have impacted your landscape. Note that some damage isn’t immediately evident, including damaged plants, lawn, and trees, and it may take several weeks or till the next season before it becomes apparent.

When It’s Time to Call in Contractors

While homeowners can repair small amounts of debris and damage, more extensive damage may require you bring in the experts. If you encounter any of these issues, think about contacting a trusted contractor:

• Extensive Damage: Sometimes the damage is simply too much for homeowners to handle. A cleanup team can deal with the issue before secondary damage occurs.
• Limited Time & Tools: If you don’t have the time or proper tools for an extensive cleanup, it’s often worth the peace of mind to bring in the right help.
• Hardscape Repair: If your hardscape—patios, paths, walls, etc.—were damaged, you’ll need experienced landscape construction contractors to help.

If you’re in Massachusetts, you’re in luck with Dolan Landscaping. We offer full cleanup, landscaping construction, and snow and ice removal services. We can help with immediate cleanup, troubleshooting deeper issues, and customize your landscape with construction and maintenance so you’re ready to both weather the weather and enjoy the sun! Contact us today to learn more and to start cleaning up your landscape.