Storm Preparation & Aftercare: Protecting Your Property
How to prepare before high winds and heavy rain — and what to check safely afterwards across the North West.
Autumn and winter weather across Merseyside, Cheshire, the Wirral and West Lancashire can bring strong winds, heavy rain and unpredictable conditions. Small issues with branches, gutters, drainage or boundaries can become much more expensive when a storm arrives.
Whether you are looking after a family garden, rental property, nursery or business park, a few sensible checks before and after severe weather can help protect your outdoor spaces.
Seven things to check before a storm
1. Secure loose items
Move or secure garden furniture, pots, bins, trampolines and lightweight outdoor equipment. At business premises, also check waste-storage areas, temporary signs and outdoor furniture.
2. Inspect trees and overhanging vegetation
From a safe position, look for dead, broken or unstable limbs close to buildings, roads, cars or footpaths. Arrange professional assessment where necessary; do not undertake hazardous tree work yourself.
3. Look at gutters and surface drainage
Leaves and debris can obstruct outlets, gullies and drainage channels. Check from ground level and arrange safe clearance where necessary. Never climb onto a roof to prepare for a storm.
4. Check gates, fencing and outbuildings
Loose fence panels, damaged posts and unsecured gates can deteriorate in high winds. Arrange suitable repairs in advance if possible.
5. Pay attention to paths and paving
Wet leaves, moss and algae may create slip hazards. Plan suitable cleaning and remove safe-to-handle debris, especially around entrances.
6. Protect lawns and planted areas
Avoid heavy machinery and unnecessary foot traffic on waterlogged ground. Consider whether plants or lightweight containers need moving to a sheltered position.
7. Follow official weather warnings
Review the latest Met Office weather warnings for your location. Commercial sites should adjust outdoor work and access arrangements where necessary.
During the storm: prioritise safety
If a road, building or outdoor area appears unsafe, restrict access and contact the appropriate emergency or specialist service.
After the storm: a sensible inspection checklist
- Trees and shrubs: look for split branches, newly leaning trees, uprooted plants and damaged hedges. Keep clear of unstable limbs.
- Roofs, gutters and downpipes: look from ground level for loose materials, obvious displacement or blocked drainage.
- Boundaries: inspect fencing, gates, sheds and loose structures for damage.
- Lawns and planted areas: check for waterlogging, erosion, debris and crushed planting.
- Paths and drives: assess standing water, displaced paving, fallen leaves and blocked access.
- Commercial access: assess public paths, car parks, entrances, service yards and outdoor play areas before allowing normal use.
Avoid walking through floodwater or touching damaged electrical installations. Significant structural issues, utility hazards and dangerous trees require appropriately qualified specialists.
Storm preparation for commercial premises
Schools, nurseries, industrial estates, offices, retailers and managed developments have additional responsibilities for keeping people away from hazards. An agreed maintenance programme can make seasonal grounds checks and vegetation management easier to organise.
- Agree who inspects entrances, communal paths and car parks.
- Check access needs, vehicle movements and visitor routes.
- Plan routine vegetation, leaf and drainage-related maintenance.
- Know how to escalate dangerous trees, roof defects or electrical hazards to specialist contractors.
How Five Willows can help
Five Willows Property Care can assess appropriate post-weather exterior and grounds maintenance, from seasonal clearances and vegetation work to suitable pressure washing, gutter and roofline cleaning, lawn repairs, turfing and planting.
Our support is subject to a safe site assessment and agreed scope. We do not present routine grounds maintenance as structural emergency repairs or specialist dangerous-tree work.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pressure wash a patio immediately after a storm?
Not necessarily. Check the surface, drainage and surrounding conditions first. Pressure washing may be unsuitable on damaged, loose or waterlogged surfaces.
Can I clear fallen branches myself?
Only small, stable debris that can be moved without risk. Avoid hanging branches, damaged trees, power lines and areas requiring ladders or machinery.
Need help restoring or maintaining your grounds after severe weather?
Send us photographs and a short description. We can review suitable clearance, exterior cleaning and seasonal maintenance requirements across the North West.
Based in Newton-le-Willows and Oxton · Merseyside, Wirral, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Warrington, Halton, Chester and Wigan. Caring for your property, inside and out.