We all know that plants love water. Too much water, though, and your plants can suffer.
There are some situations (floods, for example) where it’s obvious that excess water can be a problem for plants or trees in your yard and garden. Any time plants that are meant to be above ground find themselves under water, you have a potential problem, to be sure. But some of the impacts of excessive rain (or over-watering) might not be immediately apparent.
Soil Compression
For one, excess rainwater can compact the soil. As the rain falls down, especially in downpour conditions, it literally presses the soft soil down as it falls. When this happens, and the soil gets dense with standing water that is not absorbed into the ground, the level of oxygen in the soil is diminished. This can damage the roots or leaves of the plants, and can impede the photosynthesis process which helps the plant grow. Having lower levels of oxygen in the soil also prevents new growth from sprouting, and can choke down plants that are already struggling to survive.
Erosion and Root Damage
Excess rainwater can also cause erosion and root loss. The roots can become damaged and broken, weakening the plant’s bond to the soil. As the ground erodes and is washed away in the rain, the plants can begin to simply wash away with the soil.
Loss of Nutrients
Heavy rains can also leach crucial nutrients, such as nitrogen, out of the ground. Nitrogen is very important for photosynthesis and is a natural fertilizing element that fosters growth and health in plants.
How to Protect Your Garden from Heavy Rains
Some things you can do to protect your yard and garden:
- Give plants plenty of space to ensure that they get enough oxygen.
- Choose native plants, which are better suited to your local conditions.
- Make raised flowerbeds and plant beds. These raised beds drain better than typical beds whenever there is an excess of moisture in the soil.
- Use organic material in your soil – or add it to your soil – to improve the drainage.
- Plant a rain garden. This is a lowered (depressed) planted area that you design to soak up all of the runoff rainwater. In this area of your garden, you would intentionally place plants that thrive, rather than suffer, from excess rain.
If you’re not sure the best way to care for your trees and garden in times of excess rain, and you’re here in the Cincinnati area, give us a call – we can help. We can help you make sure your plants are in top shape, you’ve planted the right things in the right areas, and you’ve considered all of the possible solutions to address your heavy rain concerns. We’re your local tree service company in Cincinnati, and we know how to handle the climate and weather here. We can help make sure you’re prepared.
