High winds are a fact of life for many homeowners.

They can lead to a massive range of issues with their property. From loosened roof tiles to broken windows, it’s fair to say that high winds are never a welcome visitor. Damage high winds can cause to the actual structure of a property is undoubtedly concerning. However, high winds can also wreak havoc on another area of a home: the garden. To combat this threat, here are some tips that allow you to wind-proof your garden. You can be sure that you’re ready for anything the winter winds might bring.

Tip #1: Ensure your fence is properly reinforced

Your garden fence is easily the most vulnerable aspect of your garden, so this should be the first area you examine when seeking to wind-proof your outdoor space.

As a general guide, if you can move the fence more than an inch or so by pushing on it, it could be vulnerable to high winds. If you find this is the case, then it may be worth reinforcing the existing structure if possible. Alternatively, you could look to build afresh, choosing your materials with robustness in mind; options such as steel tubing for fences can help to ensure that your fence is as sturdy and as wind-proof as possible.

Tip #2: Remove hanging objects

Wind chimes and hanging baskets items are beautiful, but if high winds are forecast, they are extremely vulnerable to breakage. These sorts of items should always be removed whenever the wind begins to pick up, as they are next-to-impossible to protect otherwise. Ask “what would happen if it fell?”

For any vertical structure in your garden – trees, washing lines, ladder planters, and so on and so forth – ask yourself what would happen if the structure were to fall in any direction. If there are items in the fall path, then remove them if the weather forecast suggests high winds are imminent – even if the item is firmly screwed into the ground or wall. This is definitely one area where it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Tip #3: Use windbreaks around ornaments and pots

Many elements of garden design involve placing potted plants throughout the space. This choice is all well and good from a design perspective, but from a wind-proofing one, it’s problematic. Even though pots and containers are sturdy and heavy, the plants they contain are not. Extra protection is definitely required. To avoid damage to your plants, ensure pots and ornaments are protected by windbreaks, such as hedging or a fixed screen.

Tip #4: Lock your shed

If you have a shed, install a strong metal lock that is heavy-duty enough to withstand high winds. This step not only protects the shed door itself from damage, but also the items stored inside. It’s definitely worth doing!

Hopefully, the steps above will help to ensure that your garden is protected whatever the weather does this winter!