* After the flood waters have receded, remove broken tree branches and all other potentially dangerous objects from the ground. Get help to remove heavier branches and objects.
* The next step in the water damage restoration process is to prune broken shrub and tree branches. Tree branches should be pruned at the point of connection with the trunk.
* Use your garden hose to wash your plants and to remove all traces of possibly contaminated floodwaters.
* Before starting water damage restoration of your garden, purchase a supply of compost-enriched soil as well as a supply of mulch. Spread as much as you can of both over all exposed plant roots.
* Avoid walking in still-soggy flowerbeds. This could damage exposed and fragile roots.
* An important part of the water damage restoration of your garden is to add soil nutrients to replace the nutrients that were washed away by heavy floods.
* Once the garden soil is relatively dry, add the compost.
* Wait until your lawn area is dry before applying a thin layer of organic fertilizer, about 1/4-inch thick.
* As you go through this water damage restoration process, remember to empty all containers in your garden where water may have collected (empty plant pots, buckets etc). The standing water will soon be a breeding ground for mosquitoes if you don't get rid of it.
* Hunt for snails in dark places such as underneath bricks and boards. Wear gloves and remove the snails by hand. Do not use snail poisons, especially if you have pets. Water damage restoration is not meant to harm them!
* Look out for fire ants too. They often invade a flooded yard or garden. You can buy earth friendly fire ant bait to add to any infested spots you may find. Make sure to follow instructions on the label.
* A major part of garden water damage restoration is to get rid of the rot and fungal diseases that will certainly have affected your garden after a prolonged wet period. Replace all infected flowers, shrubs and plants.
* Draining and cleaning water-damaged gardens is the major component of water damage restoration. If you have a pond, you should pump out the contaminated water. If you have to, rent a shop vac to remove all debris from your yard.
* Finally, fill up your pond with clean water and replace infected and damaged plants and shrubs. The water damage restoration of your garden is now complete.
* Never eat fruits or vegetables picked from a garden that has been flooded. In particular, avoid leafy vegetables (such as spinach for example), squash, tomatoes, peppers and strawberries. These fruits and vegetables are easily contaminated by the bacteria present in floodwaters.
