After a hurricane passes, the aftermath can leave your yard in disarray, with broken branches, scattered debris, and damaged plants. While it can be overwhelming to face such chaos, the right tools and strategy can make the cleanup process smoother and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll walk through a step-by-step plan to restore your yard and highlight some must-have products that will help you get the job done.

Prioritize Safety First

Before diving into the yard work, safety should be your top concern. Storm debris can be hazardous—hidden nails, sharp branches, or slippery leaves can cause injury. Wear protective gear and take necessary precautions: 

- Inspect for Hazards: Watch out for downed power lines, unstable trees, or other potential dangers. 

- Protect Your Hands: Storm cleanup requires durable gloves to protect against blisters, cuts, and chemicals. A great option for this task is our Comfort-Pro Vegan Leather Gloves. These gloves offer exceptional comfort and protection with a vegan leather material that’s breathable yet strong enough to handle rough branches and sharp debris. If you're dealing with chemicals, you want protective gloves like our field-tested Wonder Gloves. With excellent dexterity, they won't crack like latex after extended use. These washable gloves are also impervious to many garden related chemicals and protect against poison oak and ivy.

Tackle Large Debris First

Once you've ensured the area is safe, start with the big items that are cluttering the yard, such as large branches, fallen trees, and significant pieces of debris. 

-Move Fallen Branches Efficiently: Instead of struggling to grab scattered sticks or smaller branches by hand, theHand Rakes will make your job easier. These rakes are perfect for collecting leaves and debris without bending down repeatedly. Their ergonomic design saves your back and speeds up the process, allowing you to pick up piles of debris quickly. Gather the debris for easy bundling with our durable Leaf Tarp. The marine-grade hook-and-loop fasteners provide a secure closure, ensuring your load stays contained while working. Equipped with in-line handles, it allows for easy, ergonomic carrying and transport.

Clear Leaves and Small Debris

Once the big branches and obvious items are cleared, it’s time to focus on smaller debris like leaves, twigs, and plant matter scattered across your lawn and garden beds. 

-Rake It In: Use a lightweight garden rake to gather leaves into manageable piles. You can use your Hand Rakes to scoop them into bags for disposal. Don’t forget to also check around your garden beds where delicate plants may need extra attention. 

-Support Damaged Plants: Hurricanes can leave your plants bent, uprooted, or damaged. While some may not survive, many can be saved with quick intervention. 

-Stake Your Plants: For bent shrubs or young trees, stakes are a lifesaver. The Y-Stakes are an essential tool for securing damaged plants and providing much-needed support. These sturdy stakes help keep your plants upright, preventing further damage and giving them a chance to recover. Simply drive the stake into the ground and tie the plant gently but firmly in place to give it stability. 

-Inspect for Damage and Replant: Survey your yard for plants that might need replanting or pruning. Sometimes roots may be loosened, or plants may have been blown over but can still be saved. 

-Replant What You Can: Plants that have been completely uprooted may be able to recover if replanted promptly. Use your Comfort-Pro Vegan Leather Gloves to safely dig and replant, ensuring your hands are protected and comfortable. 

-Trim Broken Limbs: For plants or trees that have broken branches, use sharp pruning shears to trim them back. Removing damaged limbs helps prevent disease and encourages healthy regrowth. 

Dispose of Debris Properly

Once your yard is back in shape, dispose of your yard waste responsibly. Many municipalities have guidelines for hurricane debris pickup. Bag leaves and small debris in biodegradable bags, and bundle larger branches for curbside collection if applicable. 

Cleaning up after a hurricane can feel like a daunting task, but having the right tools makes it much more manageable. Comfort-Pro Vegan Leather Gloves, Wonder Gloves, Hand Rakes, and Y-Stakes are essential products that provide comfort, efficiency, and protection during your yard cleanup. With these tools, you’ll be able to restore your yard to its pre-storm beauty in no time. Stay safe, work smart, and tackle the recovery process one step at a time!