Flooding, no matter what time of year it happens, can stress soil and plants and leave them vulnerable to damage. There are a few things you can do in your yard and garden after flood waters recede to help your soil and plants.
Avoid Disturbing Waterlogged Soil
If the ground feels “squelchy” or soft when you walk on it, or if a handful of soil from the garden drips water when you squeeze it, let the soil dry out before resuming activities of any sort in your yard. This includes soils and lawns that are saturated from spring snowmelt.
Each time we step on or dig in wet soil, we squash the small gaps between soil particles. This can lead to compacted soils, which make it difficult for air, water and plant roots to move through.
For areas where it’s necessary to step, you can lay down wide boards to distribute your weight and reduce compaction.
Move Shifted Soil
After the soil has dried enough to work in, look for areas where soil has been washed away or piled up by flooding. If plant roots have been exposed, cover them with topsoil and be careful not to pile soil around the plant stems. If plants have been lifted out of the ground, replant them. Any extra soil that has piled up above tree and shrub roots needs to be removed so the yard is returned to its original level. This ensures the tree roots can get the oxygen they need.
Restore Your Soil
Flooding, especially when prolonged, can deplete soil of nutrients. Use compost to replenish your soil. Top-dress your yard with half to one centimetre of compost, and your gardens, trees and shrubs with five to eight centimetres. To improve and protect your soil, add a five to eight centimetres layer of mulch over bare soil.