Texas storms are a package deal: sudden downpours, straight-line winds, hail, and the occasional tornado warning. In the Dallas/DFW metroplex, “storm season” isn’t a single month—it’s a cycle that can repeat in spring and fall, with pop-ups any time heat and moisture collide. The good news: a thoughtfully prepared landscape can shed water efficiently, resist wind damage, and recover quickly. Use this homeowner’s checklist to fortify your yard before the skies turn dramatic.
1) Start with a Landscape Risk Audit
Walk your property
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Look up: Identify dead limbs, crossing branches, and trees leaning toward the house, driveway, or play areas.
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Look down: Note low spots where water collects, exposed roots, bare soil on slopes, and areas where mulch washes away.
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Look around: Check fences, arbors, planters, and lightweight décor that may become windborne.
Prioritize by consequence
Flag anything that could damage people, structures, or utilities first (large limbs over rooflines, unstable trees, eroding slopes near foundations).
2) Fortify Trees—the First Line of Defense
Structural pruning (before storm season)
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Remove deadwood and weak, V-shaped crotches prone to splitting.
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Thin overcrowded canopies so wind can pass through rather than push against a solid sail.
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Raise canopies over drives and walks to reduce breakage from vehicles and foot traffic during debris cleanup.
Young tree support
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Stake correctly: Two stakes outside the root ball with flexible ties; allow slight movement to encourage strong trunks. Remove stakes after one growing season.
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Mulch donut: 2–3 inches deep, kept a few inches away from the trunk, to stabilize soil moisture and reduce erosion.
Pro tip: Avoid “crape murder.” Hard topping creates weak regrowth that fails in wind. Use selective cuts to keep natural structure and strength.
3) Control Water: Drainage, Grading & Permeable Surfaces
Tune the grading
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Ensure soil slopes away from the house (about 1 inch per foot for the first 5–10 feet). Fill minor depressions and re-set settled edging that traps water.
Add strategic drainage
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French drains for soggy corridors.
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Surface swales (shallow, grassed channels) to steer runoff toward safe discharge points.
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Catch basins & channel drains along patios/driveways where sheet flow overwhelms joints.
Go permeable where you can
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Permeable pavers, gravel bands, or decomposed granite allow infiltration, lighten runoff loads, and reduce pooling after cloudbursts.
4) Stop Erosion Before It Starts
Lock down the soil
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Deep-rooted groundcovers on slopes (e.g., dwarf mondo, Asian jasmine, liriope) to knit soil together.
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Bio-edging with stone at the base of beds to slow water and keep mulch from migrating.
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Jute netting/erosion blankets on freshly graded banks until plants take hold.
Smarter mulching
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Use shredded hardwood or pine straw that interlocks during heavy rain (not pebbles that wash into drains). Replenish to a uniform 2–3 inches and keep it off hardscape to prevent slippery surfaces.
5) Choose Storm-Resilient Plants (and Place Them Wisely)
Plant traits that perform in Texas weather
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Flexible stems (ornamental grasses, salvia) bend and rebound.
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Tap- or deep-rooted natives (Texas sage, dwarf yaupon holly, red yucca) hold during drought/flood swings.
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Evergreen structure (holly, viburnum) maintains screening even after wind events.
Right plant, right exposure
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Keep fragile bloomers (hydrangeas, some roses) in sheltered courtyards.
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Place salt- and wind-tolerant species on open corners that take the brunt of gusts.
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Avoid planting water-sensitive shrubs in rain-catch basins.
6) Secure Hardscape & Outdoor Features
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Anchor pergolas and trellises with proper footings; tighten hardware annually.
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Heavier planters resist blow-over. For light pots, add gravel to the bottom third for ballast.
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Low-profile furniture with tie-downs or storage space under benches reduces last-minute scrambling.
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Gravel splash strips at roof drip lines break fall velocity and keep soil from crater-ing next to foundations.
7) Protect Irrigation & Lighting Systems
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Irrigation sanity check: Fix leaks, flush clogged emitters, and program a rain/freeze sensor so systems shut off during storms. Overwatering before a storm can saturate soils and increase uprooting risk.
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Low-voltage lighting: Elevate connections, use gel-filled wire nuts, and ensure fixtures drain freely so they don’t become mini birdbaths after downpours.
8) Build Storm-Ready Garden Rooms
Design outdoor spaces to fail safely and recover quickly:
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Break large lawns with paths and planting islands that slow runoff.
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Segment big patios with expansion joints and gentle cross-slope toward drains.
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Rain gardens in low areas capture and filter overflow while adding seasonal interest.
9) Create a 24-Hour Storm Kit for the Yard
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Before: Collapsible bins for cushions, bungees for securing grills, pruning saw, heavy gloves, contractor bags.
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During: Battery lanterns, headlamps for safe checks from the doorway, not the yard.
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After: Tarps for debris piles, orange flags to mark irrigation breaks, and a shovel/rake combo for quick path clearing.
Seasonal Prep Timeline (Dallas/DFW)
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Late Winter (Jan–Feb): Structural tree pruning, grading touch-ups, erosion blanket installs, drainage inspections.
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Early Spring (Mar–Apr): Mulch refresh, plant replacements, irrigation tune-up and sensor tests.
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Mid–Late Spring (Apr–Jun): Stake new trees, check hardware on arbors/pergolas, verify downspout extensions.
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Fall (Sep–Oct): Reseed/repair turf washouts, top-off beds, inspect drains before autumn storm fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do in the 24 hours before a major storm?
Secure or store loose décor, umbrellas, and cushions; move lightweight pots against a wall; shut off scheduled irrigation; and park vehicles away from large, vulnerable limbs. Do a quick gutter and drain grate sweep so water can move freely.
Are French drains or surface swales better for my yard?
They solve different problems. French drains intercept groundwater in persistently soggy zones; swales redirect surface runoff across your lawn or between properties. Many DFW landscapes benefit from a hybrid approach that guides sheet flow into a subsurface line.
How can I keep mulch from washing away?
Use shredded mulch (it interlocks), maintain a consistent 2–3″ depth, add stone check edges on slopes, and consider coarser mulch in high-flow areas. Where water repeatedly cuts through, regrade or add a small river rock swale.
Which trees hold up best in North Texas winds?
Well-structured live oaks, cedar elms, and Chinese pistache perform reliably when pruned correctly. Success depends more on good structure and rooting (and avoiding severe topping) than on species alone.
Do rain barrels help during big Texas storms?
Yes—as part of a broader plan. Barrels capture the first flush from roofs, reducing peak flow, but they fill fast in heavy rain. Pair them with overflow routing to a rain garden or permeable area.
Closing Thought
Preparing now turns recovery into routine maintenance instead of an emergency. A few smart upgrades—clean structure in your trees, better drainage, erosion-wise planting, and secured features—can make all the difference when the radar lights up.
Thinking of a new outdoor living space? Alterra Landscape Design can help!