Grounds Corner
We could get lucky this year as El Nino might just help us get a pass on a direct hurricane hit, or maybe not. A little early planning could save you a big hassle and expense. Take a walk around your property looking for potential problems.
Look for things like trees growing too close to the house or lanai cage. Pigmy date palms look great near the back of the cage but, if they aren’t trimmed back those palm fronds can push the screens in during high winds. That will let bugs and debris into your lanai and pool. Do you have a tree that could blow over? Better to have it trimmed or removed now rather than pay for the damage it might cause.
There have been a number of Grounds Committee applications recently to remove dead, dying, or diseased trees. That’s great to get them out before a big wind event removes them for you, leaving a messy clean up. Remember that if the removed tree is in the front yard, approval for removal may also require that a replacement tree be planted if there is no ‘tall’ tree in the front yard. A tall tree must grow to be higher than 15 feet tall.
Bushes can become overgrown and cause damage; they do grow very fast this time of the year with all the moisture and the hot summer days.
Are your yard decorations secure? Or, could they become UFOs (unwanted flying objects)? If you are already gone for the season, do you have someone to bring them inside? Remember, objects on your lanai or loggia can become airborne as well.
You might be wise to check down spouts to be sure they are properly connected. A homeowner recently discovered that the downspouts were not properly reattached at the bottom after the roof was recently cleaned. This causes the planter bed to become flooded and washes away mulch and soil. Also, check the screens that you may have at the end of your down spout to prevent critters from hiding there when the coyotes are around. Those screens can become clogged with debris causing a backup in your down spout.
Enjoy your summer and stay safe.
