Beyond the damage to homes and livelihoods, Hurricane Melissa has ravaged the one place many consider their sanctuary: The garden.

Restoring a storm-damaged garden is a daunting task, but not a hopeless one. Stacy Thompson, principal of Plantology876 and a garden restoration specialist, offers expert guidance to help anyone affected to move forward.

“The lesson is in the soil: If the roots hold, the plant — and the garden — has everything it needs to return. It will bounce back,” Thompson told Style Observer Gardening (SOG).

According to Thompson, the very first step in restoration isn’t cleaning, but assessment. Homeowners must evaluate the full extent of the damage caused by the heavy winds and rains before starting any clean-up efforts. A vital warning: Thompson urges everyone to look out for exposed wires and get them attended to professionally for safety. Only after securing the site should you commence clean-up, disposing of leaves, sticks, and other debris, especially those shed from damaged trees.

“Safety first: Always be mindful of and on the lookout for exposed, live wires. If are still without power, this is the ideal time to get to work. Grab your pruners, clippers, hedger, or a chainsaw, to cut large tree pieces into smaller, manageable bundles for municipal collection. Once you’ve cleared these vulnerable areas, you can then focus on salvaging what can be saved,” Thompson said. “Make sure you have gloves on hand.”

The good news for your favourite plants? Salvaging them depends entirely on their roots. If plant’s roots are still in place, they are potentially salvable with the right treatment.

“For those salvageable plants, you can prune them and put them in a cool area to rest, especially those that are not sun-tolerant. Just like human beings, they need to rest because we can’t take them from a shaded area to an area where there is sun and not expect some upheaval. Once the roots are still in place, they will be fine,” Thompson said. “A few days after transplanting, apply an Epsom salt solution (one teaspoon per gallon of water) directly to the plant. It’s an excellent solution to help plants settle in and establish new roots. I use this mixture for all imported plants — it helps them acclimate to their new surroundings, similar to how you help a patient recover from shock”.

For severely affected fruit trees, salvage depends entirely on the tree’s current state.

“If a fruit tree falls, try to prop it up if the roots allow. If it’s not salvageable, remove and prune to maximise harvest,” Thompson said. “In some cases, fallen fruit trees can still be propped back up and salvaged, especially if their roots remain partially anchored or are otherwise viable.”

Drawing on her experience during Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Thompson shared a practical tip: Support the damaged tree by securing a wire to the house’s fence and using stakes (or sticks) for extra bracing, will help to re-establish the tree’s upright position.

Be sure to join SOG next week as we dive deeper into garden restoration tips.

The very first step before any clean-up is a thorough site assessment. Always be vigilant for exposed wires and downed power lines. If you spot any, do not touch them — call a professional electrician immediately before proceeding with debris removal. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Once the area is safe, you can start the clean-up process. Dispose of all debris — including fallen leaves, sticks, and any damaged plant material. A thorough cleaning sets the stage for recovery. (Photo: freepik.com)

For salvageable plants, give them a fresh start by pruning away damaged growth and moving them to a cool, sheltered area to rest. This is especially key for your sun-sensitive varieties. (Photo: freepik.com)

If you want better root establishment after transplanting, apply an Epsom salt solution to the plant about three to five days after moving them. It’s the perfect nutrient boost to help them successfully anchor into their new home. (Photo: freepik.com)

To ensure your tree debris is picked up, reduce large pieces into smaller, easy-to-handle bundles. Any cutting tool — from hand clippers to a chainsaw — can help you prepare the brush for collection. (Photo: freepik.com)

Stacy Thompson principal, Plantology876 (Photo: Stacy Thompson)