10/01/2026
A good reminder after all the rain we’ve had—standing water can have a bigger impact on your landscape than you might think.
With all the rain we've received and more in the forecast, we want to address some concerns we've heard about standing water in yards and gardens. Here is some information from Nebraska Extension - Disasters in case the water becomes a flooding situations.
Flooding can affect plants in different ways depending on the plant species, how long it remains underwater, and the time of year. Flooding during the growing season can cause more damage than flooding during the winter when plants are dormant. Some plants are also more tolerant of wet conditions than others.
How does flooding affect plants?
Flooding can leave plant roots without enough oxygen, creating conditions that can lead to root rot and, in severe cases, plant death. Trees can also experience damage to their roots, trunks, and lower stems, disrupting normal functions and causing significant stress. You may notice yellowing leaves or leaves that appear wilted or droopy as a result.
What about trees?
Some trees may develop aerial roots along their trunks or branches in response to prolonged flooding. This is a natural adaptation in certain species and is not necessarily a cause for concern.
However, flooding can also cause trees to lean, increasing the risk of windthrow (being blown over) or structural failure. If you notice a tree leaning or showing signs of instability after flooding, have it evaluated by an ISA- or NAA-certified arborist to determine whether it can recover or if corrective pruning or other care is needed.
What about soil, mulch, and w**ds?
Floodwaters can carry contaminants, pesticides, debris, w**d seeds, and sediment into our yards and gardens. These materials can contribute to increased w**d problems and potential pesticide damage in the years following a flood.
Once floodwaters recede, excess sediment deposited around plants should be carefully removed. On the other hand, if floodwaters have washed away soil or mulch, replenish it to approximately the level it was at before the flooding.
As the water recedes, take some time to assess your yards and gardens. Not all plants will show signs of damage right away, so keep an eye on your landscape in the weeks ahead.
https://hles.unl.edu/floods/