Post-Storm Backyard Cleanup & Recovery: An LA Homeowner's Guide

When LA Gets Hit: Storm Recovery for Your Backyard

LA doesn't get many storms, but when we do, they hit hard. Atmospheric rivers dump months of rainfall in days. Mudslides follow fires. Santa Ana winds knock down trees and scatter debris across pools. And because our infrastructure and landscapes aren't designed for extreme weather, the damage can be significant.

After any major storm, here's how to systematically assess and restore your backyard.

Immediate Safety Check (Day 1)

1. Check for downed power lines or exposed electrical: Do NOT enter the yard if you see wires down. Call LADWP immediately.
2. Look for structural damage: Fallen trees on structures, cracked retaining walls, undermined foundations.
3. Check pool equipment: If water reached the equipment pad, do not turn anything on until a professional inspects it.
4. Inspect gas lines: If you smell gas near outdoor kitchen or fire features, turn off the main valve and call SoCalGas.
5. Document everything: Photos and videos for insurance claims before any cleanup begins.

Pool Recovery (Days 1-3)

Debris Removal

Skim large debris manually. Do not run the pump until you've cleared the skimmer and pump baskets—clogged systems can burn out motors. Remove branches, leaves, and mud before they sink and stain the finish.

Water Chemistry Reset

Storm runoff introduces dirt, fertilizer, and contaminants. Your chemistry will be off—sometimes dramatically. Shock the pool with 3-4x normal chlorine dose, let it circulate 24 hours, then retest and adjust pH, alkalinity, and CYA.

Equipment Inspection

If the equipment pad flooded, have a technician inspect before turning anything on. Water in electrical panels, variable speed drives, or automation controllers can cause dangerous shorts. Cost for post-storm inspection: $150-$300.

Landscape Recovery (Days 2-7)

Drainage Assessment

Walk your property after rain stops. Look for pooling water, erosion channels, or soil movement. If water is pooling against your foundation or retaining walls, address drainage immediately—this can cause structural damage.

Tree and Plant Assessment

Leaning trees may need professional assessment—saturated soil weakens root hold. Broken branches should be properly cut (not torn) to prevent disease entry. Uprooted plants can often be saved if replanted within 48 hours.

Erosion Repair

Hillside and sloped properties are most vulnerable. Replace washed-out mulch and soil. Consider adding erosion control measures (jute netting, ground cover plants, or French drains) if erosion is recurring.

Hardscape Recovery (Days 3-14)

• Pressure wash mud and debris from pavers and concrete
• Re-level shifted pavers or flag displaced stones
• Clear drainage channels and surface drains
• Inspect retaining walls for leaning, cracking, or soil loss behind walls
• Check pool deck for lifted or cracked sections
• Reseal any surfaces where sealer was stripped by water flow

Insurance and Documentation

Most homeowner policies cover storm damage to landscaping and hardscape, but with limitations. Document everything before cleanup: photos, videos, and written descriptions. Get repair estimates from licensed contractors. File claims promptly—most policies have 60-day reporting windows.

After the January storms, Elan's team was at our house within 48 hours. Pool was green, retaining wall had shifted, and the patio was covered in mud. They had everything restored in a week. — Michael & Kelly D.