Backyard Storm Cleanup Checklist: What to Do & What Tools to Use

Restore your yard efficiently and safely with this step-by-step guide to post-storm recovery and tool selection.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Storm Hits Your Backyard

A clear order of operations makes the cleanup process manageable—even in challenging conditions.

Step 1: Assess Safety Hazards First

Before touching anything, prioritize safety.
Storms leave behind sharp debris, fallen trees, and downed power lines. These are serious threats.

• Scan the area for broken branches, leaning trees, and any structural damage.

• If wires are involved, never approach—call the utility company.

• Wear protective gear: gloves, boots, and safety goggles to protect against sharp objects, broken glass, and dirt.

This first step helps prevent injury and further damage during cleanup efforts.

Step 2: Clear Small Debris Quickly

Start with smaller debris—leaves, twigs, and lightweight yard waste.
Clearing debris early opens access to walkways and prevents mold growth and excess moisture buildup.

Use:

• A rake or leaf blower to gather debris.

• Heavy duty trash bags or tarps to move waste easily.

• A compost pile for organic matter like leaves and grass clippings.

This speeds up the recovery process and gets your property back in shape fast.

Step 3: Cut and Process Medium Branches

Once the yard is walkable, tackle fallen branches and tree limbs in the 2–6" range.

Here’s where power tools make all the difference:

• Use a chainsaw to break down large limbs.

• Rent a gas wood chipper for quick debris removal and mulch production.

• Split logs with a log splitter for firewood or stacking.

These tools not only clear the space but recycle fallen trees into usable material for your landscape.

Step 4: Handle Stumps and Large Debris

Dealing with heavy debris like stumps or trunks? Move carefully.

• Use a stump grinder to eliminate tree stumps below the surface.

• Cut up fallen trees into sections if safe to do so.

Avoid large, unstable trees near power lines or broken structures. That’s a job for professionals with specialized equipment trained for safe removal.

Step 5: Repair Lawn and Garden Areas

Now it’s time to fix what the storm disrupted.

• Replant shrubs, fix compacted soil, and remove dead plants.

• Use a pressure washer to clear dirt and dust from hard surfaces like patios or decks.

• Add compost and mulch to your garden beds to restore nutrients and promote new growth.

Even after hurricane cleanup, a few simple steps can protect your landscape and help your yard bounce back faster.

Must-Have Tools for Every Backyard Storm Cleanup

The right tools make storm cleanup safer, faster, and more effective. Here's what you really need.

Safety Gear First

Before anything else, prioritize safety.
Storm debris includes sharp debris, broken glass, and hidden hazards like nails or thorns.

Essential protective gear:

• Gloves to protect your hands from cuts and dirt

• Safety goggles to guard against flying chips

• Steel-toe boots for heavy debris and rough terrain

• Long sleeves to shield from scrapes

• First aid kit: Always keep one close. Accidents happen.

Wear protective gear before touching any collected debris or working with power tools.

Basic Manual Tools

These essential tools handle most storm cleanup jobs without electricity.

Must-haves:

• Rake: Great for clearing smaller debris like leaves and twigs

• Shovel: For dirt, debris piles, and fixing uneven soil

• Pruning shears: Cut back broken branches and shrubs

• Wheelbarrow: Move debris faster

• Tarp: Makes hauling leaves and fallen branches simple

These are your go-to for yard work after light storms or as prep for heavier cleanup tasks.

Power Tools for Faster Work

Storms don’t wait—power tools speed up recovery.

What to consider:

• Chainsaw (gas or electric): For tree removal, limb cutting, and broken structures

• Wood chipper: Turn branches into mulch; rental ranges from $100–$300/day

• Log splitter: Great for turning fallen trees into firewood; usually $60–$150/day

• Stump grinder: Essential for removing deep roots and tree stumps left behind

Each tool plays a key role in making the cleanup process more efficient and manageable.

Optional Tools for Lawn & Garden Repair

Once debris is clear, restore your landscape with the right gear.

Helpful extras:

• Pressure washer: Blasts dirt, mud, and dust off patios and driveways

• Lawn dethatcher or aerator: Revives compacted soil after winter weather or standing water

These aren’t critical for debris removal, but they do make your property feel like home again.

When to DIY and When to Call a Pro

Knowing when to call for professional help can prevent injury—and protect your property.

Call a Professional If…

 Some cleanup efforts are too risky. Call a certified arborist or tree removal company if:

• The trees are over 30 feet tall

• Damage is near power lines, fences, or your home

• The fallen trees are unstable, rotten, or split at the trunk

These jobs require specialized equipment and experience for safe removal.

Safe DIY Projects

If the storm didn’t cause major damage, there’s a lot you can do on your own:

• Mulch chipped wood for your garden beds

• Split wood for heating or hugelkultur

• Compost twigs and leaves

• Clear out light to mid-weight debris

• Inspect trees safely—from the ground

With the proper tools and a smart to do list, DIY can save money and protect your property quickly.

Smart Cleanup Strategies to Save Time and Money

Clean faster. Spend less. Here's how to do it right without sacrificing results.

Reuse Everything You Can

Storms leave behind more than just a mess. They leave materials you can work with.

• Wood chipping: Rent a chipper and create mulch for garden beds

• Firewood: Split downed trees with a log splitter—use it for heat or grilling

• Hugelkultur: Bury logs in raised beds to improve soil and drainage

• Compost: Shred leaves and twigs to start a new pile or enrich your current one

• Heavy duty trash bags: Save them for true waste—don’t toss what your landscape can reuse

Making the most of your collected debris turns a daunting task into an opportunity.

Time Your Rentals Right

Rental tools like chippers and grinders aren’t cheap—but timing is everything.

• Rent mid-week: Lower demand means better rates

• Weekend combo: Book all gear at once—wood chipper, log splitter, stump grinder

• Efficient workflow: Prep ahead so you're ready to go as soon as tools arrive

• Bonus tip: Ask if your rental store offers bundle deals or storm cleanup discounts

Maximize every minute of rental time. It makes the process manageable and cost-effective.

Check Local Rules and Programs

Before you start clearing, look into local options and regulations.

• Free yard waste pickup: Many cities offer it after storms—don’t miss the deadline

• Burn bans: Burning fallen branches or other debris might be illegal in your area

• Composting incentives: Some towns offer bins or vouchers for home composters

• Dumping regulations: Avoid fines by verifying where and how to dispose of heavy debris

Quick research saves you time, money, and the headache of unintentional violations.

Summary: Your Go-To Guide for Storm Recovery

Storms can turn your yard upside down. But with the right tools, a solid plan, and a focus on safety, you’ll have things back in order fast.

Final Tips for a Fast, Safe Cleanup

• Always start with safety: Look for downed power lines, sharp debris, and structural damage before anything else.

• Use the right tools for the job: Don’t force it. Whether it's wood chipping, tree removal, or hauling heavy debris, the proper tools make all the difference.

• Know when to bring in the pros: Fallen trees, limbs near homes, or anything over 30 feet—call for professional help. Your back (and your insurance) will thank you.

Quick-Grab Checklist

✅ Gloves, goggles, steel-toe boots – protective gear is non-negotiable
✅ Rake, chainsaw, wood chipper – for debris removal and broken branches
✅ Log splitter, stump grinder – for firewood, stumps, and heavy debris
✅ Compost bin or mulch pile – reuse what the storm leaves behind
✅ First aid kit and a simple storm safety plan – stay prepared, stay safe