Skip to main content

Prepare for More Severe Weather

Share it!

*User must be logged in*

Add to Favorites

Rain storms are getting heavier and more frequent, which can mean more flooding and damage to streams. At the same time, our summers are getting warmer and drier, which can cause periods of drought and stress on trees and stream ecosystems. Explore these resources to help prepare your property for this increase in severe weather.

Assess the Level of Erosion on My Trails

This MyWoodlot slideshow guides you through a hands-on activity where you’ll look for different types of erosion on your trails. The slideshow helps you figure out if the erosion you find is minor, moderate, or severe, and it recommends next steps.

Native Flowers, Grasses, Shrubs, Trees, and Vines

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation created a quick fact sheet of native plants and their preferred growing conditions, including if they can tolerate flooding and/or drought under “soil.”

Successfully Water My Trees

This quick fact sheet teaches you how to be “water-wise” by summarizing what you need to know to successfully water your trees.

Map Flooding and Erosion

Figure out where flooding and erosion are more likely to happen with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Enter your address into this tool to see nearby flood zones and identify areas that may flood or erode. Then make decisions about where to avoid building and what infrastructure you may need to protect or relocate.

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Landscape

Compiled by UMass Amherst, this list provides drought tolerant suggestions of everything from trees to annuals. Remember, even these species will need extra watering during prolonged dry periods.

Drought Tolerant Plants for New Hampshire

Although geared for New Hampshire landowners, New Yorkers will still find plenty of good suggestions for drought tolerant plant species in this document created by the University of New Hampshire.

Protect Planted Trees from Heat Stress

Using vented tree tubes like the Tubex Combitube will reduce heat stress on your new trees, as well as protect them from herbivores like deer.

Plant Trees along Streams

Healthy wooded areas along streams are key for protecting water quality and make streambanks more stable during floods. Follow the steps outlined in this MyWoodlot goal, including deciding which trees to plant and how to plant, protect and maintain new trees.

Related Activities

Reduce Stress on My Trees

Reduce Stress on My Trees

Keep Dead and Down Woody Material

Keep Dead and Down Woody Material

Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Use Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Reduce Stress on My Trees

Previous Activity

Reduce Stress on My Trees

Climate change adds stress to your forest, so minimizing other sources of stress from pests, vine...

Keep Dead and Down Woody Material

Keep Dead and Down Woody Material

Keeping fallen trees on the forest floor and in streamside areas can slow runoff, filter water, a...