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When plants are exposed to standing water for long periods of time, the roots can suffocate and die. Toxic compounds can also build up in saturated soils. Photosynthesis is inhibited, slowing or stopping plant growth. Excessively wet soils also favor fungal growth. Most plants, especially vegetables, cannot tolerate standing water for any length of time. Therefore, if it's at all feasible, try to encourage the draining of any excess water from the garden by digging ditches or furrows Unfortunately, there is little that can be done to save a garden that's been flooded. The extent of most flood damage in the garden is dependent on the time of year, duration of flood waters, plant sensitivity to garden flooding, and type of soil the plants are growing in. Let's learn more about flood damage clean up in the garden. Flood damage to ornamental plants from rising water generally is not as extensive as with vegetable crops. In addition, dormant plants are more tolerant than actively growing plants to flooding. Newly planted seeds and transplants may not survive even short-term flooding, and seeds may have washed away. Resist the urge to replant immediately; give the soil a chance to dry out first. Most flood damage in the garden that does occur results from standing water that's lasted for several days or even weeks. As long as the water recedes within a few days, most shrubs and trees will normally bounce back with little to no damage. For some plants, a week or more of flooding can cause severe injury and death, particularly for vegetable crops and tender herbaceous plants. After flood water has receded, you may wash the silt or mud from the leaves during your flood damage clean up. As long as weather permits, however, and the air remains dry, much of this fall from the plant on its own. Then what is left can be hosed down. As more favorable conditions return, watch for signs of die-back, but don't be too hasty to prune everything. Branches that have lost leaves aren't necessarily dead. As long they are still green and pliable, chances are the leaves will regrow. Remove only limbs that are physically damaged or obviously dead. Waterlogged and flooded soil has insufficient amounts of oxygen in it, for the plant roots to take up and release water or release excess carbon dioxide. Plants may paradoxically look like they are wilting, but it is not because of too little water, it is because they can no longer access the available water. Symptoms of plants under excessive water stress include: Yellowing or browning of leaves Leaf curling and pointing downward Leaf wilting Reduced new leaf size Early fall color Defoliation Branch dieback Gradual plant decline and death If you think you cannot make it alone to save your area, call the pros who are basically equipped to do it for you Check out Auckland Flood Restoration for a reliable help you need
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