As many questions are being asked regarding flooded landscapes, a handy resource is available from UNL.
The Weather Ready Landscapes modules were created by the Water Efficiency and Weather Issue Teams this last year. These modules are two page handouts on various weather events, and how to respond to them. One is the modules has specific information on flooded landscapes. One page will have “reactive” type answers for the immediate, and “proactive” type suggestions for homeowners to plan in relation to future floods.
Here is the web link to the flooded landscape module to download, print, or email out:
https://weather-ready.unl.edu/Flood.pdf
For the entire set of all the Weather Ready Landscapes modules, please check out the below web link:
https://weather-ready.unl.edu/weather-ready-landscapes
Flood water will have to recede before the damage can be viewed. Time duration of the flood water, current and temperature will all have an impact regarding damage. These levels will probably vary quite a bit across the impacted areas. The lack of oxygen from the flood water can really impact the survivability of herbaceous landscape plants that die down after frost, and return in the spring. Trees and shrubs can also be impacted, but the true level of damage may not be realized immediately after the water has receded. It would not be surprising to see delayed damage later on in the year.
Homeowners will be in a “wait and see” mode for the flood water to recede and the damage to present itself. Of course, this can be very frustrating to homeowners since many want to do “something” right away.
If you have questions, you can contact David Lott from the UNL Environmental Horticulture Team at 308-696-6781