It’s Arizona Monsoon season (from June 15-September 30th). Weather-awareness and professional local landscaping services can make the difference in preparing and protecting your yard.
New to Monsoon Season? Here’s What to Expect
If you’re newly relocated to Arizona, here’s what you can expect during summer monsoon season:
- Changing Wind Patterns: The shift from westerly to southerly winds brings moisture from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico into the region. This shift brings heavy rain. While monsoons can include thunderstorms, they are distinct weather events.
- More Rainfall: More rain falls during the monsoon season than during the rest of the year, though rainfall varies by geography, topography, and drought conditions.
- Flash Flooding: The monsoon’s heavy downpours happen suddenly, and flash floods can happen fast in arid environments without much vegetation. Flash flood water also moves rapidly through canyons and washes, increasing safety risks.
Sometimes the monsoon season also causes heat spikes and dust storms. It’s important to keep your weather alerts on (and consider buying a weather radio) to stay alert this season.
Monsoons and Home Landscaping: What to Know
Rain is essential for replenishing Arizona groundwater and revitalizing our soil. But you can have too much of a good thing. Vigilance is key. Here are some lawn issues caused by monsoon rain:
- Overwatering: Too much water deprives the grass roots of oxygen, leading to discoloration, mud, weeds, excessive thatching, pest problems, and more.
- Strained Irrigation Systems: Without a rain sensor, irrigation systems that continue watering can deteriorate and contribute to overwatering.
- Landscape, Lawn, and Turf Damage: Mold and mildew can damage lawns that are excessively wet. While artificial turf can withstand some heavy rain, you may need to clean it up or redistribute infill more often during monsoon season.
- Fungal Outbreaks: Many fungi and bacteria thrive in cool, wet, rainy weather. They could cause issues for other plants or impact the health of your lawn if left unaddressed.
How to Protect Your Yard This Monsoon Season
Check your irrigation and drainage systems to ensure they’re properly set up and working well. If your irrigation system includes a rain sensor, make sure it’s turned on. If not, turn your system off when heavy rain is expected. It’s a good idea to prune trees less during monsoon season, and to prop or secure any large plants or trees that are vulnerable to gusty winds. If you’ve been thinking about a landscape redesign, hardscapes can provide better drainage than soil, while adding beauty and dimension to your backyard and lawn.
Your Partner for Water-Wise Landscaping
Northern Arizona landscaping and lawn care have their unique challenges, and Zebrascapes is ready for any of them. We’re your partner for water-wise landscaping, lawn care, and tree care solutions. Need help preparing your lawn for monsoon season? Our landscaping experts are ready for action. Whether you need irrigation improvements, hardscape installation, or water-resistant artificial turf, we can help. Contact us today for a more beautiful, weather-ready lawn and landscape.