Monsoon-Proofing Your Arizona Backyard: How to Prep for Summer Storms
Every summer in Phoenix, the skies put on a show. From June through September, the monsoon season rolls in—bringing dramatic thunderstorms, bursts of rain, gusty winds, and the occasional dust storm. While these storms are a vital part of our desert ecosystem (and a much-needed drink for thirsty landscapes), they can also do a number on your backyard if you're not prepared.
Luckily, with a little forethought and a few strategic updates, your yard can weather monsoon season with confidence. Here’s how to make sure your landscape is monsoon-ready—and maybe even thrive while it storms.
1. Give Your Trees a Tune-Up
Monsoon winds are no joke. A poorly pruned tree or a shallow root system can quickly turn into a hazard for your plants, your home, or your car.
Here’s how to help your trees hold their own:
Prune for airflow: Regular trimming helps reduce wind resistance and minimizes the risk of snapped limbs.
Stake young trees: Support newly planted trees (especially in their first year) with sturdy stakes—but don’t forget to remove them once the roots have taken hold.
Clear out deadwood: Removing diseased or dying branches can reduce the chance of breakage and keep your tree healthy overall.
Thin the canopy: Strategic crown thinning (removing about 20% of the smaller branches) allows air to pass through and prevents top-heavy trees from tipping.
Tip: Keep an eye out for crossing or rubbing branches—these can create weak spots that are more likely to fail during high winds.
2. Fix Your Drainage Before It Floods
When the rain hits hard, you want the water to move *away* from your home—not toward it.
Check your grading: Your yard should gently slope away from your house. If it doesn’t, consider reshaping low spots or working with a pro to fix the grade.
Clean gutters and downspouts: Clear out leaves and debris so rainwater can flow freely and doesn’t back up.
Maintain your drywell: If you have a drywell, make sure it’s ready to take on water. These systems help reduce surface flooding—if they’re not clogged.
Pro Tip: If you notice standing water after storms, that’s a red flag that your drainage needs work.
3. Control Erosion Like a Desert Native
Monsoon rain can carve up a landscape fast—especially if you live on or near a slope. But with the right erosion control, your yard can hold its ground.
Use natural barriers: Retaining walls, rock borders, or strategically placed boulders can slow down and redirect water.
Add rip rap or river rock: These materials help dissipate water flow and keep soil from washing away. Channel the runoff into dry riverbeds or swales that guide water where you want it to go.
Choose smart ground cover: Plants with strong root systems help lock the soil in place, especially on slopes or bare patches.
Some desert-friendly plants that do the job well:
Myoporum parvifolium
Acacia redolens
Dalea greggii or capitata
Trailing Rosemary
Yellow Trailing Emu
Muhlenbergia rigens (Deer Grass)
Bermuda Grass
Why they work: Deep-rooted natives like yucca, mesquite, and creosote tap into underground water and keep the soil from shifting. Fibrous-rooted grasses form a natural net that holds everything together.
Final Thought
Monsoon season may be wild, but your landscape doesn’t have to be. With a little prep work and some smart plant choices, your backyard can soak up the season—and come out better for it.
Need help monsoon-proofing your space? Let’s chat about a design that’s ready for anything.