Whether you manage shopping centers, apartment complexes, or office parks, commercial landscape upkeep should be high on your pre-monsoon to-do list. This guide covers essential tasks for property managers, from checking irrigation systems to clearing drainage paths and inspecting hardscape features.
1. Inspect Irrigation Systems
Broken or leaky irrigation systems waste water and increase flood risks during storms. Begin your inspection early.
- Check for leaks around sprinkler heads and drip lines. Replace cracked or broken components.
- Test timers and moisture sensors. Make sure schedules match seasonal watering needs.
- Shut off unnecessary watering right before a storm. Overwatering makes your soil soggy and prone to erosion.
- Flush out filters and valves to prevent clogging from storm debris.
Commercial properties often rely on automated systems. Property managers should double-check that all programming is updated for monsoon timing.
2. Evaluating Drainage Infrastructure
Blocked drainage is a major cause of flooding in Phoenix landscapes. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
- Clear out catch basins and drains. Remove leaves, trash, and sediment buildup.
- Check the grading around the property. Make sure water flows away from buildings and walkways.
- Inspect swales and retention areas. These features should absorb and redirect stormwater efficiently.
- Test downspouts and gutters. Water should flow freely into appropriate drainage areas.
Poor drainage can lead to erosion, foundation damage, and safety hazards. Furthermore, landscape professionals can help inspect commercial drainage systems in detail.
3. Prune Trees and Remove Dead Limbs
Monsoon winds are no joke. They can turn a weak tree limb into a dangerous projectile.
- Trim branches away from roofs, walkways, and vehicles.
- Remove dead or diseased limbs that are likely to snap in strong winds.
- Evaluate tree stability. Leaning or shallow-rooted trees may need staking or removal.
- Hire certified arborists for commercial landscape pruning to ensure safety and compliance.
For property managers, documenting this maintenance can also help with insurance claims if storm damage occurs later.
4. Secure and Repair Hardscape
Hardscape elements add structure and beauty to commercial landscapes, but they must be storm-ready.
- Inspect retaining walls for cracks or shifting. Reinforce as needed.
- Secure outdoor furniture or decorative elements that could blow away.
- Check sidewalks and patios for loose pavers or broken concrete that could become tripping hazards.
- Repair or seal the pavement to prevent water from seeping in and causing cracks.
These small updates will keep your property looking professional and reduce post-storm liability.
5. Remove Weeds and Thatch Buildup
Excess weeds and thatch block proper water absorption. They also create hiding spots for pests.
- Pull invasive weeds and apply pre-emergent treatments where needed.
- Dethatch grassy areas to improve stormwater flow into soil.
- Apply mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture and prevent erosion.
This keeps your landscape both functional and visually appealing, even after heavy rain.
6. Review Your Plant Health
Healthy plants are more resilient. Unhealthy ones can become hazards or die after heavy rain.
- Check for signs of disease or pests. Treat accordingly.
- Replace weak or dead plants that are unlikely to survive the storm season.
- Water deeply but infrequently, leading up to the monsoon to encourage strong root growth.
- Use native or drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to Phoenix’s climate swings.
Healthy landscapes not only survive storms—they thrive afterward.
7. Create a Monsoon Response Plan
Prevention is great, but preparation is better. A response plan is essential for property managers.
- Have emergency contacts ready. This includes landscape crews, irrigation techs, and utility companies.
- Train maintenance staff on what to do before and after storms.
- Stock supplies such as sandbags, warning signs, and water pumps.
- Plan communication with tenants and vendors in case of storm disruptions.
A written plan keeps you one step ahead, and your tenants will appreciate your preparedness.
8. Schedule Professional Landscape Audits
It’s smart to partner with a commercial landscaping company before monsoon hits.
- Schedule a seasonal walk-through.
- Get documentation for completed tasks like pruning and drainage clean-outs.
- Request a detailed report with photos and priority fixes.
- Ask for a monsoon package if the company offers one.
This shows you’re proactive and gives you peace of mind during storm season.
9. Monitor the Weather and Adjust Quickly
The weather in Phoenix can turn fast. Stay alert and adjust landscape settings as needed.
- Use weather apps and alerts to track incoming storms.
- Pause irrigation during forecasted rain.
- Have staff ready to respond immediately after a storm with cleanup efforts.
- Inspect the landscape for new damage after each monsoon event.
Quick response prevents small issues from becoming big problems.
10. Communicate with Tenants and Owners
As a property manager, transparency builds trust.
- Let tenants know what you’re doing to prepare the landscape.
- Share tips for residents or businesses on what they can do.
- Highlight completed maintenance in newsletters or notices.
- Follow up after storms with updates on cleanup and repairs.
Open communication keeps everyone on the same page and reduces complaints.
Conclusion:
Phoenix’s monsoon season demands attention, planning, and action. In addition, as a property manager, your responsibility is not just to maintain the landscape, but also to safeguard the property and its people. Specifically, by preparing irrigation, checking drainage, and reinforcing hardscape, you can dramatically reduce risks and protect your investment.
Use this checklist as your pre-monsoon guide. Partner with a reliable commercial landscaping team. And don’t wait for the rain to start. Plan now, act early, and keep your property safe all season long.
We’re Ready To Help You With Your Commercial Landscape Needs
Need help getting your commercial landscape monsoon-ready? Contact Oxygen Landscape today for a seasonal inspection or full property assessment.