When monsoon season happens
Arizona's monsoon season officially runs from June 15 through September 30. Storms bring sudden high winds, dust and heavy rain in short bursts. Because preparation like tree thinning is best done before the heat peaks, the planning should start in late winter, even if it feels far away.
1. Thin trees before the wind arrives
Dense, top-heavy canopies catch wind like sails. Those are the trees that split, drop large limbs or blow over. Thinning lets wind pass through the canopy and reduces the load on branches and roots.
- Prioritize trees near buildings, parking, walkways, playgrounds and power lines
- Look for deadwood, cracked limbs and trees that are leaning more than they used to
- Avoid topping trees; it creates weak regrowth that fails in future storms
- Schedule thinning by late spring, before extreme heat makes heavy pruning harmful
Our tree trimming and removal service covers structural pruning, clearance pruning and removals for commercial properties.
2. Clear the paths water needs to take
Retention basins, drains and washes are designed to move a lot of water quickly. When they are full of debris, sediment or overgrown plants, water goes where you don't want it: into buildings, parking lots and neighbors' property.
- Clear retention basins and remove debris from inlets and outlets
- Check that drain grates and scuppers are open
- Remove sediment that has built up in washes and channels
- Look for erosion from last season that needs repair
3. Clean gutters and downspouts
Spring tree drop and palm flowering fill gutters right before monsoon season. Clogged gutters overflow onto walls and foundations, which is an expensive problem for multi-building communities.
- Clean gutters and scuppers after spring drop, before late June
- Flush downspouts to confirm water flows freely
- Report damaged or disconnected sections so they can be repaired before storms
See rain gutter cleaning for how we handle community-wide cleanings.
4. Secure what can blow away
- Check that young trees are properly staked, and remove old stakes and ties that are damaging trunks
- Secure or store loose items around amenities, such as umbrellas and planters
- Inspect landscape lighting fixtures and wiring that could be damaged by flooding
5. Tune irrigation for the season
Summer heat and monsoon rain pull irrigation in opposite directions. A system that is watering at full summer levels during a wet week wastes water and can weaken roots.
- Use weather-based or rain-sensing controllers where possible
- Fix broken heads and leaks quickly, since summer losses add up fast
- Check irrigation after storms, since debris and flooding can damage heads and valves
Learn more about irrigation installation and repair.
6. Agree on a storm response plan
The worst time to figure out who to call is after a tree is lying across a fire lane at 9 p.m. Set expectations with your landscaper before the season starts.
- Confirm an after-hours contact number and expected response times
- Agree on priorities: blocked access and safety hazards first, cleanup second
- Decide who can approve emergency work and up to what amount
- Ask for photo documentation of storm damage for insurance and board records
At Pro Turf, a live person answers our emergency line 24/7, property managers have our direct cell numbers, and crews are typically on site within an hour when trees come down on buildings, carports, roads or walkways.
Your monsoon prep timeline
- February to April: tree assessment and thinning
- April to May: irrigation check, basin and wash cleanup
- May to mid-June: gutter cleaning, staking checks, storm plan confirmed
- June 15 to September 30: monitor after storms and respond quickly
For the full year's schedule, see our Phoenix commercial landscape calendar.
Get help preparing your property
Pro Turf prepares HOAs, apartment communities and commercial properties across Greater Phoenix for monsoon season, and responds when storms hit. Request a quote and we'll walk your property with you.
