Arizona backyard monsoon prep — what to do before the first storm.

Trees and large shrubs (do this FIRST — May)

• Structural prune of mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, and African sumac by a certified arborist
• Remove dead, crossing, and end-weighted branches — wind catches every one of them
• Check for cracked main leaders and co-dominant trunks (the trees that split in storms)
• Schedule by April — good arborists book out 6–8 weeks heading into June
• Budget $400–$1,500 per mature tree; full property typically $1,200–$4,000

Pool and pool equipment (late May / early June)

• Pump and filter inspection — confirm gaskets, o-rings, and timer settings are solid
• Extend daily pump runtime to 8–10 hours through July–September
• Stock extra chlorine, shock, and a backup cartridge filter (you'll need them)
• Confirm pool deck drains and scuppers are clear of debris
• Verify pool cover (if any) is intact and properly anchored
• Do NOT drain the pool — empty shells can crack from hydrostatic pressure in heavy rain

Drainage and grading (the silent failure mode)

Drainage problems hide all year and show up in the first big storm. Walk the yard during a hose test now, not after a flood:

• Confirm grading slopes away from the house, pool equipment pad, and AC units
• Clear French drains, channel drains, and downspout outflows of debris
• Check that pool deck water runs to deck drains, not toward the house slab
• Look for low spots in turf or planting beds that pond water (regrade before June)
• Verify any retaining wall weep holes are open and functional

Outdoor kitchen, BBQ, and entertainment areas

• Cover stainless built-in grills, side burners, and outdoor refrigerators before storms
• Confirm GFCI outlets trip-test correctly and weather covers are sealed
• Re-seal any unsealed wood cabinetry (porous wood fails fast in monsoon humidity)
• Stone and porcelain countertops: confirm sealer is intact (water beads, doesn't soak in)
• Bring outdoor electronics inside or under a covered, water-proof enclosure

Permanent lighting and electrical

• Inspect all permanent trim lights (AE LEDs, etc.) for tight gaskets and intact silicone seals
• Check junction boxes for dry interiors and rust-free connections
• Replace any DIY string-light installs with permanent rated outdoor wiring
• Walk pool and landscape lighting; replace cracked lenses before water gets in
• Confirm GFCI breakers on all outdoor circuits trip-test correctly

Glass pool fence and railing

• Tighten every spigot, standoff bracket, and gate hinge bolt in May
• Replace corroded or rust-staining fasteners (304 stainless minimum, 316 near pools)
• Confirm gate self-closing and self-latching hardware is functioning correctly
• Check glass panels for chips or impact damage at edge points (replace before storm load)
• After every major storm: walk perimeter and inspect for debris impact damage

Patio furniture, umbrellas, and projectiles

• Stake or strap umbrellas, or take them down for the season after a single use
• Move lightweight chairs, cushions, and decor to a covered/garage area
• Empty and store ceramic pots — they become 40 lb projectiles in microbursts
• Secure trash bins (Phoenix microbursts routinely flip them down the street)
• Confirm anything not bolted down can survive being airborne — or move it

Irrigation and smart controllers

• Install or activate a rain sensor on your irrigation controller
• Upgrade to a smart controller (Hydrawise, Rachio, Hunter X2) — Arizona ROI is 12–18 months
• Pre-program a 'monsoon profile' that suspends drip after measurable rainfall
• Cap or pressure-test any drip lines damaged by tree work or summer foot traffic

Insurance and documentation (do once, save big later)

• Walk the entire yard with your phone in May — video and photograph everything
• Note serial numbers on pool equipment, BBQ, and any high-value outdoor electronics
• Confirm homeowner policy covers detached structures (pergolas, ramadas, outdoor kitchens)
• File the video and photos somewhere cloud-backed (not just your phone)
• If damage happens, you'll have pre-storm documentation for the claim

After every major storm — the 30-minute walk

• Walk the perimeter for downed branches, displaced pavers, or panel damage
• Check pool water clarity and shock if cloudy or dust-heavy
• Clean pool filter cartridges (often, not occasionally — dust load is brutal)
• Inspect glass fence panels for impact damage before letting kids near the pool
• Reset GFCI breakers that may have tripped from rain contact
• Check pool equipment pad for ponding or water intrusion into electrical

Want AE to handle the prep?

Our seasonal monsoon prep service covers pool equipment inspection, drainage walk-through, glass fence and railing inspection, outdoor kitchen seal-up, lighting check, and irrigation reset — all on a single May or early-June visit. Bundled rate runs $375–$650 depending on yard size and scope. We don't sell scare-tactic add-ons; we tell you what actually needs doing and what doesn't.