Monsoon Proof Your Yard

Monsoon Proof Your Yard

We are now in the Monsoon season. The four characteristics that define the Monsoon are; lightning, wind, dust and rain. Each brings with it a specific precaution that you should take to avoid damage to your yard and to yourself. Monsoon proof your yard today by following these recommendations.

Lightning: Lightning strikes trees because they reach into the sky, providing a pathway for positive charges from the ground to lead toward the negative ions contained in thunderclouds. The best thing that you can do is stay indoors during a monsoon storm. Stay away from windows and doors.

Wind: Winds during the monsoon can reach up to 50-60 mph. Staking young or vulnerable trees will greatly assist you in preserving your trees.

How to stake a tree:

· Use two stakes per tree

· Place stakes outside of root ball at right angles to the direction of the heaviest winds

· Gently bend the tree with your hand and find the lowest point on the trunk at which the canopy can return to an upright position without stress after being bent to the side. Place ties six inches above this point

· Use strong wire for ties. Protect the trunk by putting the wire through a garden hose.

· Fasten wires to stake and twist to tighten

· Cut off the stakes below the lowest limbs of the canopy

Dust: Blinding, blowing dust storms are a usual occurrence during the monsoon. Each year an average of five people lose their lives and many more are seriously injured as a result of sudden, violent dust storms. These dust storms or walls of dust are called “Haboobs”. The name Haboob is rooted from the Arabic word "phenomena". These walls of dust last about three hours. Transfer the belongings stored in your yard to a store room inside the house. Belongings such as garden novelties can easily be broken or blown away.

Rain: The average rain fall during the monsoon (June, July, August) is 2.45 inches. The wettest monsoon on record was in 1984 when 9.38 inches fell. The monsoon is a main growing season for many larger trees and shrubs. Make sure to use Moon Valley Nursery’s Soil and Water Conditioner sold exclusively at any Moon Valley Nursery throughout the year in order to capitalize on the growing season that the monsoon brings to your trees and plants. Moon Valley Nursery 602-938-6666

No one can predict the weather or the damge that it may cause, however an ounce of “precaution” could mean whether your yard remains in tack throughout the monsoon season. We will continue to deliver informative and helpful tips for you during the monsoon season on our website www.moonvalleynursery.com and on Facebook, Twitter and our Blog. Make sure you stay informed and stay connected to Moon Valley Nursery.

Phone Numbers and Websites to Remember:

For any questions or help regarding monsoon proofing your yard or other gardening/landscaping needs:

Moon Valley Nursery

602-938-6666

www.moonvalleynursery.com

Professional Tree Trimming

24 hour Storm Damage

AACHEN Tree Service

480-688-3657 (Valley wide)

602-620-3060

Over 25 years experience, Free Estimates, Insured Tree, Palm, Cactus Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding

For weather and storm advisories:

National Weather Service

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/