If you manage a commercial property in Southern California, you know that rain can be just as challenging as drought. After long stretches of dry weather, a few significant storms can quickly expose problems that may have gone unnoticed: weakened trees, clogged drains, poor water flow, erosion and areas of standing water.
That is why the possibility of an El Niño winter is worth paying attention to now.
Forecasts are pointing toward the potential for wetter than normal conditions in Southern California this winter. While long range weather predictions can change, the possibility of increased rainfall is enough to make landscape preparedness a priority. The goal is not to predict exactly what the season will bring. It is to make sure your property is ready if the rain arrives.
What El Niño Could Mean for Your Property
El Niño occurs when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific become warmer than average, influencing atmospheric circulation and shifting typical weather patterns.
For Southern California, El Niño conditions can increase the potential for wetter winters. That does not necessarily mean constant rain or that every storm will be significant. But when heavy rainfall does occur, the impact on commercial landscapes can be substantial, particularly on properties that have not been maintained with major storms in mind.
Four Areas to Put on Your Radar Now
Trees: Find Weaknesses Before the Storm Does
Heavy rain can saturate the soil around trees, while strong winds can put additional stress on branches and canopies. Trees with deadwood, structural weaknesses or other existing concerns may become more vulnerable during a storm.
Now is a good time to evaluate tree health and address pruning needs rather than waiting until the first major storm is in the forecast. Tree care providers often become extremely busy once storm season arrives, which can make it more difficult to address issues quickly.
Drainage: Give the Water Somewhere to Go
A drainage system that performs adequately during routine irrigation may not be prepared for several inches of rain in a short period of time.
Before the rainy season, inspect drains, catch basins and other drainage infrastructure for debris or blockages. Look for low areas where water collects and identify places where runoff could create flooding or erosion concerns.
The first major storm is not the time to discover that water has nowhere to go.
Erosion: Protect Your Landscape Before Runoff Takes Over
Heavy runoff can quickly move soil and mulch, particularly on slopes or areas with limited ground cover. Erosion can damage plant material, expose roots and create additional drainage problems.
Ground covers, mulch and other erosion control measures are much easier to address before a storm than after significant soil loss has occurred.
Irrigation: Adjust for a Wetter Season
More rain also means your irrigation system may need to work differently. Controllers should be adjusted to account for changing weather conditions, and irrigation equipment should be inspected for leaks, broken heads and other issues.
A well maintained irrigation system is not simply about delivering water. It is also about knowing when your landscape does not need it.
The Advantage of Getting Ahead of the Weather
Storm preparation tends to become a priority for everyone at the same time. Once rain is in the forecast, tree crews, drainage contractors and landscape service providers can quickly become booked.
Taking care of routine maintenance and potential problem areas now gives your property a better chance of being ready before conditions become urgent.
At Stay Green, we look at storm preparedness as part of ongoing landscape management, not something that begins when the first storm is approaching. Regular tree care, drainage maintenance, irrigation management and attention to vulnerable areas can all help minimize the impact of significant weather events.
Whether this winter brings a major El Niño event or simply a typical Southern California rainy season, preparing now is a smart approach to protecting your property, your landscape and the people who use it.
Have a concern about your property before the rainy season arrives? Talk with your Stay Green Account Manager. We can help identify areas that may need attention and prioritize the work before the weather does it for us.