Fields of HeshbonGetting Your Yard Ready for Monsoon Season
Northern New Mexico's monsoon runs roughly July through September and brings a large share of the year's rain, often in short, heavy afternoon storms. Here's how to keep that water from damaging foundations, driveways and slopes, and put it to work instead.
Key takeaways
- Fix drainage before July, when the monsoon typically starts.
- Water should move away from the house: regrade, extend downspouts, or add a French drain.
- Slow water down on slopes and driveways with swales, rock check dams and water bars.
- Send runoff to planted basins so storms water your landscape.
Why monsoon storms do so much damage
Dry, crusted ground soaks up very little when a storm hits fast. Water sheets across the surface, picks up speed on slopes and driveways, and carries soil with it. Each storm deepens the same ruts, and water that pools against a house can find its way into walls and foundations.
Start at the house
- Grade soil so it slopes away from the foundation
- Extend downspouts several feet out, or into a rain barrel or cistern
- French drains carry water underground from wet spots to a safe outlet
- Keep canales and gutters clear before the first storm
Driveways and slopes
Long driveways and sloped lots need water to leave in small amounts before it builds speed. Water bars, rock-lined channels, swales that follow the contour, and rock check dams in small gullies all slow and spread runoff. Native seed and mulch on bare ground hold soil in place between storms.
Make the storms work for you
The best drainage plans don't just get rid of water, they use it. Route downspouts and overflow to shallow, planted basins around trees and shrubs. A single heavy storm can deep-water a basin that would take hours of drip to match.
When to call a pro
If water is reaching your foundation, a driveway is losing material every year, or a gully is growing, it's time for a site visit. Drainage fixes are usually simplest, and cheapest, before the problem spreads.
Quick answers
When is monsoon season in Santa Fe?
Roughly July through September, with many storms in July and August.
How do I keep water away from my foundation?
Grade soil away from the house, extend downspouts, and add a French drain or swale where water collects.
Can runoff be used instead of drained away?
Often yes. Send it to planted basins or a cistern so storms water trees and gardens.
Want Bradley to take a look?
Call or text, or send a request online.