How to Prepare Your San Diego Yard for the Rainy Season

Slow it, spread it, sink it. Keep rain on your lot with mulch, clear drains, and gentle grading — not a concrete chute to the street.

Now

Clear gutters and drains before the first storm.

Why

Keep rain on your lot with mulch, clear drains, and gentle grading.

Mulch bare slopes; aim downspouts into landscape, not the driveway.

Kit

Clear gutters and drains

Unclog downspouts and area drains so the first storm is not a roof waterfall against the foundation.

UC ANR.
Fix bare slopes

Mulch absorbs raindrop impact and slows runoff. Add plants or temporary blankets on steep bare soil.

UC ANR.
Check grading

Aim water toward landscape sinks. Swales need continuous gentle slope; avoid aiming channels straight down steep banks.

UC ANR.
Pause irrigation smartly

Turn controllers down/off when rains arrive. Confirm rain sensors work.

UC ANR.
Secure lightweight pots

Wind and sheet flow tip containers. Move treasures to sheltered corners.

UC ANR.

Want a San Diego yard ready before the rains? Gardens of Gold designs drainage and planting in San Diego County. Get a quote.