How to cope with soggy soil

Right now, my garden seems afloat on an atmospheric river. Succulents are literally floating out of their pots after their containers filled up with water.

After an avalanche of leaves, some plants had to be dug out, too. Saturday’s deluge denuded my pistache and maples of their remaining fall foliage. The patio (and all its potted plants) is buried in a soggy mess.

At least, my trees are still standing and held onto their limbs. Other trees in the neighborhood weren’t so lucky as our wet and wild winter weather arrived early.

In the first wave of these almost-winter storm systems, Downtown Sacramento received 1.9 inches of rain between Thursday and Saturday, Dec. 12-14, including a record 1.10 inches Saturday, says the National Weather Service. Monday’s showers will push that total well over 2 inches.

Another atmospheric river is expected to hit late Friday or early Saturday. That storm should put Sacramento’s monthly total over December’s historical average of 3.25 inches.

Our landscapes can usually deal with slow, steady and well-spaced showers; the moisture percolates down into the ground.

But at some point during heavy rains, our soil “fills up” and can’t take another drop. That’s when we see pooling, puddling or worse: flooding.

During these storms, check how the water flows through your landscape. Make sure to direct it away from foundations. Connect diverters to downspouts and redirect water to spots where it can soak in safely.

Saturated soil can lead to other issues. Be on the lookout for leaning trees. Many trees and large shrubs have weakened roots due to the effects of prolonged drought. They’re more likely to fall in stormy weather.

Also at risk are large, horizontal branches on evergreen trees. So much rain adds a lot of weight. Such branches may need support.

Here are more tips to help your landscape cope with so much water:

* Turn off your sprinklers or other irrigation; your garden won’t need it for a while.

* Make sure storm drains are clear. Rake leaves and debris away from drains.

* Remove saucers from potted plants to avoid root rot.

* Succulents are most at risk in such wet weather. If they get too much rain, they rot. Move them to a sheltered location if possible.

* Avoid walking on or working with wet soil. It can compact easily, squeezing out needed air for microbes and roots. Put off any transplanting until next week after the soil has drained but remains moist. Don’t plant in soggy soil.

* If you have bare-root plants in need of transplanting, keep them in sawdust or put their roots in a bucket of water. They can stay in water for several days.

* Although the calendar says it’s time, don’t spray peach and nectarine trees during these damp conditions. Wait until we have a 72-hour window of dry weather.