How to Fix Water Drainage Problems in Yard
How to Fix Water Drainage Problems in Yard
Standing water in your yard is a clear sign that your soil doesn’t drain well. This can damage your landscape and lead to foundation problems that threaten the structure of your home.
You can tackle water drainage problems with some simple solutions. These include extending downspouts, building dry creek beds and using proper grading to redirect stormwater away from your house.
Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are an essential part of a yard drainage system, channeling runoff water away from the foundation of your home. Gutter downspouts drain either into a splash block or directly into a drain pipe, and they should be cleaned regularly (ideally once a year) to prevent clogs.
Standing water in the yard is not only a eyesore but can kill grass, kill shrubs, and cause root rot. It can also be a health hazard, harboring mosquito larvae and other pests.
If your problem is water spots that don’t go away after a rainstorm, then you may need to install some gutter drainage solutions. A Gainesville landscape drainage professional can help you identify the source of the water problem and design a corrective measure. This might include gutter downspout extensions, installing a catch basin, or French drain installation. A French drain harnesses the power of gravity to naturally draw down water and route it away from your home and property.
French Drains
If water pools in certain areas of your yard, you may need a drainage solution that is more extensive than just rototilling. Low spots in your lawn that collect water could mean the soil is too compacted to absorb it or there are natural underground springs adding too much moisture. Pooling waters can also be caused by decorative rocks that create barriers to runoff or by clogged downspouts.
Standing water near the foundation of your house is usually a sign that the slope of your property is not directing gutter water away from the structure. This is a common problem for new homes since builders often overlook this issue when they install downspouts.
Using a French drain or digging a swale to redirect surface water is a great way to manage this type of problem. This solution involves digging a trench with at least a 1% downward slope. Then, the trench is filled with gravel atop a perforated pipe. Gravity pulls the water into the gravel where it is whisked away. This is an advanced DIY project that requires a lot of measuring and calculating.
Man-Made Creeks
When rainwater pools in low areas it can damage landscaping, drown plants and attract mosquitoes. Soil erosion also occurs, washing away valuable nutrients and causing runoff that can pollute sewer lines and waterways.
If your yard has too little slope to drain naturally, you can turn a soggy area into an artificial creek by digging a shallow trench and filling it with rocks of varying sizes. This creates a swale where rainwater escapes, and it’s an attractive alternative to a muddy hole that could harbor mosquito larvae.
If you notice displaced mulch, soil deposited on sidewalks and walkways or what looks like rivulets running through your grass, you have an erosion problem. Often these issues occur because a homeowner or homebuilder didn’t take into consideration how their project would affect drainage. A landscape drainage professional can assess your property and recommend the best fixes.
Landscape Design
Soggy spots in the yard and muddy patches are a sure sign that your soil isn’t draining well. The problem could be compacted soil, low spots that collect water or a broken sewer line.
Poor landscape drainage can cause damage to your lawn, shrubs and flower beds. It can also lead to basement leaks, if it happens near your home foundation. A professional can help you identify the drainage problem and install a system that will fix it.
Before launching into an extensive DIY drainage project, try cutting down on the frequency and amount of watering your yard. If the troubled areas dry up in a week or two, you may not have an extensive drainage issue that requires a professional’s attention. But, if the problem persists, you might want to contact an outdoor living contractor to assess the situation. They’ll have the degrees and experience to come up with a solution that is unique to your property.
Gutter Installation in Gainesville Fl
How to Fix Water Drainage Problems in Yard Standing water in your yard is a clear sign that your soil doesn’t drain well. This can damage your landscape and lead to foundation problems that threaten the structure of your home. You can tackle water drainage problems with some simple solutions. These include extending…