How to Fix Your Yard’s Water Drainage

April 20, 2022 12:00 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Homeowners must always be proactive with any water drainage issues occurring in their yard. Improper drainage can damage the foundation and cause cracks, leaks, floods and mold. There are different methods to drain water in your yard, such as trenches, grading the property and even certain types of plants. Learn more about fixing your yard’s water drainage below.

The Importance of Installing a Yard Drainage System

Yard drainage is not the most apparent issue as a homeowner unless you are a professional landscaper. Puddles of water affect your property in the following ways:

  • Standing water attracts mosquitoes and other pests like rats and termites.
  • Moist soil and water can promote fungus and other diseases that destroy lawns and trees.
  • Garages and sheds can shift by sitting on top of moist soil.

Many of these problems are inconvenient, but the most critical issue can be your home’s foundation. Moisture that collects on a foundation can soften it and cause cracks to develop. Cracks are unsightly and allow more warm air to enter your home and increase utility bills. It’s also a passage for unwelcome pests.

How Can You Fix Water Drainage Problems in Your Yard?

If you notice an issue, it’s important to identify the source. For example, you might notice stains on the walls of your home, and your gutters may need to be repaired or replaced. Puddles around the downspouts could be a sign that you need a trench. They help direct water away from the home and yard into a street or gutter. You can also determine if your home is sloped by watching the flow of the water.

DIY Yard Drainage Solutions

A professional landscaper or excavator is the best solution to tackle a yard drainage issue or site grading. However, there are some solutions you can try yourself. 

  • Create a swale that is a dry creek to help the water slope downward. You can also line it with decorative rock so it’s not an eyesore.
  • Rain gardens are plants that require a lot of water that can be planted in areas where there is standing water. Some ideas include lilies, asters, foxglove plants and irises.
  • Replace the concrete and stone walkways with river rocks or gravel. Rocks allow more moisture to drain away compared to solid stones.

Always use plants native to the area if you are going to install a rain garden. Also, if you add extensions to the downspouts, ensure they sit flat on the soil. Finally, avoid digging large trenches. Start small, and assess the soil condition after a few months. Large excavations can drain away too much moisture and destroy your lawn. 

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