It may be time for a yard drainage project if your property has water pools in low places due to excessive rain. Standing water can cause damage to your yard, killing grass, trees, and other plants. Standing water can pose a risk to your health and that of your family by providing a safe environment for mosquito larvae to breed.
There are many solutions for yard drainage problems depending on the cause. Assessing your yard is the first step to finding the best drainage solution.
- Are your downspouts draining rainwater away from your roof and gutters?
- Is runoff causing damage to a specific area of your landscaping?
- Are there any water stains on hard surfaces such as patios, walkways, and driveways that are impermeable?
- Is your yard watery?
- Is your yard made of clay that doesn’t allow water through?
These are some common problems that can be solved by yard drainage.
Extend Your Downspout
Rainwater from your roof may be causing damage to your
foundation. You can extend the downspout further from your foundation. A drainage pan installed at the end of the downspout will help disperse water.
A Berm Can Be Built
Berms are hills of soil that drain water from the landscape you want to protect.
Upgrade Your Lawn To Include An Area For A Swale
A swale is a section of lawn that is carefully graded to either dissipate the water over a larger area or to direct it to a drain. It doesn’t need to be obvious. With as little as 1 inch of water per 10 feet, enough water can flow to provide effective yard drainage. Most lawn grading requires either a
professional excavator or expensive rental equipment.
Install A French Drain
A French drain system can be set up to place a perforated tube in the ground. It will run from the problem area to the safe zones. The pipe pulls water through holes on its length, and gravity transports the water away. An outlet is not required for a properly installed French drain system. The water will soak into the soil along the perforated pipe that is enclosed by gravel. French drains can be used in combination with a dry well or alone.
Install A Dry Well
As part of a yard drainage scheme, installation of a dry well. Dry wells are large
holes that are deep and often have a holding tank. It stores excess water underground and allows it to slowly infiltrate surrounding soil over the course of several days. A dry well should be big enough to capture the rainstorm’s first 10 or 15 minutes.
Install A Rain Garden
A rain garden is a way to collect water in a small area. You can either add lots of organic matter to the soil or build raised beds over the ground. You can fill them with a fertile mixture and plant moisture-loving plants like marsh marigold or joe pie weed. You can plant shrubbery or trees that are able to thrive in moist conditions, such as weeping willow. By absorbing runoff, rain, and snowmelt, the trees, shrubs, and perennials you plant can improve drainage. Deep root systems in landscaping can help to prevent erosion, especially in hilly areas.
Replace Impermeable Surfaces
Concrete and asphalt surfaces don’t have the drainage qualities that can solve standing water problems. You can improve drainage by
replacing these surfaces with gravel or permeable paving stones. It can be costly, but this is something you should consider if you are replacing asphalt or concrete. Know that there are strict regulations in many areas regarding landscape modifications that could affect groundwater. These regulations may be more applicable if your home is near a stream, lake, or seashore. However, it’s worth checking permit requirements and wetlands regulations regardless of where you live.
Contact GreenBar Excavation if you have a problem with your yard drainage. Our experts will help you choose the right yard drainage solution for you and your budget.
