Here are some tips to improve your drainage and protect your landscape.
When you think about home maintenance, drainage might not be the first thing that comes to mind–but it should be. Poor yard drainage can lead to a range of problems, including foundation damage, soggy lawns, and mold issues. Taking the time to get your yard drainage right can save you a lot of stress and money down the road. Here are some tips to improve your drainage and protect your landscape.
Why Landscape Drainage is Important
Water that doesn’t drain properly can cause a range of problems. When it pools around your property, you could be looking at:
Foundation Issues
Excess water can weaken your home’s foundation over time. Cracks, settling, or even flooding can happen if drainage isn’t handled right.
Basement Leaks & Mold
If water is seeping into your basement, it might be coming from poor surface drainage. That damp environment is perfect for mold and mildew to grow–something nobody wants in their home.
Soil Erosion & Landscape Damage
Too much water in the wrong places can wash away soil, kill plants, and turn your yard into a muddy mess.
How to Identify a Drainage Problem
Are you unsure if your yard is draining properly? Here are a few red flags to watch for:
- Puddles that stick around long after it rains
- Soggy spots in your lawn
- Water stains or dampness in the basement
- Cracked or shifting concrete around the house
- Erosion around flower beds or foundations
Improving Your Landscape Drainage
Clean Gutters & Downspouts
If your gutters are clogged, water spills over and can pool near your home. Keep them clean and make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
Regrade Your Yard
Landscape grading is essential to protecting your yard from excess runoff. Make sure the soil slopes away from your home, not toward it. Even a gentle slope can help redirect water where you want it to go.
Install a French Drain
This underground drainage system can help carry water away from problem areas and is great for tackling serious drainage issues.
Add Drainage-Friendly Landscaping
Think gravel beds, rain gardens, or native plants that help soak up excess water and reduce runoff.
Interested in Improving Your Outdoor Living Space? Consider Landscape and Hardscaping Design Services from Carroll Landscaping
Carroll Landscaping has over 30 years of experience with landscape construction, porch construction, deck building, and hardscape installation. Our award-winning landscape designers are passionate about providing customers with top-notch service and landscape design. Our landscape designers have a creative design outlook and work as a team with our installation crews to make your vision a reality. We are committed to providing every customer with the highest quality workmanship, professional and knowledgeable service, and creativity in design in order to surpass our clients’ expectations in every aspect of the project.
We serve residents throughout the beautiful state of Maryland including Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Eldersburg, Clarksville, Sykesville, Manchester, Westminster, and Woodstock. For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers, contact us online or give us a call at 410-922-2416.