A recent Planting to Grow subscriber wrote to me with the following problem:
"I moved into a new house and I am having drainage issues. I wonder if you could give me any advice about how to correct the problem? I don't think the lot was graded correctly.
I've attached some photos of the various problem areas after only ten minutes of rain today. Please help!"
Drainage issues can be a real problem in the landscape. Improper drainage can lead to costly repairs and make it hard for plants to survive. Before you begin adding new landscaping to your property, you need to determine which way the rain water is moving across the yard. If the water is moving toward the house and puddling, you need to develop a plan that will redirect the water away from the house. In some cases this may be as simple as lowering the grade of the yard so that the water flows away from your home. Adding a swale or a berm can provide enough change to turn water away from the house too. French drains can work well in some situations too.
If you have gutters and downspouts, see if it makes sense to pipe this water out into the yard or into the street. When water comes out of a down spout, its volume will have a concentrated focus in one area. Remember that this intense concentration can wash away mulch and even plants. I have found that connecting a corrugated pipe to the downspout, carrying it underground, and slightly sloping it as it moves away from the house is a good way to direct water from the house. The old phrase, "water runs downhill", reminds us of the simple way water responds. Drainage issues can get complicated when
multi yards, concrete drives, and other obstacles are in the way.
If your drainage issue is complex or you just want to get some ideas on how to fix it, obtain two or three prices from a local contractor and talk it over with them. Ask if they would be willing to be your coach, and if you could offer payment for a step by step plan with the opportunity to ask a few questions. You may find that with a few tools, and little knowledge, you can solve this challenge own your own.
I've attached some photos of the various problem areas after only ten minutes of rain today. Please help!"
Drainage issues can be a real problem in the landscape. Improper drainage can lead to costly repairs and make it hard for plants to survive. Before you begin adding new landscaping to your property, you need to determine which way the rain water is moving across the yard. If the water is moving toward the house and puddling, you need to develop a plan that will redirect the water away from the house. In some cases this may be as simple as lowering the grade of the yard so that the water flows away from your home. Adding a swale or a berm can provide enough change to turn water away from the house too. French drains can work well in some situations too.
If you have gutters and downspouts, see if it makes sense to pipe this water out into the yard or into the street. When water comes out of a down spout, its volume will have a concentrated focus in one area. Remember that this intense concentration can wash away mulch and even plants. I have found that connecting a corrugated pipe to the downspout, carrying it underground, and slightly sloping it as it moves away from the house is a good way to direct water from the house. The old phrase, "water runs downhill", reminds us of the simple way water responds. Drainage issues can get complicated when
multi yards, concrete drives, and other obstacles are in the way.
If your drainage issue is complex or you just want to get some ideas on how to fix it, obtain two or three prices from a local contractor and talk it over with them. Ask if they would be willing to be your coach, and if you could offer payment for a step by step plan with the opportunity to ask a few questions. You may find that with a few tools, and little knowledge, you can solve this challenge own your own.