The northeast had a very mild, but very wet winter. Homeowners who have to deal with poor drainage will probably have it rough this spring with the continuing frequent rainstorms we have been having. A yard that has drainage problems can have many problems besides being soggy to walk on. The grass may have difficulty growing, develop root rot, and may eventually have moss growing in its place instead. With proper landscaping, you can improve your lawn’s drainage. Because April is considered one of the rainiest months, our article this week will be on addressing spring drainage issues with landscaping.
Addressing Spring Drainage Issues with Landscaping
One of the first steps of controlling drainage is to check that there are enough places for runoff to go. Don’t obstruct run-off areas with planters, raised beds, or anything else. Tree roots and heavy vegetation can also block the path of runoff. If you have plant beds, try to create a proper slope so that the water runs downhill. If water pools in plant beds from poor drainage, they can become waterlogged and die.
Soil that has been compacted can also create drainage problems. This is a common issue with new houses where equipment has run over the lawn. If the grass is planted in wet and compacted soil, the spoil may never dry out. If this occurs, the best way to fix it is with a rototiller. Rototill the yard, mix in topsoil, put in a french drain, and replant the sod. Make sure you create the proper grade when replanting the sod.
Dirty and clogged gutters can also cause major drainage issues. Water that flows out of the tops of gutters can pool in concentrated areas below where it can saturate plants and hardscapes. Be mindful of keeping your gutters clean and redirecting the water to a downhill area. If you have specific areas in the yard that won’t drain, it may be best to install underground drains or lay down a layer of gravel that can direct the water better. If you’re still having issues with drainage after this, you may want to invest in foliage that can handle a wet environment.
We hope we gave you some excellent ideas on addressing spring drainage issues with landscaping.
Check out our list of lawn and landscape products that will make all of your spring projects easy.