Have you ever thought about the issues that can be done to your lawn and home if you do not have the proper drainage system? These issues can be very expensive to repair and some insurance companies may not cover them. Mother Nature can be very unpredictable which can lead to problems regarding flooding or the creation of ponds of water. It may not seem like something you need to worry about, but an improper drainage system could destroy your lawn and the foundation of your home.
Effects of Bad Drainage
Over a period of time, the ground may settle and shift which can cause puddles of standing water. Standing water can lead to many problems including:
Soil erosion, decrease in grass health, and yellowing of your grass
Can create low spots in the ground leading to a shift in the ground causing it to become uneven and unsafe
Too much water can cause your trees, shrubs, and flowers to drown. As a result they can die causing your landscape’s health and appearance to change
If the water’s drainage route is close to your home’s foundation or if puddles of water are nearby, then the water can seep into your basement causing it to flood
Signs of Drainage Issues
Looking for these signs can help you determine whether or not you have a drainage issue.
Standing water that does not absorb into the ground
Low spots that collect water
Soggy ground that is noticeable
Pooling water at the bottom of downspouts
Soil erosion on uneven ground
Water damage on the outside of structures
Causes of Drainage Issues
Once you have determined you have drainage issues, you will then need to find out where the problem is coming from. Different factors can play into the cause, some being easier to find than others.
Hard ground that is not absorbing water the way softer soil does
Uneven ground, which can cause high and low point in your yard, can lead to pools of water in the low spots
Problems with downspouts and gutters, such as debris and cracks that block the water from exiting
Obstacles that get in the way of water runoff, such as buildings and bushes
Common Solutions
Many times landscaping can help improve some drainage issues. However, a properly installed drainage system may be needed depending on how severe the issues are.
Clean, repair, or replace downspouts and gutters
Remove any obstacles that might be getting in the way from water exiting your yard
Use French drains to keep water from pooling in low spots around your yard
Use a sump pump on areas of your yard that are more likely than other areas to have excess water
Create a creek or rock bed to help channel water runoff
Use landscaping rock to create a fountain
Install a small grate to collect runoff
Drainage problems are a common experience for individuals who own a home that sits at a lower spot than their neighbors. These problems can be frustrating and costly to fix, something that nobody wants to endure. The professionals at St. Louis Select Landscaping would like to help you in creating an aesthetic drainage system that will make you smile. Call us today at (314) 568-6550 to discuss what solution works best for you and your landscape.
