How to Deal with Drainage Problems in Yard

AWS has been providing yard drainage solutions in the Delaware Valley for many years, and properties that don’t drain well are a common problem for home and business owners throughout the region. With that in mind, let’s consider how to deal with drainage problems in your yard.

Common Yard Drainage Issues

• Soil erosion
• Soggy patches
• Uneven lawn growth
• Standing and pooling water

Yard drainage problems often begin with making the area unusable long after the rain has gone, but the issues can certainly become more serious with time. Persistent drainage problems absolutely will change the landscape and worsen the problem, and you have to worry about eventual foundation water intrusion.

What Causes Yard Drainage Problems?

• Compacted soil
• Improper landscaping
• Poorly maintained gutter systems
• Hardscaping, such as patios and other surfaces

Our customers figuring out how to deal with drainage problems in the yard often aren’t sure how the problems began in the first place. Sometimes, they can be sudden, such as right after having a fence or paver patio installed. But drainage often begins as a minor problem that becomes exacerbated over time.

Techniques to Improve Yard Drainage

How to deal with drainage problems in a yard depends very much on the unique characteristics of the particular property and the severity and dynamics of the drainage issues you’re experiencing. There are many techniques available to you, but four of the most common are:

• Landscaping

Improper landscaping either through manmade changes or natural soil erosion is among the leading causes of yard drainage problems. Correcting those issues, such as eliminating low areas, is often enough to prevent drainage issues entirely.

• Soil Aeration

Soil can be dense which makes it difficult for the rainwater to infiltrate. Using an aerator will break up those heavy and soaked areas that are serving as barriers. If the soil is dense because it has a lot of clay, you can use a tiller to mix in sand and compost in order to make it less dense.

• French Drains

French drains or trench drains are very effective at correcting water drainage issues because they allow a substantial amount of water to flow through. These drains are relatively simple to install and can last for many years with proper maintenance.

• Dry Wells

If your drainage problems are even more substantial, one or more dry wells or catch basins can be added to the drainage system. These wells collect the excess water so that water can continue flowing through the drains and then drain out slowly over time when there is less load.

Effective Yard Drainage Solutions

If you’d like professional assistance with your drainage issues, contact AWS online today. We’re happy to answer questions about how to deal with drainage problems in your yard and to schedule a free on-site consultation.