Our Key Strategies for Wet Areas
Improve Site Drainage:
French Drains: Perforated pipes covered in gravel installed in trenches to collect and redirect underground water.
Swales & Ditches: Perforated pipes covered in gravel installed in trenches to collect and redirect underground water.
Catch Basins: Structures placed in low spots to collect water and channel it into a drainpipe.
Subsoil Drains/Sump Pumps: Used for high-water-table areas to actively remove water from around foundations.
Landscape Modifications (Green Infrastructure):
Rain Gardens: Depressed, landscaped areas designed to catch runoff, allowing it to soak into the ground over time rather than forming puddles.
Grading/Regrading: Ensuring the ground slopes away from building foundations to prevent water accumulation.
Soil Amendments: Adding organic matter to improve soil structure and infiltration rates in compacted areas.
Biological Controls (Planting):
Native Wet-Tolerant Plants: Using willow, sedges, and rushes to absorb excess moisture, reduce erosion, and bind sediment with their roots.
Riparian Buffers: Using willow, sedges, and rushes to absorb excess moisture, reduce erosion, and bind sediment with their roots.
Storage and Reuse:
Rain Barrels/Cisterns: Capturing rooftop runoff for later irrigation use.
Dry Wells/Retention Basins: Deep, gravel-filled pits that store water temporarily to prevent localized flooding.
Key Considerations:
Identify the Cause: Determine if the wetness is caused by poor surface drainage (grading), high water tables, or compacted soil.
Check Regulations: Consult local government or environmental agencies before altering natural drainage or building structures.
Maintenance: Regularly clean out drains, gutters, and check for clogged catch basins to ensure functionality.
Continued...
How do I fix poor water drainage in my yard? To fix yard drainage, start with simple solutions like aerating the lawn, adding compost to low spots, and extending downspouts; for bigger problems, install a French drain, build a rain garden, or create a dry creek bed to redirect water away from your home and improve soil absorption.
Simple Fixes - Small Areas & Soil Issues:
Aerate the Lawn: Pull plugs of soil to relieve compaction, allowing water to penetrate.
Amend Soil: Mix compost or other organic matter into compacted or clay soil to improve its ability to absorb water.
Regrade/Build Up Low Spots: Add topsoil/compost to create a slight mound in sunken areas, ensuring water flows away.
Extend Downspouts: Use extensions or buried pipes to carry roof water away from the foundation.
Long-Term Drainage Solutions:
French Drain: Dig a trench, add gravel and a perforated pipe, and direct water away from the problem area.
Rain Garden: Create a shallow depression with water-loving native plants to soak up runoff.
Regrading: Slightly slope the yard away from your house foundation.
Catch Basins/Drain Boxes: Install these in low spots to collect water and pipe it away.
