7 Best Landscaping Drainage Techniques: Yard & Lawn Drainage Solutions & Methods

Keeping your landscape free from excess water can prevent permanent damage to the surrounding property and structures. Although water might be a necessity for lawn care, it needs to be appropriately distributed to keep the water from causing damage to your property and other critical installations.

Excess water saturates the soil, which may lead to shifts in the foundation of homes and other buildings. This could cause cracks and other potential damage to your property. Plus, muddy areas of standing water promote the breeding of mosquitoes and other disease-causing insects.

Yard drains are a vital part of any landscape design. There are two primary types of landscape drainage techniques:

• A surface drainage system is ideal for irrigation or in areas with excess rainfall. It only works through the application of gravity and comes either in graded or bedded systems.
• A subsurface drainage system also uses the law of gravity. However, it operates in a regular and controlled system. Although the drainage is usually implemented under the surface, it functions similarly to the surface drainage systems.

As a homeowner or a business owner, you know proper drainage is essential to maintaining a healthy and functional outdoor space. Whether you're dealing with heavy rainfall, having yard drainage problems, or simply need to address excess water on your property, several effective drainage techniques can help you manage water runoff and protect your landscape. Here's what our team at Absolute Home Services recommends.

1. Rain Garden for Excess Water

A rain garden is a beautiful and practical way to manage excess water on your property. This natural, self-sustaining system allows water to accumulate in a shallow depression, where it can gradually filter into the soil. Rain gardens are particularly effective in managing runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces.

To create a successful rain garden, it's important to choose the right location and soil mix. The garden should be situated in a low-lying area where water naturally accumulates. The soil mix should be well-draining, but also able to retain moisture during dry periods. Native plants are the best choice for a rain garden, as they're adapted to the local climate and can thrive in wet conditions.

2. Water-Absorbing Plants

In addition to a rain garden, incorporating water-absorbing plants into your landscape can help manage excess water and prevent a drainage problem from occurring. These plants can thrive in wet conditions and can help prevent erosion and runoff. Native species are once again the best choice, as they're adapted to the local environment and require less maintenance.

Examples of water-absorbing plants include dogwoods, willows, and red-twig. These plants can be used in a rain garden, or planted throughout your landscape to help absorb excess water. Though this is more of a gardening task than landscaping, this can fix your yard drainage issues long term.

3. French Drain

A French drain is a simple and effective drainage solution that involves burying a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. This allows water to filter through the gravel and into the pipe, where it is directed away from the landscape. French drains are particularly effective for managing excess water on sloping terrain.

When installing a French drain, it's important to choose the right size and capacity for your landscape. The drain pipe should be large enough to handle the volume of water in your area and should be situated in a location where water naturally accumulates.

4. Dry Well System

A dry well is a type of underground storage system that allows excess water to slowly filter into the groundwater table. This system involves directing downspouts or other drainage systems to a large underground well, where the water can be stored and gradually absorbed into the soil.

Dry wells are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to French drains. They require less maintenance and are less likely to clog over time. However, they may not be as effective in managing larger volumes of water.

5. Corrugated Plastic Tubes

Corrugated plastic tubes are another simple and effective drainage solution that involves burying a plastic pipe connected to downspouts or other drainage systems. These pipes are perforated to allow water to filter through and are surrounded by gravel to facilitate yard drain.

Corrugated plastic tubes are a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for managing excess water on your property through channel drains. This is a particularly effective way to divert water from buildings or other structures.

6. Paving Materials

Permeable paving materials are an innovative solution for managing runoff and excess water. These materials include concrete, asphalt, and plastic pavers with small gaps that allow water to filter through into quick-draining gravel layers underground.

Permeable paving materials are a great choice for driveways, walkways, and other outdoor surfaces. They not only prevent runoff but also allow water to gradually seep into the soil. In addition, they're available in a wide range of styles and colors, making it easy to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

7. Grassy Swale

A grassy swale is a natural depression or ditch that's designed to channel excess water from one area to another. These swales are often lined with grass or other vegetation, which helps to absorb excess water and prevent erosion.

Grassy swales are particularly effective for managing runoff from large areas, such as roofs, parking lots, or athletic fields. They can be used in combination with other drainage solutions, such as French drains or dry wells, to create a comprehensive drainage system for your property.

When designing a grassy swale, it's important to choose the right location and size for your landscape. The swale should be situated in a natural depression or low-lying area and should be large enough to accommodate the volume of water in your area.

In addition to these drainage techniques, several other strategies can help manage excess water on your property. These include:

• Creating natural barriers: Planting trees or shrubs around the perimeter of your property can help absorb excess water and prevent runoff.
• Installing gutters and downspouts: Properly installed gutters and downspouts can direct water away from your home or other structures, preventing damage and erosion.
• Using permeable surfaces: In addition to pervious paving materials, permeable surfaces such as gravel, mulch, or crushed stone can help absorb excess water and prevent runoff.

Conclusion

Overall, having poor yard drainage will make it nearly impossible to maintain a healthy and functional outdoor space as it's difficult to disperse water. By using a combination of drainage techniques, natural systems, and sustainable practices, you can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape that's both beautiful and functional.

If you're looking for a professional landscaping company to help you manage excess water on your property and address your yard drainage issue, contact Absolute Home Services today. Our experienced team of landscapers can assess your drainage needs and recommend the best solutions to meet your unique requirements. From channel drains to French drains and everything in between, we can help you create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that you can enjoy all year round. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!