Does rain water turn your lawn into soup every time it storms? Over time, inadequate drainage can ruin your grass and potentially damage your home’s foundation. Let’s look at 3 ways we can improve drainage in your lawn.
1. Gutters
If you don’t have gutters and downspouts or you haven’t been maintaining them, water will pool at the base of your home. This may result in foundation damage or over-watered landscaping. Gutters and downspouts solve this problem by directing water off your roof and shooting it out and away from the base of your home. This distributes the water more evenly. If you want to avoid costly repairs to your foundation, improve drainage by installing gutters/downspouts and flush them regularly to keep them clear of leaves and debris.
2. Aeration
When the soil on your lawn is packed too tightly or there is thatch buildup, your grass’ roots aren’t able to soak up the water, air, and nutrients they need. Lawns that do this benefit from aeration. Aerating is when you puncture small holes in your soil so that it can absorb water. To determine if your lawn needs aerating, look for signs of pooling and soggy patches on your lawn. This is a good indication that your soil is too compact and needs to be aerated.
3. Plants
Are there certain areas of your lawn that are lower than others and drain poorly? Consider using landscaping to resolve this issue. Water-loving flowers and shrubs will soak up the water and prevent it from pooling. If you’re considering installing a “rain garden” for a larger patch of your lawn, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you pick plants that thrive in wet conditions.