So what exactly is meant by drainage and how can you tell if you have a problem?
Yard drainage refers to the way the soil handles water. Water accumulation anywhere on your property can lead to structural issues and mold, wreak havoc on your plants, and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. If you notice water is still standing in areas of your yard days after rainfall, chances are you have drainage issues.
Below are 6 things to watch out for that could mean you need a drainage solution.
Drainage Problem Cues:
1. Identify puddles – Is your lawn too wet to walk through even days after it rains? Water tends to be soaked up as the sun returns after a long rain, indicating soil that has good drainage. On the other hand, if water seems to puddle instead of being absorbed into the ground it is a sure sign of drainage issues.
2. Check out your driveway – One surprising sign of drainage issues in your yard actually affects your driveway and paved areas. If you notice water accumulating in these areas it is likely due to drainage problems. This happens when water has nowhere to go and starts to overflow onto pavements.
3. Scope out your vegetation – Is moss growing around your yard? Does it look like your grass is dying? Are plants and bushes limp or droopy? These are all possible signs of overwatering and are very common in areas of low drainage because roots are just stuck in the water much longer than needed. This causes root rot for grass, plants, and bushes.
4. Inspect your gutters – The importance of gutters for your home’s structural integrity cannot be overstated. Water MUST be able to flow down the gutters and into the soil. When your yard has drainage issues, the water flowing down the gutters cannot seep into the ground efficiently and this leads to water backing up in the gutters. This can mean costly roof repairs and can even affect your home’s foundation, causing flooding inside your home.
5. Look out for mosquitoes – If you start to notice an increase in mosquitoes every time you step outside, take a look around your yard for signs of standing water. Standing water quickly becomes stagnant and is a haven for bacteria, often leading to unpleasant odors. It is also an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. These issues can lead to illness and other safety concerns for your family and closest neighbors, making your home incredibly unpleasant for your loved ones and your community.
6. Investigate your home – Are there cracks in your exterior foundation that could be a result from water damage? Is there mold on your siding? Also, look inside your home and check for any signs of water pressure, particularly in your basement. Often, pressure cracks in the foundation or siding can cause water to seep indoors and even small amounts of moisture can lead to mold and other damages.
Following the steps above can quickly alert you to issues with your yard’s drainage. Luckily, there are a few options to fix these issues and ensure a healthy and enjoyable outdoor living space. Contact Sprinkalawn to diagnose the extent of the problem and provide a solution. PS – be sure to check us out next month for an overview of the most common drainage solutions.