A good soaking, heavy rain can certainly be a good thing, as it provides flora (and fauna) with the vital water it needs to thrive. However, heavy rains can also spell trouble, as they can do a real number on your landscaping. Rain can especially be a problem if the ground is already saturated or if it is extremely dry and won’t be able to easily absorb an inundation of water. In situations like these, your yard can flood out, pools of water can become stagnant, your grass and plants can die, and your house, driveway, and other structures could receive serious damage.
How do You Prepare a Yard for Heavy Rain?
Is there anything you can do to prepare your yard in advance of a heavy downpour? Yes! Here are some tips that you can put into action when serious rain is in the forecast.
Underground Diversion
One of the best ways to prevent standing water in your yard during a rainstorm is by making preparations to have the water diverted underground. During heavy rains, water can gush down the gutters and out of the downspouts. Flooding can result if the water can’t run off of your property efficiently.
Low areas in your yard or even just one single spot can stop streams of water from running into a storm drain. If this is a situation you’re experiencing, installing a French drain can help.
French drains are comprised of perforated pipes that are installed underground. These types of drainage systems collect and direct water away from the surface. Improving drainage systems is a pretty easy and highly effective way to prevent excess water from pooling in your yard.
To install a French drain, a trench will be dug, and a perforated pipe will be placed in the trench. The pipe will then be surrounded with pea gravel. Lastly, the pipe and gravel will be covered, and a slatted cover will be installed over the drain.
Fix Grading Issues
Grading issues are one of the most common reasons why yards flood out when it rains. Slopes in the ground have a direct impact on how rainwater will drain. Therefore, the slope of your yard is the most important factor for flooding prevention. For the most efficient drainage, the yard should slope away from your house by at least two percent, which will create a fall of two feet for every 100 linear feet of ground.
If the slope in your property isn’t adequate, it’s pretty much guaranteed that water will end up pooling when it rains. During heavy rains, your yard can flood, which can result in leaks, foundation issues, and structural damage to your home.
To improve the grade, spread topsoil along the perimeter of the foundation and in low spots in your yard. Doing so will help to promote proper drainage.
Clear Patios, Walkways, and Driveways
If your patio, walkways, or driveway sit lower than the yard that surrounds them, it’s a safe bet that they’re going to end up being covered in a pool of water when it rains. If there is heavy rainfall, these surfaces can fill quickly, which can lead to bigger issues. In areas where water is pooled, it can also take a long time to evaporate.
To avoid this problem, either raise the levels of these surfaces or install storm drain channels. Water will then flow toward these channels and direct it away from the surface, leaving your patio, walkways, and driveways puddle-free.
Summing It Up
While rain is vital for the health and well-being of your loving plants, trees, and well, pretty much everything on the planet, it can also spell trouble; particularly if your yard is prone to flooding. We hope the above-mentioned tips, can help you protect your property from water damage each time it rains.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.