Everyone knows that April tends to be a very rainy month. And while those April showers may bring some beautiful May flowers, they might also bring some issues with water drainage and flooding in your yard. If you notice pooling water, improper drainage, and/or overly soggy ground in your yard, you may need to look into some landscape solutions to remedy those problems.
Swales
If you have continuous issues with flooding in your yard, you should consider creating a swale. Swales are depressions in landscape; gradual slopes that allow water to drain down into the soil. Swales can be natural or created, it just depends on the shape of your current landscaping. Creating a swale in your yard will direct water flow down the slope of the swale and, with the proper soil, that water will be quickly absorbed instead of sloshing around. You can add extra appeal to your swale by planting thirsty plants that thrive in moist conditions such as evergreen ferns or Louisiana Irises.
Dry Streambeds
If you have the space, dry streambeds are an especially beautiful solution to a water drainage issue. A dry streambed uses a slope in the landscaping and channels water into an area of natural stones. During dry times, the streambed will just be a pretty stone pathway. Heavy rains will turn the streambed into a small stream that directs the water into the proper drainage path.
Rain Gardens
If you really want to make the rain work in your favor, a rain garden is a great option. Rain gardens do not redirect water, they create a space for water to be absorbed. Native plants that absorb moisture quickly are planted in the area so that when rain falls, the soil sucks up the excess moisture quickly, before it can create any flooding issues. The great thing about rain gardens is that, if you choose the right plants, you will not need to water them in between rainfall, making them a very low-maintenance and nice-looking solution to water drainage issues. There are a wide variety of plants that thrive in rain gardens, such as False Dragonhead, Wild Bergamot, New England Aster, and Cardinal Flower, just to name a few.
Mulching
Proper mulching can provide a clean and polished look to landscaping while also keeping soil moist. However, if you have lightweight mulch and flooding issues, you might find that after a heavy rain, your mulch has scattered all over your yard. It’s important to talk to your landscape designer about the type of mulch that would work best for your yard so that it works for you, not against you.
Retaining Walls
In some yards, heavy rain can lead to soil shifting and sliding around. When that happens, you have to worry not only about flooding, but also about the structural integrity of your landscaping. If your soil is turning into a mini-mudslide after a storm, you should look into installing retaining walls. Retaining walls can provide structural support for soil and redirect water flow so that it drains properly. When planning out a retaining wall, there are a variety of factors you need to keep in mind such as soil type, water drainage paths, and local building codes. Make sure you work with a landscape design professional to design and install a retaining wall.
Flooding can cause a myriad of issues with your landscape design and even threaten the structural integrity of your home, so it’s very important to take care of any water drainage issues right away. We love working with clients to design creative and beautiful solutions to landscape flooding issues. Give us a call at (636) 688-6647 to discuss your landscape.
