Too Much Rain? 5 Landscape Tips To Protect Your Yard
Do you live in an area prone to lots of rain? While those who live in areas under consistent droughts might envy you, too much rain also has its challenges. What can you do to prepare your residential landscaping for excessive water? Here are five ways to minimize and manage it.
1. Mind Your Downspouts.
Your home's roof is a major component in how rain will fall and enter the landscape. While good roof and gutter maintenance are key, don't overlook the downspouts. Direct one or more downspouts into a container for water collection and use in the yard. Extend downspouts away from the foundation and into safer areas to pool. And coordinate downspouts with French drains or other drainage tools.
2. Plant Some Trees.
Trees help reduce flooding in two primary ways. First, their canopies and trunks slow down rain as it falls. This gives that water more time to soak into the ground instead of immediately running off. Second, trees are thirsty. Their massive roots soak up more water underground that prevents it from building up. So, don't skimp on trees.
3. Build a Rain Garden.
They say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Rain gardens are intentionally designed low areas which you can allow to fill up with rainwater. Plant the edges with greenery that can handle both wet and dry conditions, but plant lower areas with plants that love the water. A rain garden turns an unwanted pool into a beautiful yard feature.
4. Maintain the Grading.
Grading is the leveling and sculpting of the ground to achieve the right angles and heights for your chosen landscape. Good grading uses gravity to move rain runoff away from building foundations, hardscape elements like driveways, and areas of poor drainage. Start with the right grading to achieve your water goals. But don't forget to make sure it stays that way over the years.
5. Add Berms and Swales.
Berms are elevated portions of the yard and swales are excavated portions. A berm is a barrier that moves water away from somewhere you don't want it. Swales are depressions that naturally collect that water so it can soak into the ground. A good combination placed strategically in your landscape manages water.
Where to Start
Could you use help meeting the landscaping challenge of a wet, rainy climate? If so, start by meeting with a residential landscaping service in your local area today, such as Jeff's Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC. With their guidance, you'll soon find the best ways to use these and other tips to weatherproof your yard.
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