Solutions for Landscape Drainage Problems

Identify the Problem

• The first step to solving a flooding problem is to identify that a problem exists. Signs such as standing water and areas that stay wet several days after rainfall are obvious. Sometimes the signs may be more subtle, such as dying plants, a persistent bad smell or a population of mosquitoes. Once the problem is confirmed, steps can be taken to remedy it.

Adjust the Elevation

• Adjusting the elevation of the yard is one solution to landscape flooding. All land, sidewalks and patios should slope away from the home at a minimum of a 2 percent slope, which means that the land should slope downward a quarter inch for every foot it moves away from the home. By the time the land is 4 feet from the foundation of the home, it should be 1 inch lower, which ensures that water will drain down and away from the foundation. Adjusting the elevation is as simple as adding or removing soil from the landscape.

Trench Drains

• A trench drain, also known as a French drain, moves water away from the home before it becomes a problem. It functions much like a gutter does, collecting and redirecting water. A trench drain is installed on the high side of the property so it will drain water away from the home. A trench drain needs to be dug 2 feet deep for the entire length of the house, running parallel to the surface of the ground. As the ground slopes away from the home, the ditch remains level, eventually breaking through the surface of the ground. Two inches of gravel line the bottom of the trench and is topped by a 4-inch diameter perforated drainage pipe. More gravel covers the pipe to 1 inch below ground level. The entire drainage system can be topped with sod or soil.

Dry Rock Beds

• A dry rock bed, also called a dry creek bed, is a wide trench used to divert excess water from a problem area to an area where it can safely be drained. The first step in installing a dry rock bed is to plan where it will run. Beds that curve look natural and are visually more appealing than straight ones. Dry rock beds should be wider than they are deep and covered with landscaping cloth to prevent the growth of weeds. Large stones are placed at the edge of the bed to funnel water into the bed. Smaller stones are placed inside the trench to keep the water moving.