Contributing writer Matt Lee has some good backyard flooding solutions that might help during those times when the rain doesn’t seem to stop.
Flooding is a problematic occurrence. The rainy seasons can come with torrential downpours and powerful winds which will put a damper on your landscape investment.
Homeowners are likely to focus more on the front yards because the front yard is the presentation everyone will see first. But what about the backyard? It is just as vital and it’s possible to face the worst of flooding in your backyard.
There are several different measures a homeowner can take to decrease the chances of a waterlogged home and garden.
Here are some different types of drainage methods, along with some aesthetic solutions to help minimize flooding in your backyard.
1. Down Spout, Gutter Drainage
This drainage type is mounted on the edges of your roof. The gutters collect rolling water and debris that slides down the roof. When installing gutters, it’s essential to include a down spout in the final installation stage of gutter assembly. A down spout moves the collection of water to the landscape below. Many landscaping professionals and DIY enthusiasts connect down spouts to universal connectors to allow flex drain pipes or PVC pipes to be routed on top of the ground or underground.
2. Window Well Drainage
For homeowners with basement windows, a window well can help keep a backyard from being flooded. Particularly, window wells prevent flooding near your home especially the basement. Most homes with window well features have weeping tile installed around its foundation. Modern weeping tile is made with PVC while older versions of weeping tile are made of clay or corrugated plastic. The weeping tile mechanism protects the home from excess water while the drainage system at the bottom of window well pushes water away from the home.
3. French Drainage System
This classic type of drainage is used for most flood solutions. French drainage systems are versatile and dependable for all backyards. It requires a lot of digging, measurements, natural materials, and patience.
French drains are likely to be installed underground. To keep piping and catch basins from settling due to the influence of water, gravel is installed on top of the piping.
Survey the backyard and locate any low spots you may have. Consider installing catch basins to low spots in your backyard. In addition, determine how much pipe you need.
4. Catch Basin
These devices are reservoirs for water drainage. They are a second line of defense against debris that comes through a grate. Know what kind of grate you need when installing a catch basin in your backyard. For lawn and patio drainage, use a flat grate. For backyard gardens, use an atrium grate.
5. Yard Drainage Pipes
Drainage pipes installed on top of the ground are usually referred to as yard drainage pipes. They’re more accessible, of course, but aren’t as effective as underground pipes. Top ground drainage is suggested for minimal flooding occurrences.
6. Trench / Channel Drainage
For large surfaces like driveways and patios, homeowners should go with trench or channel drainage. Landscapers often install trench drains on the edge of driveways and patios that hold a lot of flood water. It’s not uncommon for contractors to install a catch basin with a flat grate in the patio structure. This method improves patio drainage for the entire structure.
7. Stone Drainage
Take an earthier approach and use rock to drain water from your backyard. Many landscapers install rock ditches and rock channels to manage water away from their backyard or to move excess water into the soil. For water deluges, rock drainage can move a massive amount of water to a designated area, preferably away from your backyard and your home.
8. Use Dense Mulch
Hard rain downpours will destroy your landscaping if you don’t mulch correctly. When your mulch gets scattered, you’ll need to rake it back or add more mulch. The mulch that you don’t collect can get clogged in drains and cause even more flooding in your backyard. One way to avoid this is to use thick mulch. Hardwood mulch is more substantial than other mulch types and less likely to get carried away by rainwaters.
When installing dense, hardwood mulch, make sure it is at least 6 inches thick.
9. Consider a Rain Garden
Is the area near your gutters and downspouts prone to flooding? If so, you should install a rain garden. Rain gardens are best planted in shallow depressions. The goal of this landscaping method is to collect runoff water from gutters and downspouts as well as stormwater.
The best size for a rain garden is 50 to 100 square feet. Place the plants with the highest wet soil tolerance in the center of the garden. For best results, use all native plants because they will require little to no water during dry periods.
DIY or Hire A Professional
Landscaping professionals are knowledgeable with measurements and techniques to ensure that your backyard will be as flood free as possible. DIY requires a lot of research and extensive experience in drainage systems. Although you will save money on labor under a DIY method, you will shoulder all the responsibility if something goes wrong with backyard drainage. Go with the most efficient method for optimal results.