How do you solve yard issues?
by
Vicki
+1
Because of the excessive rain the last 6 months (maybe even longer) my yard never totally dries, has many bare muddy spots, and even some small creeks that are destroying my yard. I have lived here over 35 years, and this is the first year I had this severe of a problem. I live in southeastern Pennsylvania.
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Lucky you! Here in drought ridden CA we would do anything for more rain. With a bit of Google research, common sense and calling in the pros if necessary, you can solve anything. Without photos, my best guess is the property needs to be re-graded and / or French drain or a swale. You could also install a dry creekbed or plant some trees. I would get a few free estimates from local landscape designers or architects for suggestions or recommendations. If you want to take it further, hire a soils expert.
Next time it rains, if you can, video various locations to see where it is flowing from. This will help you determine what to do and how to do it.
Start by controlling the erosion.
Where do your downspouts go? Do you have very long extensions on them? They make flexible extensions, that are quite useful.
Can you create a weir or sluice to deflect ground water coming in from your neighbors?
Sandbags & gravel are useful for controlling erosion.
Since it’s winter, expansion problems with ice at patio/driveway joints and cracks are to be considered & make sure they drain well.
Next spring, consider retaining wall blocks and making the creeks go where you want them to.
Our weather patterns are become more extreme and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.
Vicki,. You might need to call in a landscaper about this problem, because you have several issues. Go to Home advisor.com. Find your self a landscaper, that could give you some free advice, maybe. You might need to hire one, to solve your problem. Aloha!
Hi, Vicki,
Have you rerouted downspouts to drain water a minimum of 10' from your home's foundation? Are drainage pathways adequately sloped to permit rapid dispersal of water? Are your gutters free of debris and adequately sized for large downpours?
Do you have a slope behind or above you? If so, you'll need to create drainage via a swale, drainage ditch with large rock, French drain or Hydro Blox system.
Consider installing large trees and shrubs that can absorb some of the runoff.
Although rock can be more aggravation as a mulch, it won't wash away or turn into gullies the way hard bark mulch will during downpours.