How do I fix this?

Dana Douglas
by Dana Douglas

This slopes down to my front porch after a heavy rain it looks like this. Is a French drain the only way to alleviate this problem?

  9 answers
  • Kelli L. Milligan Kelli L. Milligan on Jan 04, 2019

    Contact a landscaping architect, it may just need to be regraded.

  • Lynn Sorrell Lynn Sorrell on Jan 04, 2019

    Trench/Curtain drain or spillway can be used. Curtain Drain. ... The main difference is that french drains deal more with groundwater while curtain drains have more to do with surface water. Curtain drains are built in a very similar way to french drains but are dug to a shallow depth. Here is really nice french drain & a spillway set up http://www.iveyleaguelandscapes.com/drainage/reclaiming-back-yard-space-with-a-decorative-drain/

  • Jodi Jodi on Jan 04, 2019

    Dig a hole down the center and install PVC tubing with holes to allow the water to drain into the PVC and away from the collection area. Surround the PVC with some sand. You can goggle for more ideals.

  • Oberlinmom Oberlinmom on Jan 04, 2019

    Is there a downspout in that area? First step would be to extend it further away.

    My next thought is that since it slopes toward your house you should change that. Adding drains are a great idea but that will only work if you can tilt the drains downward and away too. We had a similar problem and regraded ourselves. We had topsoil brought in and we sloped the ground down and away from the base of the house. We also added a thick layer of much on top so the dirt wouldn't wash away since we didn't pack it down and we weren't sure it would stay. If you have shrubs and trees in that area you will have to adjust around them or replant them. Don't just cover their trunks and roots with a thick layer of dirt or mulch.

  • K K on Jan 05, 2019

    Put native plants that require high amounts of watering.

    Bonus: non -flowering native plants=)

  • MGMN MGMN on Jan 05, 2019

    Add a rain garden to the area that is filled with plants that are native to your region. Native plants are low maintenance, environmentally friendly and great pollinator attractors. Help with getting plants and instructions on installing a rain garden can be obtained from your local extension office or conservation district. Good luck with your flood and happy gardening 🌾🐝

  • Sissy Sissy on Jan 05, 2019

    make it into a creek bed .Dry when not raining but pretty all the time .A liner and pretty rocks make it look like a stream when it is raining but pretty when not raining .A dry creek bed always looks great

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jan 05, 2019

    The easiest is to dig a swale to redirect the water...

  • V Smith V Smith on Jan 05, 2019

    You need to collect the water and divert it around your house. A drain is your best option. You could also add a short block wall on the edge of your patio.