HOW TO PROTECT YOUR YARD FROM MOISTURE AND WATER DAMAGE

Areas of high precipitation are known for their lush vegetation, which can be a major advantage for those who enjoy planting flower beds and gardens.

However, a downside of abundant water fall is the threat of water puddling on your property and potentially flowing into your garage and/or seeping into your basement.

If this is the case for you, or you simply plan on spending more time watering your lawn this summer while you stay at home amid Covid-19 concerns, there are a number of ways in which you can protect your yard from excess moisture.

LANDSCAPE A SLOPING LAWN TO CONTROL WATER FLOW

To protect against water introducing itself into your house, the yard should always slope away from the house, in all directions.

To achieve this, locate the high and low points of your home and add extra dirt to slope the yard away from the house, ensuring that any water or runoff flows in the desired direction.

While it is important to keep the water flowing away from your house and out of the yard, it can be equally problematic to have this runoff puddling in your driveway. As such, look into some modernized driveway drainage designs that use a slot drain system to direct runoff through a grate and into the sewage system, an especially attractive option for homes in urban or residential areas that sit below street level.

CULTIVATE A RAIN GARDEN TO EXPEDITE DRAINAGE

A rain garden is essentially a plant pond that is composed of deep-rooted species that absorb excess water as it accumulates in your yard or around your property.

A rain garden will be set in a low point in your yard to allow for the natural flow of water, with any accumulation being absorbed by an assortment of shrubs, ferns, wildflowers, and small trees.

Rain gardens look especially classy if you use trendy water control processes for your driveway, as they look very natural when situated alongside the clean, angular gravel designs of permeable pavement surfaces.

PLANT NEW GRASS TO SLOW EROSION

Even with a lawn that slopes away from your home and advanced drainage features in your driveway, your yard can get beat up and look frightful if the flow of water washes away all of the sod.

Planting new grass can help fight erosion, as the root structure of grass, and especially those grasses native to the region where you live, can help absorb water and lessen the force of runoff.

Once the grass is grown, avoid cutting it too short, as this weakens the root structure and leaves your yard more susceptible to flooding.

In addition, if you are experiencing a dry season, do not allow your yard to get too dry, as the inevitable return of rain will quickly wash away a dry surface, as damp soil does a better job of absorbing impact from falling and running water.

MAKE INNOVATIVE PATIOS, SIDEWALKS, AND FLOWER BEDS

While grass and foliage are the primary components of a yard and provide the majority of the aesthetic appeal, every yard needs a little trace of humanity to make it feel like you are at home and not opening your door to a jungle.

When pouring your patios, sidewalks, and flower beds, consider ditching traditional cement for more durable geopolymer concrete.

Not only are these materials highly moldable with variable set times to allow you to get the perfect look for your yard, but they are highly resistant to nature’s elements, offering protection from the freezing and thawing cycle should your home ever experience snowfall.

Jordan Swift is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Jordan is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.