Pooling Water In Your Yard? Here’s How To Fix It!

Do you cringe every time it rains, knowing the pooling water will leave your yard a soggy mess?

Don't let a waterlogged yard dampen your spirits. In this post, we'll show you how to tackle the problem of pooling water, so you can enjoy a beautiful yard again.

From creating a rain garden to installing a French drain, we have all the expert tips and tricks you need to say goodbye to soggy lawns.

Understanding the Causes of Pooling Water

Here are some common factors that contribute to water pooling in your yard.

Poor Drainage

When water has nowhere to go, it naturally pools in low-lying areas. Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of water pooling in yards.

Typically, the water pools when the lawn is sloped towards the house or the soil is compacted and unable to absorb water.

Soil Composition

The type of soil in your yard can also contribute to water pooling.

Clay soil, for example, is known for its poor drainage and can easily become waterlogged. On the other hand, sandy soil drains quickly.

Landscape Design

The design of your landscape can also play a role in water pooling.

For example, if your yard has a lot of hardscaping, like patios or walkways, water may not be able to penetrate the ground and instead pools on the surface.

Additionally, if your yard has many plantings or landscaping features, they may be blocking the natural flow of water.

Fixing Pooling Water Issues

Although pooling water in your yard can be problematic, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue.

Installing a French Drain

Installing a French drain is one of the most effective ways to fix pooling water issues in your yard.

A French drain consists of a trench filled with gravel and pipe that directs water away from your yard.

To install a French drain, you need to:

1. Identify where you have standing water in your yard.
2. Use a shovel to dig a trench from the problematic area, leading to a place where the water can drain more easily.
3. Line the trench with pea gravel.
4. Purchase and install a French drain pipe or a plastic, flexible landscape pipe.

Even though installing a French drain can be a bit of work, it is an effective long-term solution for pooling water issues.

Creating a Rain Garden

Another way to counter pooling water issues in your yard is by creating a rain garden.

A rain garden is a shallow depression in your yard that is planted with native plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.

When it rains, the rain garden collects water and allows it to seep slowly into the ground.

To create a rain garden, you need to:

1. Identify where you have standing water in your yard.
2. Choose a location for your rain garden downhill from the standing water.
3. Dig a shallow depression in the ground four to eight inches deep.
4. Fill the depression with a mixture of soil and compost.
5. Plant native plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.

The rain garden is functional and can add some beauty to your yard.

Grading the Yard

Another way to fix pooling water issues is by grading the yard.

This involves sloping the ground away from your house so that water flows away from your yard.

To grade your yard, you need to:

1. Identify where you have standing water in your yard.
2. Determine the direction of the slope.
3. Use a shovel and/or a bulldozer to slope the ground away from your house. This slope should be at least one inch per foot and lead to a drainage ditch or storm sewer.
4. Plant grass or other ground-cover plants to stabilize the soil.

It is important to ensure that the slope is not too steep, as this can cause erosion and make it difficult for plants to grow.

Because grading your yard can be a bit technical, you may require the help of a professional.

If you are unsure how to slope the low spot in your yard, consider consulting a professional landscaper or drainage specialist.

It is important to note that sloping the low spot in your yard may require a permit from your local government.

Be sure to check with your local zoning office before starting any work.

Using a Dry Well

Another solution for pooling water issues in your yard is to use a dry well.

A dry well is a hole in the ground filled with gravel and surrounded by landscape fabric. When it rains, water collects in the dry well and slowly seeps into the ground.

To install a dry well, you need to:

1. Identify where you have standing water in your yard.
2. Choose a location for your dry well downhill from the standing water.
3. Dig a hole in the ground that four to six feet deep and two to four feet wide.
4. Line the hole with landscape fabric.
5. Fill the hole with gravel.

Building a dry well may require the help of a professional. Also, the dimensions of your dry well will largely depend on the run-off volume.

How To Prevent Pooling Water

While fixing your current pooling water issue is important, it's equally important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Here are some preventative measures to consider:

Regular Maintenance

Regular yard maintenance can go a long way in preventing pooling water.

The maintenance practices include keeping your gutters and downspouts clean and debris-free and regularly removing leaves and other debris from your yard.

Regularly aerating your lawn can also help improve drainage and prevent water from pooling.

Installing a Sump Pump

If you live in an area with a high water table or get a lot of rain, installing a sump pump can be an effective preventative measure.

A sump pump works by pumping excess water away from your home's foundation into a drainage area, preventing it from pooling in your yard.

Using Permeable Pavers

Another preventative measure is using permeable pavers for your driveway or walkway, especially in areas with heavy rainfall and poor drainage.

Permeable pavers allow water to seep through the surface and into the ground below, preventing it from pooling on the surface.

To Recap: How To Fix Pooling Water

Pooling water in your yard can be a frustrating problem, but it's not impossible to solve.

Here are some key takeaways for fixing pooling water in your yard:

• Identify where the water is pooling and what's causing it.
• Consider adding topsoil or compost to level out low areas and improve drainage.
• Install a trench drain or French drain to channel standing water away.
• Aerate your lawn to reduce soil compaction and improve water percolation.
• Consider calling a professional landscaper for more complex drainage issues.

Remember that fixing pooling water in your yard is an ongoing process that requires regular maintenance.

Keep an eye on your yard after rainstorms, and address any problem areas promptly to prevent further damage.

We hope these tips will help you to take control of your yard and enjoy a healthy, beautiful outdoor space.

These posts may pique your interest:

Water Pooling On Patio Pavers – What To Do?

Soggy Soil Vs Moist Soil: What's The Difference?