As a homeowner, it’s just as important to pay attention to what’s on the outside as it is the interior. If you have a backyard, keeping your lawn green and pristine is key for boosting the aesthetic appeal and giving you an outdoor space to relax and unwind. Should you notice puddles of standing water in your backyard, this can kill grass, compromise your property’s foundation, as well as damage ornamental plants.
If standing water is accumulating in your backyard, here are some tips on how to get rid of it today.
Re-grade
If you are having difficulty getting rid of standing water in your backyard, it’s time to speak to a professional landscaper who can re-grade the terrain around your property. An expert can give you a survey of your lawn’s channels, natural drains, and trouble spots. Once the survey has been conducted, they can establish areas that require re-grading.
De-thatch
You must clear your backyard of any blanket debris as this could be the reason why your water isn’t draining properly. To achieve this, you can use a simple lawn rake or dethatcher that will remove excess debris. To stop heavy debris patches from occurring, you can use a mulch feature or bag when mowing.
Aerate Your Lawn
After you’ve got rid of any debris, the next step is to use a lawn aerator to places small holes in your lawn’s surface. A lawn aerator breaks up compacted soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots of the grass. The holes must ideally be spaced two inches apart and four inches deep. For homeowners who do not have a lawn aerator, it’s advised to contact a landscaping business in your area who can carry out the work.
Install a French Drain
The primary function of a French drain is to steer water away from your property. Rather than relying on tools and materials that can cost a fortune, a French drain can be made inexpensively. Before getting to work, there are various questions you’ll have, such as how deep does a French drain need to be? French drains not only prevent standing water; they can also provide an aesthetically pleasing look that blends in well with your backyard. While installing a French drain is straightforward, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance if you need help. If you don’t like the look of French drains, you should consider building a dry creek instead.
By Hand
If standing water has formed on other features in your backyard, such as on your patio deck, you can easily get rid of puddles by sweeping the water away. Remember, standing water can cause all kinds of issues, such as attracting mosquitoes and drowning your plants, and it can be a safety hazard. If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford a landscaper to fix the problem, you can get rid of standing water by hand.
Standing water is a nuisance and can destroy your backyard if you allow it to accumulate. Whether you want to revamp your outdoor space, or you’re looking to boost your property’s value, using any of the measures above can help eradicate standing water for good.
