Drainage systems are an extremely important part of landscape design, but they often get overlooked.
Drainage systems consist of piping buried underneath your yard that divert water away from your landscaping and into an area where it won’t cause any damage, such as the street. Some yards may need a more intense drainage system then others depending on how many problem areas there are. Some drainage systems require a sump pump, while others can use gravity to divert the water. If you notice puddles in your yard, especially if you are noticing them when there hasn’t been much precipitation, then a drainage system may be right for you.
Here are some benefits to adding a drainage system to your yard.
1. Prevents soil erosion
When it rains, soil is displaced from your landscaping to other areas of your yard. This is referred to as “soil erosion.” Without proper drainage, over time this displacement can cause issues with soil depth which can cause damage to your landscaping.
2. Prevents standing water
Standing water in your yard not only creates dangerous and slippery surfaces, it also drowns your landscaping. Not to mention, standing water can be extremely unsightly. It also—maybe worst of all—attracts the bane of every St. Louisan’s existence: mosquitoes.
3. Prevents water damage
Improper drainage doesn’t just damage your landscaping, it can also damage the foundation of your home. When a severe storm strikes, water flows through your yard much faster. Without proper drainage, this fast moving water can force its way through cracks in your foundation. This not only causes damage to the foundation of your house, it also causes the added problem of water in your basement.
