Prevent A Flooded Yard

A Flooded Yard Can Damage Your Foundation

With lots of rain heading towards us this summer, we must prepare for a bit of flooding on our prized lawns. A flooded yard can lead to erosion over time, weakening your home’s foundation in the long run. If your home sits next to a level depression or hill, your chances of flooding are high. Prepare for flooding ahead of time. Here are ways to help you prevent flooding on your lawn.

Sump Pumps

Install sump pumps in your front yard at the highest slope point. The location of a sump pump exit needs to be near the top of a hill moving downhill from the flood location. The idea is to send the water away from your lawn. There should be a drain at the bottom of the incline where your sump pump is draining water. A foundation repair company can install a sump pump. The cost can start at $600. So consider the sump pump as a last resort. On the upside, the foundation repair company can advise you on the correct placement of the sump pump. 

French Drains

French drains are the best way to drain your front yard. French drain installation prices start at $5000, making them the most expensive option for flood prevention. If your home is close to the flooded area, your foundation could be susceptible to erosion, rotting, and a flooded crawlspace. The French drain takes water far away from your house by transferring water from the trench.

Mulch at the Bottom of an Incline

In order to use mulch for flood prevention, you must place mulch at the bottom of an incline falling away from your house. Level your lawn before adding the mulch. When the water drains downstream from your home, the mulch will absorb it. You can also spread the mulch over the flooded area until you level your lawn. 

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are the cheapest way to prevent flooding. Find a location to get rid of the water in the barrel or save the water for your plants. Recycling the rainwater will also save you money on water bills, and it’s eco-friendly. 

Plants 

Certain plants prevent flooding and erosion by working with the soil. This method depends on the region you live. Using plants native to your environment allows water breakdown. Find the right plants for your home region through this native plant database. Plants absorb and break up rainfall when it hits the ground. They lessen the likelihood of a flood in your front yard.

All of these suggestions can help prevent your lawn from flooding. Even though French drains are the most effective, you may not need to install them. For minimal flooding, the other methods will work for your yard. If you are interested in installing a sump pump or French drain, contact your local foundation repair or French drain contractor. Call Atlantic Foundation if you have any questions or concerns for your foundation due to your lawn’s needs. 

Sources-

8 Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Yard Flood Prevention | Roth Companies (rothconstruction.com), Sump Pump to Drain Backyard Flood, How To for HomeOwners – YouTube, How Much Does a French Drain Cost to Install? A Cost Guide – Bob Vila, How Do Plants Help Prevent Erosion Control? | Granite Seed, Home – Native Plants Finder (nwf.org)