4 Typical Indicators of Problems with Lawn Drainage

We likely didn't have to mention that almost every lawn requires water to stay healthy. Lack of enough water can cause your lawn to droop, change color to brown, and eventually perish. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of water has the potential to cause harm, particularly when there is no proper drainage in place. If your yard gets soaked with water after it rains, it's likely that there are drainage problems that should be fixed quickly. However, distinguishing between typical muddiness and an actual soil drainage issue can be challenging. Here, we will show you exactly how and offer an understanding of the factors that can lead to inadequate lawn drainage.

If your lawn is not draining well, there will be some noticeable signs. Continue reading to discover what signs to look for if you think you have issues with your lawn's drainage.

There are puddles of water in your yard

It is common to see small puddles and collected water after a significant amount of rain. If the wet spots persist for more than a day or two, or reappear after light rain, it might indicate inadequate drainage in your soil. In addition to damaging your lawn, stagnant water can also draw pests, particularly mosquitoes. Therefore, if you have a significant amount of stagnant water in your yard, it is best to tackle the issue sooner rather than later.

Your Soil Is Always Muddy

There are other indicators besides deep puddles that suggest your lawn is not draining properly. Consistent muddiness may suggest a possible issue with drainage, particularly if it is widespread or remains even in dry weather.

You’re Struggling With Lawn Disease

Numerous lawn diseases prosper in damp environments. Turf with poor drainage will be more susceptible to disease. Lawn ailments may manifest as small patches that change color to white or brown, or as extensive regions that quickly become discolored. If you find yourself often fighting lawn disease, it may be a sign that your soil is not draining properly. With that said, having a disease present does not necessarily confirm there is a drainage problem. If you are worried about lawn disease and suspect it is due to inadequate drainage, the best thing to do is to reach out to us. We are able to assist you in identifying the specific lawn disease you are facing, as well as the reasons behind it. Furthermore, we can develop a personalized strategy to effectively address the issue.

Your plants are falling victim to root rot

If you have ever unintentionally caused a houseplant to die by overwatering, you likely know that too much moisture is harmful to plants. More precisely, an excess of moisture can result in root rot, which is essentially decayed roots. If not addressed, root rot has the potential to harm your plants to the point of death. If your trees, shrubs, flowers, or grass are not doing well or dying and you are unsure of the reason, it could be due to the moisture level in your soil. Additionally, search for sections of your yard that are becoming yellow. Extended deprivation of oxygen to the roots leads to yellowing, causing stress on the turf which may result in disease.

What Can Cause Poor Lawn Drainage?

Inadequate lawn drainage happens when there is no outlet for excess moisture caused by precipitation or irrigation. Next, we will examine the typical elements that may cause inadequate drainage.

Owning a property with a low elevation.

During rainfall, water collects in depressions like ditches and potholes, or possibly in your basement. Ideally, we should redirect this water to prevent pooling. Nonetheless, should your land be situated in a low-lying location, intense or swift precipitation may cause it to amass more quickly than it can vaporize or seep into the ground. Ultimately, this could result in lawns becoming muddy, puddles forming, or even entire areas being flooded.

Soil Compaction

Compaction occurs when soil becomes compressed. This can occur naturally, but is usually a result of heavy foot traffic. This compression pushes the soil particles closer together, making the soil dense and leaving less room for water to flow through it. With less room to move, water drains more slowly, which can lead to a soggy, waterlogged lawn.

Soil with a High Clay Content

Having clay in your soil can be advantageous: clay contains minerals and retains essential nutrients for your plants to grow successfully. Nonetheless, clay particles possess small size, porosity, compaction ease, and high water retention capability. Excessive clay in the soil can lead to poor drainage, resulting in waterlogging and ineffective drainage for your lawn.

Is it possible to repair a lawn that has poor drainage?

The best lawn drainage solutions address the underlying cause of the poor drainage. If your lawn drainage issues are structural — meaning, they’re caused by the location or layout of your property rather than compaction or your soil’s composition — it may be trickier to get under control. It is still possible, though. Here are a few things to know about what you can do to improve your lawns' drainage and promote a healthy, thriving outdoor living space.

Lawn Aeration Services

Lawn aeration is usually the solution for poor drainage due to compacted soil. This service involves utilizing a specialized device (known as an aerator) to disrupt thatch and alleviate compacted soil. If done correctly, it can assist in improving water drainage and addressing your lawn's drainage problems. In our lawn aeration & overseeding service for cool-season, we combine aeration with overseeding to encourage a thicker, healthier lawn.

Landscape Drainage Systems

If your lawn drainage problems are persistent or you’re frequently struggling with flooding, you may want to consider installing a yard drainage system. There are many different types, including pumps and physical drains, and installation can be labor-intensive. However, it is a permanent solution, and arguably the most effective option for those with stubborn or

severe lawn drainage issues.

Professional Lawn Assessment

Due to the numerous possible reasons, addressing poor lawn drainage can be a difficult task to handle by yourself. If your lawn is giving you trouble, the best thing to do is to enlist our services. We will assist you in determining whether inadequate lawn drainage is the cause of your issue. Furthermore, we will offer you continual care throughout the year to ensure that your lawn remains healthy, happy, and flourishing for the foreseeable future.