3 Ways Landscaping Can Mitigate Flooding

Landscaping is not just for looks. Strategic design can help to reduce the risk of outside flooding at your home. If you live in a region with heavy precipitation, you should consider these three ways to facilitate rain drainage.

1. Adjust Grading and Add Slopes

The grade of your property should divert water away from the foundation of your home. You may want to consider adding swales to redirect water down into ditches. Line the lowest part with rocks or plants that have deep roots and high water tolerance to slow water flow. A French drain can also be a functional solution for outside flooding.

2. Garden With Flooding In Mind

In addition to growing plants in swales, you may also want to install a rain garden. The plants in this garden should have high tolerance for wet soil and should be native so that they require little maintenance beyond rainfall. Water can pool in these gardens during a rain storm and percolate down into the soil. Use heavier mulch in other garden beds to prevent wood from floating off and clogging drains. You should also be sure not to over-water beds situated near the foundation of your home.

3. Divert Rain Spouts

A functional drainage system is essential for preventing leaks and flooding. Make sure that gutters and downspouts are clear and that the outlets are diverted to prevent water from pooling next to the exterior walls of your home. You can also extend downspouts or install gutter guards.

These are three ways to use landscaping to reduce the issue of outside flooding at your home. You may want to consult with local rain drainage specialists to come up with the best solutions for your property. If your home floods, you can count on the expertise of storm and water damage restoration professionals.