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Writer's pictureNicholas Agnello

What You Can Do To Improve Drainage in Your Lawn


What You Can Do To Improve Drainage in Your Lawn

Excess water pooling in your yard increases the risk of lawn fungal diseases and drowned plant roots. Not only that, but standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos and makes your outdoor entertainment and lounging spaces inhospitable. Read on to discover what you can do to improve drainage in your lawn.


Raise the Lawn’s Low Spots

Water flows from high areas in your yard and pools in low places. Raising the sunken spots will make the ground more level.


For low spots less than an inch deep, fill them by sprinkling topsoil into each depression and spreading it with a rake. If the depression is more than an inch deep, start to correct it by finding the edges of the low spot. Then, follow the outline of the recessed area and remove the sod in an even layer about 1 to 2 inches thick.


Next, flip the sod pad over to reveal the soil. Fill the hole with topsoil, compressing the topsoil as you fill. Finally, press the sod pad firmly back into place.


Create a Swale

A swale is a very shallow trench that improves water flow and absorption. A swale drain prevents clogging by directing water over a greater area.


Swales work with the natural shape of the yard. Create a swale by building up the raised edges, called berms, or digging a shallow ditch that stretches for several feet. Line the swale with boulders, rocks, and gravel to create what looks like a dry riverbed. Add plants to the edges of the swale to create a more lush feature.


Plant a Rain Garden

Planting a rain garden is another way you can improve the drainage in your lawn. Rain gardens filter, absorb, and distribute water along a pathway. This specialized landscaping enhances water absorption in the soil and helps manage water runoff, erosion, and pooling.


A typical rain garden has three ringed zones of plants. The plants in the central zone have the highest tolerance for wet soil, while the plants in the outermost zone have the lowest tolerance. Plant the rain garden at least 10 feet away from your home so water doesn’t oversaturate the soil near the foundation.


At Agnello Landscaping, our experts take pride in creating custom lawn care solutions. We can improve the health and beauty of your lawn with our services; contact us today for landscaping in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

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