How to Improve Yard Drainage Before Winter

Standing water in the yard may seem like a minor inconvenience after heavy rain, but as winter approaches, yard drainage problems can become more noticeable and potentially more damaging. Saturated soil, repeated freezing and thawing and melting snow can all put additional stress on areas where water already tends to collect.

Fall is a great time to identify yard drainage trouble spots and make practical improvements before colder weather arrives. While every property is different, DL Supply recognizes the importance of understanding where water is coming from and how different landscaping materials can manage your yard’s drainage issues. Only then can you determine the right approach.

Start by finding the source of the water

The first step to improve yard drainage is to determine why the area stays wet. Walk around the property after a steady rain to look for low areas where water collects, soil that remains soggy long after surrounding areas have dried and places where runoff flows toward a home, garage or other structure.

Downspouts can also contribute to drainage problems if they release large amounts of water into a small area. Likewise, compacted soil may prevent water from soaking into the ground efficiently. Understanding the source is important because simply covering a wet area with another landscaping material may hide the problem without actually correcting it.

Correct low areas with the right soil

If water consistently collects in a low section of the lawn, adjusting the grade may help encourage water to move away from the affected area.

The type of material used for this is important. Fill dirt, for example, is suited to filling depressions and building up areas because it compacts well. Topsoil serves a different purpose and is generally used closer to the surface where grass or other plants will grow.

When adjusting a grade, be sure to make changes gradually rather than creating another low point somewhere else. The goal is to establish a gentle path that allows water to move toward a better drainage area and away from structures.

Consider stone for drainage areas

Stone can be useful when the goal is to create space for water to move or temporarily collect. River rock is commonly incorporated into landscape drainage features because water can move through the spaces between the stones. It can be used in drainage trenches, dry creek beds and other areas designed to manage runoff.

The right size and type of stone will depend on the project. Decorative stone at the surface may provide the desired appearance, while the material beneath it performs much of the drainage work. It is always important to consider the entire system rather than focusing only on the visible layer of stone.

Know when sand and gravel make sense

Different aggregates serve different purposes, so choosing a material based solely on appearance can cause problems later. Sand and gravel are available in a range of sizes and types. Some of these materials work well for drainage and bedding applications, while others are better suited to landscaping or recreational areas.

Before beginning a project, consider how quickly water needs to move through the area, what will be installed above the material and whether the finished surface will need to support foot or vehicle traffic.

Don't forget about mulched landscape beds

Drainage isn't limited to lawns and stone areas. Landscape beds can also become oversaturated. A proper layer of mulch can help regulate moisture in the soil while providing insulation around plant roots as temperatures change. However, more mulch isn't always better.

We recommend checking existing beds before winter and redistributing areas where mulch has piled up. Keeping mulch away from direct contact with tree trunks and plant stems can also help prevent moisture-related problems.

Calculate materials before starting

Drainage projects often require more material than expected, which is why it’s important to measure the length and width of the project area along with the intended material depth before ordering. For projects measured in cubic yards, our landscape material pricing calculator can help estimate the amount of material required.

Remember that material depth can vary depending on the application, so determine the desired installation depth before making the final calculation.

Watch the area after the next rain

Once improvements are complete, you should check the area again after substantial rainfall. You should notice that water moves away from problem areas rather than simply collecting somewhere new.

If standing water remains, the property may need a more extensive drainage solution. Persistent water near a foundation, significant erosion or large amounts of runoff may warrant an evaluation from a qualified drainage or landscaping professional.

DL Supply recommends taking care of smaller drainage problems before winter arrives. If you're dealing with standing water or runoff in your yard, stop by DL Supply to find the materials you need to get the problem under control.