How to Restore a Flooded Backyard
Backyard flooding needs to occur only once, and homeowners are quick to make efforts to restore it. A flooded yard leads to a host of nuisances, like disease-carrying mosquitos, mold colonies and slushy mud. Homeowners who face a flooded backyard can restore it by choosing among several tactics.
1. Pinpoint the flood source
Stopping the flow of water into the backyard is the first step homeowners must take in order to resolve the flooding scenario. Check the roof to see if gutters and downspouts are blocked. Clogged gutters should be maintained by cleaning them twice a year, in spring and in fall.
If the downspout is too short, attach an extension at least three feet in length. The downspout extension will direct water away from the home’s foundation. Also examine the sump pump to ensure it leads the excess water to another part of the yard, which helps prevent future backyard flooding.
2. Regrade the yard
A flood resistant landscape technique is to regrade the lawn. A backyard that slopes downward and toward the home will inevitably lead to flooding every time heavy rains fall or snow melts. Ideally, the yard should slope away from the property in every direction.
Regrading the backyard can be either a DIY weekend job or a professional one. When working with experts, homeowners ensure that the pipes, drains, and vents buried in the ground are not punctured or otherwise destroyed during the grading process.
Homeowners who prefer to tackle the regrading themselves should first mark all utility lines, including water, gas and electric. Obtain a digging permit if one is necessary. Identify where the runoff should lead, whether to the edge of the yard or toward a public drain.
Dig approximately eight inches around the foundation and set aside the soil for later use. Arrange the freshly dug soil around the lawn to form a downward slope. Effective drainage requires a two percent grade at minimum. Smooth the grade with a rake and plant grass.
3. Add mulch
Spreading mulch in the backyard garden helps to prevent waterflow toward the property. Take precautions when adding mulch near the home’s siding, since moisture wicking can cause rotting to the exterior of the home. Lay mulch six inches from the siding.
4. Plant new grass
Grass roots help absorb moisture. The impact of floods is significantly reduced with the planting of new grass. Be careful to avoid cutting the grass too short; doing so weakens the grass root structures, resulting in the possible flooding of the lawn and home.
Certain grasses are most effective in specific areas. In Nebraska, tall fescue is an optimal grass due to its versatility and ability to thrive in a range of environments. Buffalo grass is ideal for lawns of 15 inches or less rainfall annually. Kentucky bluegrass is another option for Nebraska yards.
5. Install a rain barrel
Large, heavy-duty barrels that collect rainwater from under the exterior downspouts are known as rain barrels. The advantages of installing a rain barrel include capturing and redirecting water away from the home’s foundation and, thereby, protecting the property from flooding.
A bonus is that the collected water inside rain barrels can be used to water the gardens and yard. Position the barrel near the backyard for easy access. Also ensure that the ground upon which the barrel rests is level; a heavy, 55-gallon barrel can tip over once it is full.
6. Plant a rain garden
Drainage spots in the yard are the perfect location for rain gardens. A rain garden is a type of garden where stormwater runoff from the roof collects. The water accumulates in the shallow depression inside the yard, where a variety of grasses and wildflowers grow.
Plant the rain garden ten feet away from the property and in a low spot. Dig six inches deep to allow stormwater to absorb within a one- to seven-day period. Direct the downspout toward the depression. The specially selected native plants will absorb and filter the stormwater.
Native plants are best suited for rain gardens because they don’t require fertilizer and have strong root systems. Examples of ideal plants are shrubs, perennials, and wildflowers. Do not plant moisture-sucking trees or invasive plant species, like purple loosestrife.
7. Plant local floras
Homeowners who are green thumbs can also plant indigenous vegetation to help prevent soil erosion. Plants native to the area are the most optimum choices. The dual benefit of planting local plant life is that rainwater drains more efficiently, thereby reducing the chances of flooding.
8. Dig for flood control
Manual digging can help control flooding in the backyard. As mentioned, some towns require a digging permit; so, consult the local planning office prior to beginning work. Various project options include digging a dry well, a drainage trench or a French drain.
The above options can help prevent a flooded backyard. Some solutions are maintenance-free once set up, like a French drain, while others require regular attention, like a rain garden. Homeowners who are handy with tools can easily accomplish any of the above solutions to backyard flooding.
Professional Flood Cleanup
When flooding is extensive, call in an experienced flood cleanup company for assistance. Their advanced flood restoration process starts with a careful inspection of affected areas. Upon providing a recommendation, trained crews begin the restoration work immediately. They use cutting edge technology, like powerful dehumidifiers and air movers, to extract moisture and thoroughly dry the property.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
