If you’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest for any amount of time, you know it gets a lot of rain. So much moisture means that poor grass drainage can be an issue, leading to unsightly puddles and even damage to your foundation. Learning how to prevent soggy lawns is key to avoiding larger problems.
Drainage issues in your yard can have several causes. Similarly, you can improve grass drainage in multiple ways. Here are five effective steps to prevent soggy lawns on your property.
French drains are another highly effective way to prevent soggy lawns in the Pacific Northwest. A French drain is a trench with a perforated pipe surrounded by filter fabric, rocks, and/or sand that will accelerate your lawn’s natural drainage while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
A more complex but effective solution is a layered yard system. Many lawn companies will grade your lawn to create a simple slope, but Drainage Masters LLC can layer your soil using engineered soils and sand to promote better rainwater infiltration and protect your environment & structures.
Alternatively, you could dig swales to capture and redirect rainwater. These are essentially shallow ditches that carry water down a slope and are best for larger properties on an existing slope with a grade across or in a large expanse of land or hillside. Swales can also be a great solution for residential applications.
Vegetating surrounding areas, especially with native plants, can greatly reduce overall saturation & control erosion in your landscape areas.
After a layered yard drainage system has been in place for approximately 8 to 10 years & the surface of your lawn starts to maintain saturation, you can aerate the surface of your lawn to restore proper drainage and function.
If you aren’t sure you need to improve your grass drainage, consider these common signs of drainage issues:
You can sometimes fix drainage problems in your yard through simple aeration or planting some extra greenery. However, if these steps don’t stop your lawn from getting soggy, it’s time to call a professional for help.
French drains, swales, layered yard systems and other, bigger fixes require experience and expert knowledge to install properly. If you think you need any of these, Drainage Masters LLC can help. We’ve been fixing wet lawns since 1996, so we’re ready to serve your lawn drainage needs, no matter how big or small the job may be.
Don’t wait for standing water and saturation to damage your foundation. If you’re facing soggy lawns in Portland or Vancouver, we’re here to help. Reach out to Drainage Masters LLC today for a free estimate or to schedule fast, friendly and effective service.
