How To Fix Standing Water in Your Yard?

Jennifer Foster • September 25, 2024

Standing water destroys a backyard's beauty. Besides being a mess, puddles may cause bigger problems, like attracting pests and damaging plants. That is where proper drainage comes in. A well-drained yard will allow water to run off naturally, preventing unwanted pooling and helping your lawn survive.

Poor yard drainage can drown your plants, carry away the soil, and leave your lawn a swampy mess after every rainfall. Whether you've got a little water puddle or a more general problem, yard drainage correction should be a priority. Let's explore why water gets trapped in your yard and how to fix it, ensuring that your backyard remains beautiful, functional, and ready for any season.

Causes of Standing Water

Standing water in your yard might be caused by several factors, each of which has different ways of handling rain or irrigation on your lawn. Among the most prevalent causes is poor soil drainage. Clay-heavy soil, for example, can hold onto water wells and properly resist any permeation through the ground.

Other possible causes could be improper yard grading, in which water runs toward any depressions and does not drain away but instead starts accumulating. Heavy rainfall or overwatering can also reduce the soil's capability to soak up the water quickly, leaving puddles in their wake. Compaction of soil from heavy foot or construction traffic may block water from getting far down into the soil.

Incorrect slope and not having water channels can lead to excess water puddling around your patio or driveway. If you see standing water around the surface edges, install a trench or channel drain to help move the water along. Adding a decorative gravel edge or border will also help water drain away.

Health Risks of Standing Water

Standing water in your yard is not just an eyesore; it also creates a great health hazard. One significant factor is that this kind of water becomes home to mosquitoes, carriers of hazardous health disturbances like the West Nile virus and Zika virus. These insects multiply swiftly in still water, making your yard uncomfortable and unsafe to stay inside or around.

Moreover, standing water could become a breeding site for other insects, such as flies and rodents, that carry bacteria and germs that may spread diseases. Mold and mildew also grow in continuously damp areas, which may trigger respiratory problems among allergic or asthmatic individuals.

5 Ways To Get Rid of Standing Water

Install a French Drain:

A French drain system is one of the most popular and effective methods for managing yard drainage. It consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your yard.

Aerate Your Lawn:

Aeration breaks down compacted soil, allowing water to penetrate deeper into the ground. This simple method increases the soil's absorption over time and improves drainage.

Grade Your Yard:

Regrade the surface of your yard to ensure the water flow leads outside of your home and does not accumulate on low surfaces. This usually involves reshaping the surface to direct the water flow toward the drainage.

Install a Rain Garden:

Excess water collects and infiltrates the rain garden, which consists of a mixture of native vegetation and soil layers that filter the water naturally. The garden relaxes its flow to prevent pooling and ensure healthy drainage.

Fix Gutter and Downspout Issues:

Ensure your gutters and downspouts are cleaned and directed correctly to send water away from your home. When either is clogged or misdirected, water will begin to pool in your yard.

Also Read: Understanding Common Yard Drainage Issues and Solutions

Conclusion

Standing water in your yard is more than a cosmetic issue; it's essential to maintain your lawn's health and ensure your family's safety. You will be able to remove standing water and avoid future problems by understanding the causes-sometimes because of poorly drained soil or poorly graded yards-and with solutions such as French drains, rain gardens, and lawn aeration.

That is where Landtech Scenery Inc. comes in, a yard drainage specialist with years of experience in landscape drainage solutions. Let Landtech Scenery, Inc. assess your yard's particular needs and offer specific solutions to keep it dry and beautiful. Let them transform this area into a functional, safe environment that will be enjoyable for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I drain water from my yard?

Consider installing a French drain, regrading your yard, or amending your soil to aerate it and allow water to move away efficiently.

Why is there lots of standing water in my yard?

Standing or still water is mainly caused by imperfect drainage conditions, yard grading, or blocked water gutters and downspouts.

Is it a low spot in the yard that can just be landscaped so it drains?

Yes, re-grading or landscaping low spots can help water drain off properly so that standing water does not collect.

How to fix poor drainage in the yard?

To facilitate water movement, improve drainage with French drains, aerate the soil, regrade, or add rain gardens.

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Summer Lawn Care Tips to Keep Your Grass Green in Southern California

By Jennifer Foster • July 25, 2025

Maintaining a healthy lawn during the peak of summer in Southern California can be a challenge, especially with high temperatures, dry winds, and strict water regulations. But with the right lawn care strategy, you can protect your grass from heat stress and keep it looking green and vibrant through July and August. Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial landscape, understanding how to water, mow, and care for your lawn in extreme summer conditions is key. Here are essential summer lawn care tips to help your yard thrive in Southern California’s dry season. Adjust Your Watering Schedule for Hot Weather How Often to Water Lawn in Summer During summer, lawns need more frequent hydration due to increased evaporation. In Southern California, most warm-season grasses—like Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia—do best with 2 to 3 deep waterings per week . The goal is to water deeply and infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Avoid daily light watering, which leads to shallow roots and makes your lawn more vulnerable to heat and drought. How Long to Water the Lawn in Summer A good rule of thumb is to apply about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week , either through irrigation or rainfall. To determine how long that takes with your sprinkler system, place a shallow can or rain gauge in the grass and time how long it takes to reach one inch. In most cases, this translates to watering for 20–30 minutes per zone , depending on your sprinkler type and soil. Clay-heavy soils may need shorter cycles with breaks to allow water to soak in without runoff. Watering should be done early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and fungal risk. Mow Smart to Protect Your Lawn Mowing correctly during summer can help your lawn tolerate heat better. Here are a few mowing tips: Raise your mower blade : Keeping grass slightly taller (around 3 inches) provides more shade for the soil and helps reduce water loss. Don’t cut more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session. Leave grass clippings on the lawn (mulching), as they return nutrients and help retain moisture. Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day, as this can stress the grass. Mulch and Fertilize Carefully Mulching your lawn with clippings or composted organic matter improves soil structure and retains moisture, critical during long dry periods. When it comes to fertilizing, avoid heavy applications during summer, as it can burn your lawn. If needed, choose a slow-release, low-nitrogen fertilizer, and always water thoroughly after application. Watch for Signs of Stress or Disease Even with proper care, lawns can show signs of stress in extreme summer heat. Look for: Wilting or folded grass blades Footprint marks that remain visible Discoloration or patchy browning These are signs that your lawn may need deeper watering or a slight adjustment to its watering schedule. Also, monitor for pests like grubs, which are more active in warm soil. Use Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives If you’re struggling to keep a traditional lawn alive in summer or dealing with water restrictions, consider switching to drought-tolerant grass varieties or lawn alternatives. Great options for Southern California include: Buffalo grass UC Verde Mow-Free grass Kurapia ground cover Artificial turf (low maintenance and water-free) These options reduce water usage while still maintaining the look of a well-kept yard. Install Smart Irrigation Systems Smart irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on local weather data, helping you comply with regulations and conserve water. They also help prevent overwatering, which is a common issue in summer. Pair smart controllers with drip irrigation or efficient rotor sprinklers for even better results. Final Thoughts Lawn care in Southern California’s hot summer months doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With smart watering practices, proper mowing, and attention to seasonal stress, your lawn can stay green and healthy well into fall. Looking for help keeping your landscape lush this summer? Contact Landtech Scenery for customized summer lawn care solutions tailored to Southern California’s unique conditions. Learn more about our full range of landscaping services at Landtech Scenery .