Understanding Common Yard Drainage Issues and Solutions

Jennifer Foster • May 16, 2024

Yard drainage problems can be frustrating and lead to a swampy lawn and water damage. Homeowners can also solve these issues by leveling the ground, extending downspouts, or creating rain gardens. Common reasons for drainage problems include poor soil mix, incorrect slopes, hard-packed earth, and clogged gutters.

Introduction

Drainage in the garden may be boring, but it is essential for maintaining a good and working outdoor area. If drainage is properly maintained, water can collect, the ground can wash away, and your house might get damaged, too.

In this detailed guide, we will look at the usual problems with water in the garden, why they happen, and some handy ways for landscape drainage repair to ensure your garden stays dry and your land is protected.

Yard Drainage Solutions You Can Do Yourself

Here are some backyard drainage solutions that you can implement on your own:

Grading: Shaping the land helps to make water flow correctly. By creating a yard slope away from your house, you stop water from gathering close to the base of your home. For grading, you require a transit level, a superficial line level, and some stakes to indicate the slope.
Downspout Extensions: Extensions for downspouts are simple and not costly for moving water far from your house's foundation. You can buy flexible ones that connect straight to your current downspouts or choose below-ground drain pipes if you want them hidden.
Rain Gardens: Rain gardens work well and look good. You can create them with plants that soak up water, like local kinds of grass and flowers that bloom year after year.

Common Causes of Drainage Problems

These are some of the usual reasons behind issues related to drainage systems:

Poor Soil Composition: The soil is essential for water drainage. Soils with a lot of clay don't let water pass through easily, so the water stays on top. But soils that are sub-surfaced let the water go through too fast.
Improper Grading: When the ground is not sloped correctly, it often leads to problems with water drainage near building bases. If the land tilts towards your house rather than moving away from it.
Clogged Gutters: Over time, leaves, small branches, and junk can collect inside the gutter and stop the water from moving. That causes the drain to clog, damaging the surrounding area due to water leakage.

Yard Drainage Solutions

These three are the standard yard drainage solutions that professionals can help you out with easily:

Channel Drains: Channel drains, sometimes called trench drains, are long and thin drains put into concrete or paved areas to gather and move surface water to other locations that do not cause issues.
Dry Wells: Underground chambers, known as dry wells, packed with gravel or stones, gather extra water and gradually let it seep into the nearby ground. They work very well when dealing with much water flowing from roof drain pipes, basement pumps, or sub-surface drainage systems.
Permeable Pavers: Permeable pavers are a better environmental choice than regular pavement. These materials with holes let water go into the soil rather than collecting on top, reducing water flow and ground wear.

Finding Yard Drainage Pros

When homemade methods do not work well or when the problems with water drainage are complicated, it is better to ask for help from experts. Companies specializing in gardens or those who know much about water flow can check your issues properly and tell you what to do next.

When looking for someone to work on your backyard drainage, it is a good idea to ask for several price estimates, look into their past work by asking other customers they have worked with, and ensure they have the proper license and insurance.

Conclusion

Good drainage in the garden is essential to keep your outdoor area and house healthy. If you know about typical problems with draining, you can stop water from causing harm to buildings.

You can also ask for help from specialists such as LandTech Scenery. Spending money on sound water flow systems will keep your garden dry and in good shape for many years.

< Older Post Newer Post >

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 .