Solving Drainage Problems: Signs Your Lawn has Poor Drainage and What to Do About It

Why Lawn Drainage Matters

We all know that too little water is a problem for our lawns, but too much can be just as bad! Proper lawn drainage is essential not only for the aesthetic appeal of your yard but also for its ecological health and the safety of your property.

Poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, which harms plant roots, and can contribute to erosion. Ensuring adequate drainage is key to a healthy and flourishing landscape.

A serious concern that should not be overlooked is that drainage issues can cause problems ranging from flooding to mold in your home’s basement and foundation. It’s best to not wait for these costly issues to force your hand and instead fix your problems proactively.

Clear Indicators of Yard Drainage Problems

Standing Water:

Lawns should not turn into lakes after a routine rain storm and puddles that linger long after rain are a clear sign of drainage issues!

Soggy Ground:

While the amount of time your lawn remains wet after rain or watering sessions will vary, generally, a healthy lawn with good drainage should not stay wet or soggy for more than 24 to 48 hours after a moderate rain or watering session. If your soil is consistently wet, you likely have underlying drainage problems.

Stunted Plant Growth:

While there are many factors that impact plant growth, plants struggling to thrive may be suffering from too much water.

Erosion Marks:

Erosion lines or erosion marks in a lawn are clear visual indicators of drainage problems and can be a concern for the overall health of your landscape. They are typically characterized by visible lines or gullies in the soil where water has washed away the topsoil.

Fungal Growth:

Fungal diseases are common in yards with poor drainage where excess moisture creates ideal conditions for fungi to thrive. These diseases are detrimental to the health and appearance of your lawn, and cause a wide variety of symptoms.

Fungal Symptoms to Watch For:

• Discolored patches of grass, varying in color from brown to yellow or even white.
• Rings or patterns appearing in your grass.
• Powdery or thread-like substances on the grass blades.

Potential Causes of Poor Drainage

Compacted Soil:

• How It Causes Drainage Problems: In compacted soil, the particles are densely packed, leaving little space for water to enter. This leads to water pooling on the surface instead of being absorbed.
• Diagnosis: Compacted soil is often diagnosed by its hard texture and difficulty in penetration, even with gardening tools. A simple test involves trying to push a screwdriver into the soil. If it’s difficult to insert the screwdriver, your soil may be compacted.

Landscape Grading:

• How It Causes Drainage Problems: If the landscape slopes towards your house or has depressions, water can accumulate in these areas rather than draining away. This can lead to waterlogging in certain areas and dry spots in others.
• Diagnosis: Grading issues are typically identified by observing water flow patterns during heavy rain. Water pooling near foundations or in low spots is a clear indicator. A professional might use tools like a level or transit to accurately assess the slope.

Gutter & Downspout Issues:

• How It Causes Drainage Problems: Gutters and downspouts that are clogged, improperly installed, or misaligned can lead to water spilling over near your home. This can saturate the soil around the foundation and lead to pooling in the yard.
• Diagnosis: Visual inspection during or after rain can reveal if gutters are overflowing or if downspouts are directing water to inappropriate areas. Clogs are easily diagnosed by spotting the overflow or by checking for debris in the gutters.

Impervious Surfaces:

• How It Causes Drainage Problems: Surfaces like driveways, patios, and sidewalks can prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. Instead, water runs off these surfaces and can accumulate in other areas of your yard.
• Diagnosis: The presence of impervious surfaces is straightforward to identify. The key is to observe where runoff water goes during rain events and whether it contributes to pooling in certain areas.

Soil Type:

• How It Causes Drainage Problems: Soils with high clay content tend to absorb water slowly and retain moisture for longer periods. This can lead to surface waterlogging and poor root growth for plants. Check out our article on soil types to learn more about how soil affects watering needs.
• Diagnosis: Soil type can be determined through a soil test or even by feeling the soil. Clay soils are sticky and moldable when wet and hard when dry.

Solutions to Improve Lawn Drainage

When to Seek Expert Help

Minor problems like overflowing gutters or clogged drainage pipes are relatively straightforward home improvement projects which can resolve some drainage problems. However, yard drainage issues can be surprisingly complex, and often exceed the average homeowner’s DIY abilities.

Even a small french drain system involves considerable planning and plenty of physical labor. Attempting a DIY project like lawn regrading is generally going to be an act of self-sabotage and is not recommended.

If you are experiencing persistent water drainage problems, we recommend reaching out to a local professional. They will have training to accurately diagnose the root of your problem, and the tools to effectively implement a solution.