It’s important to remedy landscape-drainage problems

Drought can be very harmful to lawns and gardens, but so, too, can excessive amounts of water and precipitation. Soggy ground can make it difficult for lawns and gardens to thrive.

According to the experts at Lowe’s Home Improvement, in addition to killing lawn and other plants, standing water on a property can be a health hazard because standing water makes a prime breeding ground for mosquito larvae and other pests.

While homeowners cannot control precipitation, they can affect the impact that rainwater has on their properties.

• You may need to replace or repair your home’s downspouts.

Gutters and downspouts are designed to move rainwater away from the home, but they can become clogged or may not work effectively. Overflowing gutters will transfer rainwater down the side of a home, where it can puddle at the foundation. This water can ultimately suffocate a lawn, and it may also cause interior damage to the home.

Inspect and clean all gutters. Leaves, nests, sticks and even dead animals can block the flow of water in a gutter. Test downspouts by running hose water from the top of the gutter. Downspouts should be pointed away from the home and may need to be extended so they direct water away from the dwelling.

• Try planting water-loving trees or shrubs.

In some instances, whether it’s a byproduct of poor property grade or sloping land, water can pool regardless of how well the gutter system is working.

Determine where the problem is, and ask a landscaper to suggest plants that thrive in moist conditions. The roots of these plants can protect against soil erosion and may absorb enough water to guard against puddling. In addition, amending the soil with organic matter, pea gravel or another coarse aggregate can prevent water pooling.

• Consider installing a drainage system to divert water.

When confronted with drainage issues that cannot be remedied by other methods, homeowners may need to install drainage systems.

Such systems often employ French drains that are built through or around the perimeter of a property. French drains are typically trenches that contain perforated plastic pipe and are backfilled with gravel. Water runs into these channels and gets swept away by the piping.

Do-it-yourselfers may want to try installing drainage systems themselves. However, because excavation is necessary, it’s often best to have the property inspected and marked for utilities, then have the drainage system installed by professionals.