A Guide to Landscaping Design to Prevent Basement Flooding
A Guide to Landscaping Design to Prevent Basement Flooding
Homeowners should always think about altering their landscaping design to prevent basement flooding. Great landscaping enhances the look of your home’s exterior, and it can actually stop flooding issues before they happen. Below, we share five tips to get you started.
Add Mulch
Mulch is a wonderful addition to any yard. Because mulch is porous, it holds rainwater and keeps soil from shifting. To ensure proper air circulation and drainage, keep about four to six inches of space between the mulch and your home’s foundation. If you lay mulch against your foundation, it’ll trap moisture and rot your home’s siding. As a bonus, mulch will make your lawn look pristine—it’s decorative and promotes plant growth.
Choose Native Plants
The right plants can make all the difference. Plants local to your area are sure to grow well. You also won’t need to water them because they’ll soak up any rainwater before it can make its way to your home.
Correct Your Downspouts
Make sure your downspouts extend away from your house. They should send water at least 20 feet away from your home, and if they don’t, you should think about buying extensions or new downspouts. The downspouts should also face away from any dips in your yard so that rainwater doesn’t become trapped there.
Improve Your Landscape Grading
Your landscaping shouldn’t grade toward your home—instead, the surrounding soil should slope away from it. This will decrease the chances of water entering your basement. The soil around the foundation should slope at least six inches for every ten feet of horizontal ground. To remedy any grading issues, we suggest adding or removing soil to adjust the slopes. You can also use gravel or river rocks to fix the grading.
Take Advantage of Grass
If you see large pools of water on your lawn, don’t lose hope yet. Fortunately, you can use grass to effectively redirect water away from your home. Thanks to its root structure, grass efficiently absorbs water, relieving hydrostatic pressure and acting as a solid barrier against rain.
If you don’t consider landscaping design to prevent basement flooding, water can flow into your living space. To avoid serious water damage, consider the tips we mentioned above and take action.
