Top​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Lessons From Helping Home Drainage Problems in Monmouth County, NJ

 

Among all landscaping problems, drainage is probably the one that most homeowners are not ready for. Before the impact of rain getting onto the land surface is big enough to be felt, the cause is invisible and unnoticed.

We meet this situation very often in our work around Monmouth County, NJ. The yard is put to the test during a heavy rain storm and the next day there are puddles around the patio, mud in the driveway, and a lawn that is wet for several days. This can be very discouraging especially if you have invested time and effort in your property and you feel you are doing everything properly.

We have come to understand at Baur Lawns that drainage problems start off unnoticed and almost imperceptibly. Luckily, they can be remedied before they turn into costly issues.

How to Understand Why It is Normal to Have Drainage Issues at Homes in Monmouth County

You face getting damaged by weather when you live in Monmouth County. The summers bring thunderstorms; the coast is regularly targeted by rain and there are even a few Nor'easters and freeze-thaw cycles during winter. It's a tough time for any lawn.

Also, some areas have been laid out with grading plans that in function have remained unchanged for the longevity of the neighborhood in question. This was a time when conceptually heavy storms were simply unthought of. Coming on top of this is hard soil compaction due to numerous factors e.g. foot traffic, children, pets and youngsters running about the lawn, moving of turf implements, etc. This has made it difficult for water to soak in.

We have as well noticed plenty of places where patios, sheds, pools, or additions have been installed over the time of the property's existence. Of course these are not bad things—but each hard surface changes the way water is handled.

Initial Symptoms for Homeowners

Drainage problems do not tend to introduce themselves dramatically. They identify themselves as irritants.

You may find:

1. Puddles that last two or three days after rain

2. Yellow or sparse grass in the same spot

3. Dirty paws from dogs coming in the house

4. Mulch being washed away from beds

5. Water collecting near the foundation

6. Someone spotted mosquitoes near the damp spots

7. Slippery walkways or patios

A lady told us, "I thought we just had a bad patch of grass." Actually, the grass was not the problem at all — the roots were always sitting in soaked soil.

That's the kind of thing that occurs. Lots of times people address symptoms on the surface rather than causes because causes are underground and hidden.

An Example of a Yard That Was Intervention in a Hurry

One local family had a yard where every time it would rain the yard would become inaccessible and unusable. For days their children could not go out and play, and the dog was always bringing mud in the house.

Initially, they tried to raise the low area with extra topsoil purchased from a home improvement store. In the short term, it appeared to be good enough. After a storm, the same spot appeared once again.

We were able to establish that the problem was far more serious than just one low spot.

The Real Reason Behind the Issue

The roof water was being discharged too close to the residence by the downspouts. Instead of the yard's slope being away from the house, it was slightly towards the center. Soil was compacted due to years of usage. A patio nearby redirected runoff to the lawn.

None of these things alone would have been reasons for such significant problems. It was their combination that finally resulted in the swampy piece of land.

Since That Made No Sense, We Brought Up Another Alternative

Right now, a significant number of homeowners equate drainage with excavation everywhere. As a matter of fact, it almost never happens.

On this occasion, we regraded the key locations, redirected the downspouts, fixed the soil structure, and placed a subtle drainage system in the place where water was naturally settling. There were still some repairs to the lawn after that.

After a couple of months, the homeowner told us being able to utilize the yard after a rain was the biggest shock for them, not what it looked like.

We believe that is deeply authentic because it represents function first and looks second. Usually, the latter follows.

Some Standard Drainage Solutions We Recommend

Each home is unique, but here are a few of the best drainage improvement tactics that we have come across:

Regrading Low Areas

A yard can be shaped only slightly to raise the surface. Even restoring a slight slope before it can help water move away from the home and towards safe drainage spots.

Extending Downspouts the Right Way

This is a major factor. Runoff from the roof can be quite significant. If downspouts release water right next to the foundation or into one corner of the yard, soggy spots are bound to occur.

French Drains and Underground Solutions

When it comes to huge wet areas, one is able to solve a drainage issue by installing the invisible drainage ones. Water can be moved beneath the surface and users can enjoy the landscape without having to resort to changing the appearance of the yard.

Dry Creek Beds and Decorative Drainage

If you want drainage to be a source of character and charm at the same time, then drainage features might be very good for you. Stone channels, swales, and creek-bed type features can direct water naturally while being visually pleasing and intentional.

Planting for Wet Spots

In some cases it is much wiser to pick plants that will tolerate water and instead of trying to alter the site conditons. You can find shrubs, grasses, and perennials that tolerate moisture much better than turfgrass.

Things We See Homeowners Doing Wrong (For They Are Trying to Help Themselves)

First things first, it is totally natural for people to attempt DIY drains fixes. Most homeowners are simply pragmatic and want to get it done on their own.

Nevertheless, here are some common mistakes:

Adding soil without changing the gradeThis usually results in temporary mounding but does not alter the direction in which water flows.

Preventing natural drainage pathsA decorative border or edging can inadvertently cause water to pool.

Excessively watering already stressed turfWhen the grass appears weak, watering is often increased, thereby exacerbating root stress in wet areas.

Mulch piled up too close to the houseMulch can be displaced by storms and trap moisture against foundations or siding, causing problems.

There is nothing wrong with trying simple improvements. One just needs to first identify what is the cause of the problem.

Seasonal Tips for Toms River and Nearby Areas

Here are some pointers to consider for those looking for a Landscaper in Toms River, NJ, seasonal timing is often of greater importance than it is realized.

Spring: Perfect starting point to recognize drainage issues because the rainfall reveals them all.

Summer: Heavy thunderstorms may quickly cause drainage systems that are already weak to falter. May be a good season for fixing run-off patterns.

Fall: Leaves will choke off drains, catch basins, and the beyond of downspouts. Removing them can prevent problems in the winter.

Winter: A freeze-thaw cycle will very likely worsen the grading problems and create icy spots due to water standing.

Typically the best time to do drainage repair is well before rainy weather that is at its peak—not after experiencing frustration for many months.

Drainage Problems That Are Beyond the Lawn

This is where many people lose touch with reality.

Complicated drainage could impact more than the grass area alone. Some of its effects come in the form of:

1. Patio sinking

2. Retaining wall feeling pressurized

3. Movement of fence posts

4. Concerns with foundation moisture

5. Shifting of walkways

6. Increase in the number of mosquitoes present

7. Decline of trees and shrubs

Water is really very persistent so, if it doesn’t have a proper place to go, it eventually finds one.

Common Questions Before Starting the Project

Will my whole yard be destroyed during the project?

Generally, no. A majority of drainage improvements focus only on addressing the relevant problem spots rather than the whole property.

How long does drainage work usually take?

This largely depends on the extent of the works but most times residential drainage fixes take substantially less time than homeowners anticipate.

Can drainage work still look attractive?

Certainly not only that but some of the best drainage systems are almost invisible—and sometimes they even become the landscape features.

Can this wait another year?

There might be some yes and no scenario. However, if water is reaching structures, killing lawn repeatedly, or creating safety issues, postponing often ends up increasing the cost in the long run.

Final Words From a Landscaper in Toms River, NJ

It's quite usual that the indicator that your yard is a drainage problem is when it remains wet a long time after everyone else's dries out.

Over the years we have figured out that most drainage problems do not call for very drastic measures. What they need are more thoughtful measures. A bit of grading here, better control of runoffs there and, eventually, a drainage system where the very nature wants one.

People who own homes in Monmouth County invest a great deal of time and effort towards maintaining their properties. You should be able to enjoy your backyard after a rain shower, not avoid it.

Besides, it is our view that early resolution of drainage issues greatly facilitates the maintenance of other aspects of landscaping. Grass becomes more vigorous. Patios remain cleaner. Plants are healthier. And, overall, the yard seems much more ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌usable.