When it comes to landscape design, the majority of homeowners focus on plant species, shrubbery arrangement, and hardscaping. But there's one component of a healthy lawn that may need your attention: drainage. Overlooking this aspect during the planning phases can result in serious repercussions down the line. If you notice standing or running water in your yard, you may need professional assistance to rectify the problem before it's too late.

Why Proper Drainage Is an Important Component of Landscape Design

While drainage issues may seem more like of an annoyance than a danger, they will eventually destroy your lawn. Regardless of how much work you put into your yard, the constant accumulation of water will result in bare patches and erosion. Aesthetics aside, soil erosion is a challenging problem to combat even in the earliest stages, but the issue also grows rapidly. Before you know it, you could be left with a bald yard that requires months of serious work and money to recover.

Outside of landscaping issues, poor drainage can also negatively impact your home. Excess water will seep into any crevice it can find, so if the moisture accumulation occurs near your structure, it may escape by finding or creating cracks in your foundation. This situation can result in basement flooding and the growth of mold and mildew, which will require extensive repairs and remediations.

How to Tell if Your Lawn Has a Drainage Problem

If your lawn does have drainage issues, it's important to identify the problem early so the proper changes can be made before serious damage can occur. Fortunately, the majority of the indicators are fairly obvious.

One of the most common signs of improper drainage is lawn discoloration, such as yellow or brown patches of grass. While most property owners would typically associate these signs with under-watering, they can also appear when the soil is oversaturated because the grass is dying. Muddy, grassless patches are also common and occur when the plants have been completely killed.

Another sign your property is suffering from a drainage problem is water infiltration in your home, which is especially common if you have a sublevel. While not all basement leaking problems are related to landscape design, it occurs quite frequently when there is a lawn drainage issue. Check your basement for signs of moisture, such as leaks or mold growth.

If you believe your lawn has a drainage issue, contact the professionals at Scalia's Landscape before the problem grows. The Batavia, NY, experts specialize in landscape design and offer the experience and knowledge needed to tackle the issue head on. From installing retaining walls to a complete redesign, they'll work with you to find a long-term fix that matches your circumstances. Schedule your consultation today by calling (585) 343-3106, and learn more about the landscaping company's expertise online.