In my line of work, I’ve seen countless yards plagued by standing water. It’s not just an eyesore — it’s a ticking time bomb. Puddles breed mosquitoes, foster mold, and can even undermine your home’s foundation — not to mention wreak havoc on lawns and gardens.
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Problems with standing water can cause water to pool near your home’s foundation. Pools can cause cracks and erode the soil that supports the foundation, leading to fissures in your walls. Excess water can also permeate through the concrete walls of your basement, leading to water damage.
The silver lining? Most cases can be resolved quickly, either by a handy homeowner or a professional service such as TruGreen. The key is to act fast. Whether you roll up your sleeves or call in professional lawn care services, tackling the issue promptly will prevent problems down the line.
Causes of Standing Water
Below are some of the most common causes of standing water in your yard:
- Overwatering. If your home has an irrigation system that’s used regularly, you shouldn’t see standing water in your yard. If there are pools of water, you likely have a drainage problem. Water your lawn less often or for shorter periods.
- Improper grading. Yard leveling, also known as lawn grading, drains water away from your home and toward the street or a storm sewer. If the slope of your landscaping is at an improper angle, moisture can collect faster than it can drain. Improper drainage can also cause water to accumulate in natural low spots of your yard, and water could eventually seep into your basement.
- Thatch. Thatch is a layer of organic matter that builds up around the base of plants, particularly grass. It may be more difficult for water to drain if your lawn is covered in thatch and other debris, such as grass clippings and leaves. Remove all debris from the surface of your property to promote proper water drainage.
- Hard soil and compaction. Hard soils and dense clay soils don’t allow water to soak into the ground past the surface, which causes excess water to build up. In particular, hard subsoil, also known as hardpan, is a thick layer of soil that doesn’t allow any water through. You may have this type of soil naturally or due to construction equipment densely compacting the yard.
- Heavy rain. If a storm produces a large amount of rain over a short period, soggy conditions can arise as the yard becomes saturated with groundwater. Water pooling in your yard after heavy rain can be challenging to remove if other factors, such as hard soil, prevent water drainage.
- Faulty drainage system. Inadequate or malfunctioning roof drainage systems can contribute significantly to standing water in your yard. If your gutters are clogged, damaged, or improperly sized, they may not effectively channel water away from your home’s foundation. Downspouts that are too short or not directed away from the house can put a lot of water directly into your yard, which can cause pools. Your roof’s drainage system must work well and efficiently to move water away from your property.
Health Risks of Standing Water
Allowing water to pool on your lawn poses a variety of health risks, including:
- Mold. Mold loves to grow in moist environments. Don’t allow pooling water near your home’s foundation as it can cause mold to grow up your walls, and as mold spores spread, the entire foundation could become contaminated. Mold contamination can have severe negative health consequences for you and your family and is costly to get rid of.
- Bacteria. Pools of water make the perfect ecosystems for pathogens such as E. coli and other bacteria that can cause severe illnesses in humans and pets.
- Insects. Bugs such as mosquitoes find pooling water to be the perfect breeding ground. Standing water can increase populations of insects that carry diseases such as West Nile virus, malaria, Zika virus, and encephalitis.
- Vermin. Animals such as rats, mice, and possums are attracted to standing water and can spread diseases to humans and pets.
- Algae. There is a risk of algae blooming in pooling water, and some types of algae can produce harmful toxins.
10 Ways To Get Rid of Standing Water
Fixing water pools in a yard can be challenging. Once you’ve determined what’s causing them, take a look at these strategies to help you get rid of the excess water.
1. Regrade
Professional landscapers can survey your lawn’s trouble spots, natural drains, and channels. After a survey is complete, they can address the areas that need regrading.
2. Dethatch
It’s important to know when to dethatch your lawn. The best time of year to dethatch is during your lawn’s growing season, which depends on the type of grass you have. You can get rid of excess thatch with a dethatcher or a simple lawn rake.
3. Aerate Your Lawn
Once you’ve removed excess thatch, use a lawn aerator to make small holes in the surface of your yard. This will break up compacted soil to allow nutrients, air, and water to reach the roots of your grass. The holes should be 4 inches deep and spaced 2 inches apart. If you don’t have an aerator, your local landscaping company should be able to provide this service.
4. Give Your Soil a Boost
If you have hard or dense soil in your yard that pools standing water, try breaking up the soil with a rake or shovel. Add compost, mulch, or manure to the top of the soil to help give it a boost.
5. Find the Hardpan
If you have hardpan and it’s less than a couple of feet thick, you should be able to break it up with a garden shovel. If you can’t break up the hardpan completely, hire a professional contractor to drill through the soil for you.
6. Extend Downspouts
If you have a plant bed around your house and landscape it with rocks or a raised artificial border, water from your home’s gutters can become trapped. To move this water away from your house, move your downspouts further away from your home’s exterior.
7. Raise the Soil
If you have a hard time landscaping because of a high water table, you can create raised beds for your plants. Choose shallow-rooted plants and flowers — these have a higher chance of surviving standing water.
8. Install a French Drain
The purpose of installing a French drain is to direct water away from your home. Homeowners can do this inexpensively without a lot of materials or tools.
9. Create a Dry Creek
If you need a French drain for your yard but don’t like how it looks, you can create a dry creek — a path of rock or gravel that diverts excess water into a storm drain or dry well. Don’t channel water toward your neighbor’s property or a public sidewalk — doing so could get you in legal trouble. Always divert your water toward a storm drain or dry well.
10. Install a Rain Garden
Add a rain garden with water-loving plants that have deep fibrous roots and grow well in your area. This will help conceal standing water in your yard and give the water time to drain.
Final Thoughts
Standing water in your yard is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a potential threat to your property and its value and to your health. From fostering mosquito breeding grounds to compromising your home’s foundation, the risks are significant. However, with the right approach, most standing water issues can be resolved effectively.
Whether you opt for simple DIY solutions like improving soil drainage and extending downspouts, or more complex measures such as installing French drains or regrading your property, taking action is crucial. Remember, each yard is unique, and what works for one may not be ideal for another. Don’t hesitate to consult with landscaping professionals for persistent or severe problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
To clear standing water outside, you can:
- Use a pump to remove large amounts of water quickly.
- Create drainage paths by digging small trenches to guide water away.
- Spread absorbent materials like sand or kitty litter for smaller areas.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum for hard surfaces like patios or driveways.
- If it’s a recurring issue, consider long-term solutions like installing a French drain or regrading your yard.
To drain water from your yard:
- Identify the lowest points where water collects.
- Install a French drain or dry well to redirect water.
- Create a rain garden with water-loving plants to absorb excess moisture.
- Improve soil quality by adding organic matter to increase absorption.
- Install a catch basin or storm drain in severe cases.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from your yard.
Several factors can cause standing water in your yard:
- Poor drainage due to soil type or compaction.
- Improper grading that doesn’t allow water to flow away from your property.
- High water table in your area.
- Excessive rainfall or overwatering.
- Blocked or inadequate drainage systems.
- Low spots in the yard that collect water.
- Issues with your home’s gutters or downspouts.
Yes, landscaping can often solve the problem.
Options include:
- Filling in the low spot to level it with the surrounding area.
- Creating a gentle slope to guide water away.
- Installing a dry creek bed or French drain through the low area.
- Turning the low spot into a rain garden.
However, ensure that redirecting water doesn’t create problems elsewhere or violate local regulations.
To prevent water pooling:
- Improve soil drainage by aerating and adding organic matter.
- Ensure proper grading so water flows away from your house and yard.
- Install gutters and downspouts, extending them away from the house.
- Create a rain garden or swale to capture and slowly release water.
- Use permeable materials for patios and walkways to allow water absorption.
- Regularly maintain your yard, including dethatching and proper mowing.
- Consider installing a French drain or dry well for persistent issues.
- Avoid overwatering your lawn and garden.
Remember, the best solution depends on your specific situation. For severe or persistent problems, consult with a professional landscaper or drainage expert.
