When you think about your lawn, what comes to mind? Probably how long it’s getting, or that one bare patch by the driveway—maybe you have some weeding to do this weekend.
What you’re probably not thinking about is stormwater and how it’s affecting your lawn and property.
Stormwater—we’re not talking about a gentle drizzle, but an all-day downpour. While puddles and pooling are common in these cases, the bigger problem is what all this water leaves in its wake: soggy yards, foundation damage, even flooding.
But don’t worry! If you see standing water or soggy spots in your yard, there are solutions to manage and fix stormwater drainage issues.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the most common stormwater drainage problems, how they can affect your property and how West Michigan homeowners can have dry, healthy landscapes. Whether you have a soggy yard or want to prevent drainage issues before they start, this guide can help!
What Is Stormwater Drainage, and Why Does It Matter?
Before we get into the specifics of stormwater drainage problems and solutions, let’s define stormwater drainage and why it’s so important for your landscaping.
Stormwater drainage refers to the system that manages rainwater runoff and surface water so it doesn’t accumulate around your property. It’s crucial to make sure water is directed away from your home’s foundation, driveway and yard areas to prevent water-related issues like erosion, flooding and soggy lawns.
For West Michigan homeowners where heavy rainfall and snowmelt are common (yes, blizzards count as stormwater!), stormwater drainage systems are even more important. An inefficient or poorly designed drainage system can cause long-term damage to your property and create waterlogged conditions that will ruin your lawn in no time.
West Michigan Stormwater Drainage Problems
Many West Michigan homes are near lakes, rivers or low-lying areas, which makes stormwater management even more critical. When stormwater isn’t directed properly, problems like soggy yards, water pooling around the foundation or even flooding can become a big issue. Let’s look at the most common stormwater drainage problems homeowners encounter.
1. Yard Grading and Slope Issues
The grading of your yard—the way your land slopes away from your home—plays a big role in directing water away from your property. In West Michigan where heavy rain and snow can soak the soil quickly, improper grading can cause water to pool around your home and in the low-lying areas of your yard.
Symptoms of poor grading:
– Water collecting near the foundation
– Soggy spots in the lawn that don’t dry out after a rainfall
– Soil erosion in certain areas of the yard
Solution: If you see water collecting around your home or soggy areas in your yard, it may be time to regrade the area. This means reshaping the landscape to create a natural slope that directs water away from your foundation and towards a more suitable drainage area. Hiring a professional landscape contractor to level and grade your yard can solve the problem of pooling water and prevent further damage.
2. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters and downspouts are the first line of defense in stormwater management. Their job is to catch rainwater from the roof and direct it away from the foundation and landscaping. But when gutters or downspouts get clogged with leaves, twigs or other debris, water will overflow and pool around the base of your home. Over time, this can lead to drainage issues and soggy yard conditions.
Symptoms of clogged gutters and downspouts:
– Gutters overflowing during rain
– Water accumulating around the foundation
– Excess moisture near downspouts
Solution: Regular gutter cleaning is key to making sure rainwater is being directed properly. Clean out your gutters at least twice a year and check your downspouts to make sure they’re directing water at least 5–10 feet away from your foundation. In some cases, adding extensions to downspouts can help direct water away from your home and prevent water from pooling in your yard.
3. Inadequate or Damaged Storm Drains
Sometimes, a poorly designed or damaged storm drain system can be the root of your stormwater drainage problems. If your home or neighborhood doesn’t have a storm drain system or if the existing drains are blocked or broken, water will accumulate in your yard.
Symptoms of inadequate or damaged storm drains:
– Water in the yard or driveway after rain
– Smells near storm drain areas
– Waterlogged garden beds and lawns
Solution: Check your storm drains for any damage or debris. If you can’t find or fix the issue yourself, call in a drainage contractor. In some cases, installing French drains or catch basins in key areas of the yard can help improve water flow and prevent water from sitting in your yard.
4. Flooding from Neighboring Properties
If you live near lower lying land or in a neighborhood with no drainage, your home may get water runoff from neighboring properties. This is especially common in suburban areas, such as East Grand Rapids, where water will flow downhill towards your yard after a heavy rainstorm.
Symptoms of flooding from neighboring properties:
– Water pooling in your yard after rainfall especially during or after storms
– Erosion from runoff water from adjacent properties
– Water entering your basement or foundation from outside
Solution: You can’t control what happens on your neighbor’s property, but there are ways to manage stormwater runoff and flooding. Installing a rain garden or swale can help capture and redirect water that’s flowing from neighboring properties. You can also contact your local municipality to ask about drainage ordinances or solutions for shared runoff issues.
5. Soggy Yard Solutions: Overwatering and Irrigation Systems
Stormwater drainage issues can be caused by over-watering or inefficient irrigation systems. If your irrigation system is poorly designed or set to run too often, it can contribute to soggy soil and soggy yard conditions even when it’s not raining.
Symptoms of over-watering or irrigation issues:
– Water pooling in certain areas of the lawn
– Waterlogged patches of grass or garden beds
– Lawn that doesn’t dry out after a storm or irrigation cycle
Solution: First check your irrigation system for leaks, broken sprinklers or faulty timers. Adjust the watering schedule to only water when needed. If your yard is still soggy, consider installing a drainage system such as a French drain to direct excess water away from problem areas.
6. Waterlogged Lawn and Soil Erosion
In West Michigan, where rainfall is common, waterlogged soil is a problem. When the soil is saturated, it can lead to erosion, standing water and uneven muddy patches in your yard. Erosion is especially damaging as it removes soil and affects root growth and makes it difficult to maintain a healthy lawn.
Symptoms of soil erosion or waterlogged lawn:
– Muddy patches and uneven lawn areas
– Loss of grass or garden plants due to soil erosion
– Ruts or channels in the yard from running water
Solution: To prevent erosion and improve drainage add organic matter like compost or sand to your soil. This will help improve soil structure and allow water to drain better. You may also want to consider soggy yard solutions like a dry well or rain garden to catch excess water and prevent it from running through your lawn.
How to Fix Soggy Yard Problems in West Michigan
Now that we’ve covered the most common stormwater drainage problems let’s look at some proven solutions to fix soggy yard issues and improve your property’s stormwater drainage:
1. French Drains: These trenches filled with gravel and perforated pipe redirect water away from your yard and foundation. A great solution for excess water. We like to call these gutters for the ground.
2. Rain Gardens: A rain garden is a designed area with plants that can handle large amounts of water. It’s a beautiful and environmentally friendly way to manage stormwater runoff.
3. Swales: Swales are shallow grassy ditches that direct water to other areas of your property. A great solution for flooding.
4. Regrade Your Yard: If your yard has poor grading or a slope that directs water towards your home, regrading can fix the issue and prevent water from pooling around your foundation.
5. Sump Pumps: A sump pump can be installed in your basement or crawl space to pump excess water away from your foundation after a heavy rainfall or flood. However, a specialized exterior sump pump may be needed to move water out of trapped yards.
Don’t Wait Until the Next Rain—Fix Your Stormwater Drainage Today
Stormwater drainage is key to protecting your home and yard in West Michigan. By understanding the common stormwater drainage problems and using the right solution for your soggy yard, you can prevent water damage, promote proper drainage and a healthy lawn. Whether it’s clogged gutters, poor grading or flooding from neighboring properties, taking proactive steps to manage stormwater runoff will maintain the value and beauty of your home.
If you have stormwater drainage issues or soggy yard conditions, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact a professional landscaping company to help you solve your drainage problems and implement lasting solutions. It’s an investment that will protect your property for years to come and keep your yard dry, healthy and beautiful no matter the weather.
Ready to fix your stormwater drainage? Contact Torchwood Landscaping today for expert advice and custom drainage solutions for your West Michigan home.
