Dealing with heavy rain can be a challenge for homeowners, especially when it comes to maintaining their landscaping. While rain is essential for plant growth, too much of it can cause damage to your lawn, garden beds, and other outdoor spaces. It can also result in standing yard water.

Standing yard water is a common problem that arises after heavy rain. This water can be a nuisance to homeowners and can cause many negative impacts on your property. In this blog, we will discuss some of the negative effects of heavy rain & standing yard water and what you can do to prevent it.

• Property Damage. Standing water can cause property damage in many ways. It can seep into your home's foundation, causing cracks and structural damage. It can also damage your lawn, trees, and plants. Prolonged exposure to water can cause your lawn to become waterlogged, leading to root rot and plant death.
  

• Mosquito Breeding. Ground Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can lay their eggs in stagnant water, and the larvae can grow and hatch into adult mosquitoes in just a few days. This can lead to a mosquito infestation, which can be a significant NUISANCE but also a health hazard, as mosquitoes are known to carry diseases.
  

• Unpleasant Odors. Standing water can produce an unpleasant odor due to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This can be especially bothersome if the water is near your home or outdoor living spaces.

Now that we've discussed the negative impacts of standing yard water, let's discuss what you can do to prevent it.

1. Install a Drainage System. One of the most effective ways to prevent standing water is to install a drainage system. A drainage system will divert water away from your property and prevent it from accumulating in your yard. A professional landscaper can install a drainage system that is tailored to your property's needs. (ie. French drain, dry creek system, corrugated plastic tube systems, catch-basins).
   

2. Maintain your Gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and accumulate in your yard. Regularly cleaning your gutters can prevent this from happening. You can also consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from clogging your gutters.
   

3. Fill Low Spots. Low spots in your yard can be a breeding ground for standing water. Filling these low spots with soil can prevent water from accumulating in these areas.
   

4. Ground should slope away from your home. Check around your home and ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. If the soil around your home becomes saturated with water, it can cause the foundation to shift or crack. This can lead to serious structural damage and can be very expensive to repair.
   
   In the spring, you may want to consider taking further steps to plan for future rain events.
   

5. Consider Landscaping Changes. If you're experiencing frequent heavy rain, it may be time to consider making changes to your landscaping. For example, you can add plants that are better suited to wet conditions, such as ferns or swamp milkweed. You can also install rain gardens or a rain barrel to capture and reuse rainwater.
   

6. Use Mulch. Mulching your garden beds can help protect your plants from the effects of heavy rain. Mulch helps to absorb water and prevent soil erosion, which can damage plant roots. Additionally, mulch can help regulate soil temperature and prevent weed growth.
   

7. Prune Trees and Shrubs. Heavy rain can cause tree branches and shrubs to become weighed down, which can lead to breakage. To prevent this, it's important to regularly prune your trees and shrubs. Pruning helps to remove dead or damaged branches, which can improve the overall health of the plant and prevent breakage.

In conclusion, heavy rains and the resulting standing yard water can cause many negative impacts on your property, but there are steps you can take to prevent it. Installing a drainage system, maintaining your gutters, and filling low spots are just a few ways to prevent standing water. By taking these steps AND being proactive, you can help protect your property and enjoy your landscaping season after season.