November 30, 2022

Poor lawn drainage isn’t fun in any season. You’ll deal with insect infestations, fungal diseases, weeds, soil erosion, nutrient-deficient grass, and more. Ignoring a soggy lawn is never the right solution. The longer you let the problem go, the worse it can become. Waiting until spring isn’t a good call. If you have standing water in your lawn as we approach winter, there are some issues that may need to be addressed right away.

close up photo of green grass flooded with water

Freezing and Thawing Water

When you have standing pools of water in your yard due to poor drainage, the freezing and thawing process during the winter temperatures can cause serious damage to both your lawn and foundation. Puddles can freeze into solid patches of ice, which can kill your plants and grass. Ice is far more damaging to your landscaping than snow. Snow will actually insulate your lawn and gardens, but ice will kill the lawn and gardens due to an issue called winter crown hydration. If there is excessive moisture in the soil and the temperature suddenly freezes, the water in the grass will freeze and expand, damaging the cell membranes of the grass and causing the grass to die.

In addition, the excess water during the thaws can seep into the ground along your foundation and enter tiny cracks. When the temperature freezes again, that water will freeze and expand, increasing the size of the cracks. As the process repeats, the cracks will become large enough to cause flooding in your basement or crawl space.

Mitigating the Risks

There are ways to reduce the risk of foundation damage. When it snows, don’t allow the snow to pile up alongside the house. Take a shovel and spread the snow along the lawn. During periods of thaw, check the foundation of your home and make sure there is no water pooling against the house and see that the water is running away from your foundation.

Install a Drainage System

If you don’t already have a drainage system, the time to install it is now. If you are noticing a soggy lawn during the fall, you can expect that the problems will only increase over the winter. A French drain, dry river bed, rain barrel, or other options will all help the standing water run away from your lawn and foundation, rather than pooling. Some areas of your property may need to be filled to avoid the risk of depressed areas with sunken spots. For soil with heavy clay content, soil amendments may help drainage issues.

Hiring a Good Drainage Contractor Can Save Your Lawn

When it comes to drainage solutions, a good drainage contractor is well worth the investment. A drainage contractor has the specialized knowledge about available options you have and how to work with the local soil. They know how to deal with heavy clay content, which solution will work best for your property, and the best course of action to protect your lawn and landscape. They can not only find the solution, but install it and help you maintain it properly. Their expertise is well worth the investment.

Poor lawn drainage is a hassle year-round, but in the winter, the dangers are increased. If your lawn suffers from soggy spots and poor drainage, speaking with a drainage contractor is the best way to protect your property and keep your family safe. To learn more about our custom drainage solutions, contact Twin Oaks Landscape today!