Lawn Damage
According to the U.S. Forest Service, flood like conditions have devastating effects on soils and plants. For example, poor soil aeration means that plants do not have access to the oxygen that they need to thrive. This results in stunted plant growth. Excessive water increase acid soils and buildup of decomposed matter that is full of methane and carbon dioxide. As a result, plants, flowers and shrubs will slowly die.
Tree Damage
Research shows that trees that are saturated with water will experience poor oxygen aeration and the negative effects of anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria form in flooded soils and are very inefficient at decomposition. The result is that organic matter, such as roots and bark, become slimy. Trees in stagnant water will experience inhibited growth and even root loss. This is because photosynthesis slows down as the tree slowly begins to die. As a result, the roots may become unstable and cause the tree to lean or even fall over.
Cement Foundation Damage
Excessive water that collects near your home’s foundation can actually result in costly damages. This is because concrete is porous and water will gradually seep in and begin breaking down the concrete. As a result, the foundation will start to crack, which can eventually cause the foundations to shift and even the house to become unsettled. Ceiling cracks or splits in the inside wall may indicate the foundation is shifting. On the other hand, during the winter, stagnant water that has seeped into the concrete can actually freeze. As the water in the concrete freezes, it will expand and push the concrete out. This will cause seams in the walls and ceilings.
Contaminated Water
Stagnant water is often full of chemicals, waste and other debris that can contaminate and harm grass and plants. For example, groundwater is often contaminated through run-off pesticides from farms, landfills and other backyards. Industrial chemicals from businesses, lead from plumbing systems and petrochemicals from underground storage tanks are sometimes present. Trace amounts of sewage containing microbial pathogens may be present in the groundwater. Any of these toxic chemicals may be present in stagnant water and will contaminate and harm your yard.
Pests
The primary source of mosquito larvae is stagnant water. Mosquito eggs, larvae and pupa all require water to reproduce. Most homeowners don’t know, but mosquitoes easily reproduce in clogged gutters, downspouts and even children’s play sandboxes. Stagnant water with temperatures consistently above 50 degrees is a recipe for a mosquito disaster.
To sum up, standing water is harmful in many ways. Stagnant water will result in lawn, tree and foundation damage. It will also contain harmful chemicals and result in mosquitoes. Your local landscaping company in Ann Arbor MI reminds you to seek professional help for major stagnant water problems in your yard.
Get your yard looking its absolute best with custom landscaping solutions from Twin Oaks. Find us online at https://www.twinoakslandscape.biz/, visit us in Ann Arbor, MI at 4100 South Maple Road, or call us at (734) 213-6911.
