Proper stormwater drainage is very important for a residential property, as improper drainage can lead to water collecting around a home's foundation and then causing leaks and cracks to form. This can also mean soil that is overly moist and prone to flooding and which then becomes too weak to support your home or any outbuilding on your property. Note a few solutions for proper stormwater drainage on your property so you can ensure you avoid those floods and other damage.

1. River rock

One of the simplest solutions to improper stormwater drainage is to place river rock under the downspouts of the home and create a type of trench or drain. This will direct and control the flow of water from the downspouts away from your home and toward any direction you choose. You can curve the trench and direct it to a nearby landscaping feature, or simply extend it toward the street and drains. Be sure to use actual river rock for this project; other types of gravel, crushed concrete, and materials like mulch may simply let the water seep through and collect under them, whereas river rock is dense and will keep water flowing over its surface.

2. Drain tile or trench

A drain trench system may need professional installation, but this involves digging a trench to direct stormwater from one area to the other. The trench is covered in a type of pipe, or it may be covered with a liner. The trench will be sloped to allow for proper stormwater runoff.

If you prefer to have some stormwater absorbed into the lawn as it runs away from the home, drain tile can be used instead of a pipe or liner; this tile is porous and will absorb some of the water as it flows along, letting that water seep into the ground underneath it. Drain tile will keep the soil from absorbing too much water but won't block that stormwater completely as it flows along.

3. Swale

A swale involves a natural grassy area that will control stormwater as it flows; the grass planted in a swale area needs lots of hydration and moisture, so it absorbs stormwater as it runs by its roots. A swale can be planted around areas that are prone to flooding; the roots will absorb the moisture that collects in that area and will keep it from pooling. This type of stormwater control is very attractive and natural, and is something that many homeowners can plan and then install on their own, although a landscaper may need to note the best location and type of swale grass to use for your property.

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