Why Is There Standing Water in Your Yard?

Causes of Standing Water

When standing water begins to accumulate on a part of your property, it’s an indication that something isn’t quite right with the landscaping or drainage, and it may be time to consult a professional to determine how to remedy the issue.

Left untreated, especially for long periods of time, standing water can cause irreparable damage to a home or its foundation. And not only that, but it can stymie hinder healthy lawn growth, attract unwanted insects or pests, and even mold. For these reasons and many others, it’s best to act quickly when you notice standing water on your property.

But what are some of the reasons standing water might accumulate on your property to begin with?

Poorly Draining Soil

To an untrained eye, topsoil may appear indistinguishable from other types of earth – it’s all just dirt, after all, right? Actually, the types of soil can vary widely from region to region but also from property to property. Soils that have more clay in their composition generally drain less effectively than stony soils with larger particles that allow water to permeate the ground and drain freely.

Thatch and Compaction

Generally, thatch refers to a layer of organic materials that accumulates more quickly than it can decompose. Thatch can occur on lawns where there’s an abundance of flora that produces organic debris, or when poor soil aeration or drainage prevents organic materials from decaying naturally.

Similarly, compaction occurs when soil is compacted (or pressed tightly together), which results in denser soil and reduced water drainage and infiltration capabilities. Compaction may occur as a result of heavy traffic or heavy machinery, or it may be caused by poor root growth.

Low Spots

Sometimes the cause of standing water on a property is merely due to uneven soil or a small dip in topography. The earth itself also shifts and settles over time, and some low spots may be a result of topsoil settling, or subtle movement beneath the surface. Even if water doesn’t regularly pool in low spots except during rainy seasons, low spots can, over time, expedite soil erosion and lead to additional property damage.

High Water Table

A high water table can cause lots of stress on a home’s foundation, especially for homes with crawl spaces and basements. In areas with dense soil and high water tables, draining water can pass through the home’s foundation and cause significant structural problems and water damage.

Essentially, if you live in an area with a high water table, you are at a greater risk of water seeping into the basement or foundation which can lead to mold, structural damage, and decreased property value.

Risks of Standing Water

When homeowners hear the words “water damage,” many may think of the damage caused inside the home due to a leaky pipe, a leaky roof, or heavy flooding. However, there are a number of ways standing water can negatively impact a property, the home, and the home’s foundation.

Pressure Builds Up Along Sides of House

One of the biggest risks associated with standing water on a property is the potential for hydrostatic pressure to increase and force water into the home through cracks or pores in the foundation. When hydrostatic pressure continually exerts against a foundation or basement walls, the walls can bow or crack, leading to even greater water infiltration and structural damage.

Soggy / Fungal Lawn Bacteria

When a lawn is consistently oversaturated with water, it can facilitate the growth of fungi, bacteria, and insects which can further exacerbate lawn issues. Having a healthy lawn is more than appearances; maintaining healthy lawn bacteria helps improve soil fertility, nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and supports plant growth.

Solutions To Standing Water In Your Yard

So what can be done? We offer a variety of yard services that can help with standing water in your yard but each case is unique and depends on a variety of factors like soil composition, annual rainfall, topography, etc.

Homeowners can prevent standing water from accumulating on their property by installing a French drain – methods we’ll explain in greater detail below.

Install a French Drain

French drains can be a great solution to help prevent flooding and other possible water damage issues as a property ages. French drains can also be relatively well-hidden or even aesthetically pleasing if adorned with landscaping features.

Essentially, a French drain is just a trench or small ditch filled with perforated piping and gravel or pebbles to allow water to drain evenly from the yard.

Ask a Professional

To find out more about how you can eliminate standing water on your property, visit our website to schedule a consultation with one of our trained professionals. Moisture Loc has the experience and tools to evaluate your property and provide affordable solutions to any drainage issues.

By reaching out and working with a professional, you can ensure that the job is completed in a timely manner and get your yard back to looking healthy and vibrant. Working with a professional also ensures that solutions will be effective and long-lasting because no homeowner wants to have to continually manage drainage issues on their property. Talk to an expert at MoistureLoc to find out how you can fix your yard today.