Should I Add Drainage to My Landscaping?
Water can be beautiful, refreshing, and it is vital to life. Water can also be extremely destructive when not managed correctly. Each year we speak with numerous homeowners that are challenged with water problems in their Landscape Design. We see Backyard Patios and Country Landscape creations that are amazingly implemented… until the first heavy rain. In this article we discuss what to look out for and what to expect in a well-planned Land Design.
Related: Welcome to the Sierra Nara System!
You’ve dreamt about it for years. You looked at several designs, and screened several contractors. You’ve received quotes from mild to wild and a few in-between. The “Center Stage Effect” indicates that the most likely scenario is that the final selection will fall somewhere in the middle for a variety of reasons. The question is are they really competitive? Most of these may get you that Outdoor Living area you have been dreaming of, but what has been omitted from the conversation to get the price points to where they are at, and what is the reason for that omission? Certainly, no two companies are alike, but given that the majority are driving the same trucks, and operating the same equipment there has to be more to the equation. Am I wrong?
The number one thing that we see omitted, or should I say missing from landscape designs is a formal drainage plan. I get it. It’s not exciting or picturesque, and in most cases you don’t even know it’s there, or not. Until that 3” rain storm pops up one afternoon. Then you are left looking at a situation which causes you to second guess what happened. Your new patio and outdoor kitchen have now transformed into a landscape feature you have affectionately named “Duck Pond”. Unfortunately, it’s not over yet because when the water eventually dries up you now have to clean off all the sediment and dare I say duck remains from your new water feature, I mean patio. Worst of all, you call the contractor numerous times and no one has called you back, at least not yet. You are questioning if that “don’t worry about it” warranty was really a “tail-light warranty”.
So all this sounds really painful, and you might even be second guessing your decision to get started on that new project you are planning. It doesn’t have to be this extreme. With some careful planning and consideration you can experience years of enjoyment without the maintenance requirement of a duck pond. Unless you want a real duck pond, we can help with that. Ducks are messy though so it might be better positioned away from your new patio. So here are some functional items to look for when planning your landscape feature.
Things to Consider:
Water is self leveling - As nice as it sounds to have a “flat” backyard, careful consideration should be taken because a “flat” area without proper drainage will flood very quickly, though your kids always wanted an ice skating rink!
Water finds the path of least resistance - Water wants to flow. It wants to move. The easier it can do that, the happier it will be. When water travels through your landscape it will find the easiest path. This often is bed edges and those neat little channels carved by the lawn services weed whacker along your hardscape. It also travels very easily through pipes in a drain system.
Water always travels down hill - What happens uphill affects what happens downhill. Consider what takes place at those locations and along the way. Does your new duck friendly patio become realized as a result of that retaining wall on the other side of the property, or the new home construction next door? Did I mention it’s important to plan?
Things to Look for When Planning your Landscape Features:
Gutters and Downspouts - Where are the gutters and downspouts being led to?
Impervious Coverage - Most paving systems increase water runoff. How is this increased water runoff being handled?
Elevations and Slopes - Does the land slope away from structures and features? Does the water have a safe place to drain to?
Drains, Swales, and Pits - How is the water being captured and where is it being taken to?
Down the Pipe - All this concentrated water will go somewhere. How is it going to be managed responsibly and if possible returned back to the ground?
General Overview
All landscape designs should review and consider water management.
It is always more expensive to address water management afterwards.
All properties have the need for water management , though at different levels.
Water should be managed and contained within the property when possible.
A drainage plan may need to accept natural runoff from the surrounding area.
Natural runoff may change as the land and design changes.
Forced runoff should not be imposed on another property.
Water management systems should consider a buffer for 100 year type events.
Water management systems should be designed to be cleaned and monitored.
A design that does not include a water management plan should be a red flag.
Industry terms are mixed and commonly misused. Ask for clarity in design.
In some jurisdictions permits and even engineering may be required for water management plans.
One of the first things performed during a construction project is often the water management.
Duck Ponds are a lot of work.
Thanks for reading. If you have any further questions about how water might impact your property feel free to reach out and we would be happy to have a discussion about the water issues and concerns you may be experiencing.