Why is my yard flooded?
Living on the East Coast means frequent exposure to heavy rain and storms, which increases the risk of flooding. While you can’t control the weather, you can control how your landscape manages rainwater. Thoughtful landscaping is an effective way to protect your home from flood damage by directing water away from your foundation and preventing soil erosion. Here are some smart landscaping tips to help reduce flood risk and keep your property safe.
1. Grade Your Yard for Proper Drainage
One of the most effective ways to prevent flooding is to ensure your yard is graded properly. A good slope will guide water away from your home’s foundation, preventing pooling around the base of your house. Experts recommend a slope of at least 6 inches over 10 feet away from the house.
- Learn more about grading your yard from FEMA: FEMA Flood Landscaping Guide
2. Plant Native and Deep-Rooted Vegetation
Native plants are naturally adapted to local rainfall patterns and soil conditions. They also have deep root systems that help absorb water, reduce erosion, and improve soil stability. Groundcovers, shrubs, and native grasses are especially helpful in flood-prone areas as they prevent runoff and increase water absorption.
- Check out native plant suggestions for the East Coast: National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder
3. Install a Rain Garden
A rain garden is a shallow depression filled with water-tolerant plants that allows rainwater to soak into the ground rather than running off into storm drains. It captures and filters stormwater while beautifying your yard. Rain gardens are perfect for areas that receive heavy rainfall or have poor drainage.
- Learn how to design a rain garden from the EPA: EPA Rain Garden Manual
4. Use Mulch to Protect Soil
Mulch helps to retain moisture, reduce erosion, and slow down the movement of water across the soil. Organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips, can absorb excess rainwater and provide nutrients to the soil. Place mulch around trees, shrubs, and other plants, especially on slopes, to help control runoff.
- The Arbor Day Foundation offers advice on choosing mulch: Arbor Day Mulching Tips
5. Install French Drains
French drains are underground pipes that help redirect water away from your home. They collect excess water from low areas and disperse it to a more suitable drainage area. French drains are particularly useful if your yard has poor natural drainage or if you live on a slope.
- Find out more about French drains at This Old House: This Old House Guide to French Drains
6. Create a Dry Creek Bed
A dry creek bed is a shallow trench filled with stones or gravel that mimics the flow of a natural stream. It helps direct water away from your home and prevents erosion in areas where water tends to pool. A dry creek bed is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a decorative element to your landscape.
- Explore dry creek bed designs from HGTV: HGTV Dry Creek Bed Ideas
7. Use Permeable Paving Materials
Traditional asphalt or concrete driveways and walkways don’t allow water to absorb into the ground, which increases runoff. Permeable materials such as gravel, permeable pavers, or porous concrete allow water to pass through, reducing the risk of flooding. This simple swap can make a big difference in managing stormwater.
- Read more about permeable pavements from the EPA: EPA Permeable Pavement Guide
8. Install a Green Roof
If you’re considering an eco-friendly home upgrade, a green roof could be an excellent option. Green roofs absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and improve insulation. They are ideal for urban areas where there is limited yard space for traditional landscaping solutions.
- Discover the benefits of green roofs from the National Association of Landscape Professionals: NALP Green Roof Benefits
9. Collect Rainwater
Using rain barrels or cisterns to collect rainwater is a sustainable way to reduce flood risk. These systems capture runoff from your roof and store it for later use, such as watering plants or lawns. This reduces the amount of water flowing into your yard during heavy rains.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides tips on rainwater collection: EPA Rainwater Collection Guide
10. Install Swales
A swale is a shallow channel that directs water away from your home and allows it to absorb slowly into the ground. Swales are particularly useful on sloped prop
- Learn how to design a swale from the Sustainable Sites Initiative: SITES Swale Guide
Conclusion
By implementing these flood-reducing landscaping strategies, you can not only beautify your yard but also protect your home from the damaging effects of heavy rainfall and flooding. Smart landscaping is an investment in the long-term resilience of your property. Be proactive this storm season and take steps to flood-proof your landscape today. For more tips and guidelines on managing stormwater and preventing floods, visit the following resources:
- FEMA: Flood Mitigation and Landscaping
- National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder
- EPA: Rainwater and Stormwater Management
By taking action now, you can help protect your property from the next big storm.