8 Landscape Designs That Prevent Flood Damage
Flood damage is not something to be taken lightly. According to National Geographic, it results in $8 billion in losses throughout the U.S. every year.
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Some causes of floods are unavoidable. You can’t hide from heavy rainfall, hurricanes, broken levees, or ice jams.
However, you can prevent the damage that these events can inflict. Check out these eight flood-prevention landscape designs you can implement into your property!
1) Lay Mulch Down
Incorporate mulch into your garden to prevent water from flowing toward your home.
While mulching is an effective way to prevent flood damage, you need to use the right kind. Don’t just choose a mulch that looks pretty. You need to select a heavy variety that will inhibit the flow of fast-moving water. Ditch lightweight pine straw and opt for a heavier product like wood chips.
If you want to add mulch near your home, lay it at least six inches away from your home’s siding. This will ward off moisture accumulation and prevent your home’s exterior from rotting.
Read more: How to stop flooding?
2) Choose Native Plants Wisely
When you want to add some color to your garden beds, choose the native plants you put down wisely. You should aim to use plants that:
- Have a high water tolerance
- Have roots that grow below-ground (rather than above-ground)
- Do not require frequent watering in between rainfalls
The elderberry plant is a good one to grow if you live in the eastern United States. According to the University of Vermont, elderberries can reduce erosion and help slow rapid water flow during floods.
Some other good flood-resistance plants include iris, cattail, elephant’s ear, and canna.
As you’re rooting your diverse selection of plants, commit to clearing away any dry or dead plant material. This will increase the area you have available for plants that can actually help soak up water.
Read more: How to stop water runoff from neighbors yard
3) Build a Rain Garden
It’s a good idea to have flood-resistant plants throughout your garden. However, you should consider putting in a rain garden. This structure is a deeper area built into your landscape. It’s designed to collect and absorb water, so a flood can emphasize the beauty of your landscape rather than destroy it.
Find a decent-sized, low-lying area that’s at least ten feet away from your house. Determine the size and shape you want for your rain garden. It doesn’t have to be large to be effective. You can make it as small as 100 square feet.
Once you determine the area, you can start building it by following these steps:
- Remove the grass
- Excavate the basin
- Lay the inlet pipe (for water removal)
- Fill the basin with new soil
- Add plants (place the most wet-tolerant ones in the center)
4) Add New Grass
If your grass is thin and dried out, consider putting in a new species. Grass’s root structure can help absorb water during heavy rainfall and prevent it from getting to your home’s foundation.
Seashore paspalum, Bermuda, and St. Augustine grasses are all well-known for their ability to tolerate wet conditions.
Once your new grass grows in, don’t cut it too short. This can weaken the roots and lead to flooding in your landscape.
5) Level Your Sloped Yard
To protect your residence from flood water, the ground should slope away from your home in all directions.
Locate the low and high points of your home. Use extra dirt you have to slope your yard away from your home.
While you can take on the leveling process yourself, you should consider hiring a professional. An expert will know how to level your yard without damaging buried power and phone lines.
6) Install a Retaining Wall
A retaining wall is a structure that can divert water away from your home’s foundation during a flood.
This structure serves multiple purposes. In addition to redirecting water, it can also provide seating for guests when you host outdoor functions.
A retaining wall can also offer some much-needed aesthetic appeal. You may choose from various materials for your retaining wall’s blocks, including natural stone and brick.
7) Redo Your Driveway
A paved driveway looks sleek but can quickly result in stormwater runoff. To protect your home, consider redoing your home’s driveway. Opt for a gravel driveway or one with spaced-out pavers.
If you don’t have the budget for a complete makeover, try adding drainage next to your driveway. A channel drain is one of the most cost-effective ways to eliminate excess water during wet conditions.
8) Install a Rain Barrel
Downspouts are structures that take flowing water from your gutters and divert it away from your home. To prevent this water from pooling, add a rain barrel at the bottom of your downspouts.
A rain barrel is an effective way to protect your home’s foundation. It’s also great for collecting water to use on the rest of your landscape.
Conclusion – Choosing the Right Flood-Prevention Landscape for Your Property
The eight techniques we have discussed here are easy to implement into most properties regardless of their size or location. Plan to take these preventative measures the next time you want to liven up your landscape!
If your property has already fallen victim to flood damage, be sure to call the experts at All Dry USA! We will remediate damage to your property and help you plan accordingly to prevent future destruction.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
