Horticare Landscape Drainage

HORTICARE LANDSCAPING

LANDSCAPE DRAINAGE

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Good drainage in the landscape is as important as proper irrigation. Too much water in landscaped areas can result in numerous plant diseases and can even kill sensitive plants like expensive evergreens. Overly wet turf areas are prone to soil compaction and scarring from footprints and mowing equipment.

Poor drainage can have disastrous results on both your yard and your home. Horticare Landscaping can help. While not our main focus, drainage is always a factor when developing a landscape. Horticare installs French drains, gutter downspout drainage, swales and dry stream beds while implementing landscape projects.

The solution may be as simple as reshaping flower beds, or might include French drains, or drain lines to the street. Whatever the situation, we will work with you to find a solution that best fits your needs.

Drainage systems can use a variety of techniques to remove unwanted water from an area, whether on a residential or commercial site.

Surface Drainage Systems

Surface drainage systems aim to collect excess surface water from hardscaping, planter beds, window wells, and specific turf areas where water tends to collect. Water enters a surface drainage system through catch basins, which have a sump area that collects debris to prevent clogging of the piping.

Catch basins and the drainage grates that go on top of them are available in a variety of sizes and styles depending upon the application.

Round drainage grates are used in turf areas.

Square drainage grates are used for hardscape areas; walkways, driveways, parking lots, around swimming pools, etc.

Atrium drainage grates have a raised "domelike" design to prevent debris from building on top of the grate openings. These are used in window wells, planter areas, and other applications where bark mulch, stone, or landscape debris would tend to cover drain openings.

The size of the catch basin should be sized to the anticipated volume of water to be collected. In addition the pipe carrying the water from the catch basin should be properly sized to carry water from all catch basins to which it is connected. Always size a little larger than necessary for safety. The additional material cost is minimal and mistakes can be costly. If the drain will be exposed to weight or traffic from above, you may need to consider a concrete catch basin and/or a metal drainage grate. The drainage line connecting the catch basins should be of a solid (non-perforated) design. Both solid PVC and corrugated plastic piping are acceptable.

Another form of the surface drainage system is the channel drain. Channel drains are frequently used in paved areas to collect water. They are essentially an extended trough or catch basin covered by a long grate.

Sub-Surface Drainage

The most frequently used form of sub-surface drainage is the French Drain or underground collection drain. This drain collects underground water from saturated soils and carries it to a desired destination. Sub-surface drains help carry water away from low spots and can protect drainage sensitive plant material.

French Drains collect sub-surface water from poorly drained areas and carry it to a main drainage line, dry well, ravine, or the street. French drains can intercept water that is draining from adjacent properties and carry it away before it enters your landscape.

For more information on French Drains and other drainage, give the professionals at Horticare Landscaping a call at 501-407-2727.

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Drainage Problem Indicators

There are a number of indicators which may help you identify current or potential drainage and water problems around your yard or home.

First, check your survey or plat for the location of nearby flood plains. If you own land in a flood plain, it is reasonable to expect the area will be inundated with water at some point. It is important that no structures, especially homes, are built within a designated flood plain.

Flood plain designations also indicate that hydric soils may be present on your property. Characteristically, hydric soils will hold water more readily than other soils. These areas may be muddy, or collect water, and may be incapable of supporting certain types of landscape plants.

Also check the map for drainage easements. They should be labeled "d.e." on the plat and are usually located along property lines. A drainage easement indicates that water will be flowing across that stretch of land during a rain storm. Erosion is usually a common problem along such drainage easements. Structures and fences should not be constructed in these areas.

Next, check for nearby rivers, creeks, and bodies of water which would increase the probability of flooding. For example, a creek may appear to be an attractive feature until you realize the flood threat, the unstable soils, and the stream bank erosion problems that may occur. Also remember that the water flow in your creek will increase as upstream development and construction increases. If you do acquire property near a waterway, do not remove the vegetation adjacent to and along the stream bank. This vegetation is an essential buffer zone that will help maintain the water quality and curb erosion problems.

Run off water that is improperly channeled also will cause damage to and devaluation of your property. It is important to note the elevation of your property in relation to adjacent properties. Does the land slope? Where will rain water come from and what is in its path? During a rain storm watch to see where run off water flows and exits. Ideally your home will have sufficient outlets to handle rooftop, driveway, and overland run off.