Landscape for Your Property's Protection

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Options That Can Help Storm- Proof Your Front Or Backyard

It's a fact. Extreme weather events have accelerated according to the government's National Climate Assessment. More than an occasional rainstorm, we're experiencing an uptick in the number of powerful hurricanes and dangerous flash floods. For homeowners in Detroit, MI, that can mean outside flooding—with resulting soil erosion, water runoffs and damaged property.
Landscaping professionals use many creative, eco-friendly solutions to stave off outside flooding and preserve residential property. 

1. Swales. Dig a depression (trench) to direct water's flow down a gentle slope to a drain. Line the slope's lowest point with rocks for rain drainage and put in deep-rooting plants along the slope to secure the soil and prevent runoff.

2. Heavy Mulch. Use heavy, man-made, hardwood mulch in your garden beds to hold the soil in place.

3. Rain Garden. Create a low-maintenance rain garden to provide space for water to pool during downpours. In the garden's center, bed plants with high water tolerance. As the surrounding plantings drain after rain, the middle section remains submerged, permitting the water to slowly reenter the soil.

4. Green Roof. Install an increasingly affordable green rooftop to absorb storm water. Beyond ecological benefits, a "living roof" improves insulation, lowers utility costs and beautifies the environment.

5. Draining Driveways. Add rain drainage to either side of your driveway pavement, or eliminate the asphalt or concrete altogether and use gravel paving to neutralize rain storm flooding.

6. Divert Rain Spouts. Invest in a downspout diverter to direct water away from your home's foundation and protect it from fissures and cracks.
Outside flooding can be mitigated, or avoided entirely, with good landscape planning. Unfortunately, there are instances where flooding occurs indoors. When facing significant interior water damage, it's in your home's best interest to rely on water damage experts for professional cleaning and restoration services.