Just as the artist needs the correct type of paper to create his masterpiece on, the landscaper needs the right placement of feet for developing a successful landscape. Unlike the artist, however, the landscaper doesn’t have the posh of trotting down to the local martial arts disciplines and crafts supply store to buy the perfectly ranked plot for building his landscape on. We must work with what we have. It does not mean, though, that we must be satisfied with what we have.

Improper drainage can misfortune a landscaping project before it ever begins. Fortunately, drainage issues can be fixed in most cases. Evaluating the lay of the land so that you can identify and correct drainage problems before undertaking further landscaping projects can save you a lot of time, money and heartbreak later. Remember, it’s always safer to address these issues before you get started with your landscaping than in order to return after the fact and correct something that you missed.

Flood Plains

There are several obvious red flags with indicate drainage issues on a property, if you know what to look for. Before 通渠 you get started, if you don’t already know, take a look at your plat or survey and determine if there are nearby flood plains. If part of your possessions lies in a flood plain, then you are going to have some drainage problems due to the hydric soil (soil that easily holds high amounts of water). If your actual home lies within the flood plain, on the other hand, you might be better served walking away from your landscaping plans and turning your awareness of selling the home and relocating.

Drainage Easements

Next, find the drainage easements that are marked on your map (usually labeled with a DE). These most often lie along the property lines. Drainage easements mark the areas that are susceptible to heavy water flow during rainstorms. These easements generally experience a high degree of erosion, due to water flow. It is important to not construct any fencing or structures, such as shed and other outbuildings, along drainage easements.

Creeks, Waters and other Bodies of Water

Finally, determine the venue of any nearby bodies of water such as creeks, waters, fish ponds and lakes. When you are first checking out a property, you may view a creek running through it as an attractive selling point. However, when the rains come that creek becomes more of a landscape liability than the usual advantage. Creeks create higher risk of flooding, contribute to unstable garden soil and are susceptible to bank erosion. Also, any development upstream will serve to increase the water flow of the creek.

If the creek has facilities along its banks, leave it, as this provides an important stream between the delicate creek bank and all of those other landscape. If there is not abundant facilities along the creek, consider installing some your first order of business. Facilities along creek banks limit bank erosion and helps maintain water quality.

Slope

Also take a look at the level and slope of your property. You want to be able to get a clear idea of not only where water will be coming from, but where it will go. If you have any doubts, wait for the next rain and step outside. Take note of the trail of water through the property so that you can address the notable drainage issues later.