Landscaping Tips To Prevent Flooding

Unfortunately, the state of Kentucky has experienced severe, detrimental flooding in the last several days, and sadly the worst is not over yet.  When it comes to protecting your home from flooding, strategic landscaping can be crucial. By implementing simple, yet effective techniques, you minimize the risk of water damage and ensure a safer environment for your property. There are several landscaping methods that can help mitigate flooding and protect your home against water damage.

If your yard has a significant slope, water runoff easily accumulates around your home's foundation, increasing the risk of flooding. By leveling the yard or creating gentle slopes away from the house, you redirect water flow and prevent pooling near vulnerable areas.  Installing downspouts to redirect rainwater and prevent it from accumulating around your home will help reduce runoff and alleviate pressure on drainage infrastructure.

Plants with deep root systems will help stabilize soil, improve water absorption, and reduce erosion, enhancing flood resilience. Plants that are native to Kentucky play a crucial role in helping protect and improve the environment. They have deep root systems that help prevent soil erosion, absorb excess rainfall, and improve water quality by filtering pollutants. This can be particularly beneficial in areas prone to heavy rainfall and flooding.  

Applying mulch to flower beds can help prevent soil erosion and runoff during heavy rainfall. The mulch acts as a protective barrier, absorbing excess water and reduces the impact of heavy rains on the soil surface around your home’s foundation.

Driveways and paved surfaces can contribute to water runoff and flooding, especially during heavy rainfall.  Installing trench drains or pavers along driveways will help divert runoff to designated drainage areas, reducing the risk of flooding.

Consider adding a swale to your landscape. Swales are shallow channels that redirect the flow of water. Swales can be a vital tool in capturing and redirecting runoff. They’re often planted with grasses or other vegetation, aiding in water absorption and soil stabilization. Because swales reduce the speed and volume of runoff, they can prevent destructive pooling and erosion that happens during floods.

Retaining walls will help to divert water from your home but won't entirely stop it. A properly installed retaining wall will work to prevent severe flooding during a storm but shouldn't be your only source of water management.   When it comes to keeping water out, retaining walls work more as a filter than a barrier.  It is crucial that your retaining wall have properly placed drain holes or piping to direct water away from your property to be effective in helping flood prevention.

There are numerous ways to protect your property from flooding and water damage through strategic landscaping.  A well-thought-out landscaping approach could be your first and last line of defense in preventing water intrusion. Before the next downpour hits, take time to assess your property.  If you live in Brandenburg, Radcliff or Elizabethtown, Kentucky and are concerned about water damage or poorly drained areas around your home call the professionals at Lancaster Lawn & Landscaping, LLC today to find out how we can help not only improve your home’s curb appeal, but also help prevent a water-related crisis.