When you look outside your windows, do you see a yard filled with random pools of water? Does your ride on the driveway resemble a mud and potholes based obstacle course? Did the beautiful winter snowfall melt away to reveal a soggy mess? Don’t fear; the solution is easier than you think.
What causes a yard to be muddy and waterlogged?
There are many reasons why your landscape may retain water and develop puddles and muddy conditions during the rainy season. Our team at Excavation Oregon can help assess your yard and driveway to recommend simple strategies to get rid of the excess water.
- Compacted soil. You likely aren’t considering the dirt is too tightly structured when you think of mud. Some soil conditions like clay can become so densely packed that water cannot drain through the material. As a result, you’ll find water either laying on top of the ground or mixing with surface layers of dirt, resulting in mud. In this case, the ground likely needs to be aerated or combined with soils containing amendments that will add air pockets to the dirt.
- Broken gutter system. Roofs collect a lot of rainwater that should flow into the home’s gutter system and through an underground drainage system to a wastewater collection culvert or, in rural areas, to a pond, creek, or another off-site reservoir. If water is pooling near your home, it could signify that the drainage system isn’t working correctly and needs to be repaired. For example, tree trunks can break underground PVC pipes, allowing water to break free of the drainage system and create pockets of water beneath the turf. Drainage problems like this don’t just create inconvenience; they can damage the foundation of your home.
- Slope. Not only is the ground not perfectly flat, but many of our homes in Southern Oregon are located on slopes to enjoy the majestic views around us. Water moves under the Earth’s surface according to gravity, and the layers of soil and rocks beneath the surface can speed up or slow down the water’s movement. Professional excavators will measure the ground throughout the property and identify water pooling areas to determine how water is currently flowing, and then re-slope the site to create better water flow in the right direction.
- Animals. Whether it’s your own pack of dogs or a herd of wild deer that frequently traverse your property, animal hooves can rip up the ground after it rains or snows. Well worn or repeatedly trampled areas can be covered with wood chips to help absorb extra water and create a barrier to prevent other ruts and holes from being formed.
- The water table. The natural water table can change seasonally based on nearby water features like rivers, ponds, lakes, and streams. If your home is near one of these types of water features, you’ll likely need the help of a professional excavator to determine the best way to combat excessive water in your yard.
How do you fix a muddy and waterlogged yard?
At Excavation Oregon, our team is well experienced in solving problems caused by all of these issues. Whether your yard could use a new french drainage system with an accompanying ditch, a complete swale system to control and direct water over a large area, or a full re-sloping of the property, we have the right equipment and expertise for the job. Contact us today for more information and a free quote. We’ll make sure your yard and driveway are repaired the right way.
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