5 Drainage Issues Every Homeowner Should Watch For
Landscaping Updates
Summer storms can reveal drainage problems that often go unnoticed during dry weather. Catching them early can help protect your lawn and landscape.
1. Look for Standing Water Puddles that remain for more than 24 to 48 hours, soggy areas or water collecting in the same spot after every rain are signs your yard isn’ t draining properly.
2. Watch for Mulch Washout If mulch repeatedly washes away or plant roots become exposed, fast-moving runoff may be eroding your landscape.
3. Check Your Lawn Yellowing grass, thinning turf and muddy patches are often signs of excess water and not a lack of it.
4. Inspect Your Downspouts Make sure downspouts carry water away from your home’ s foundation instead of dumping it into planting beds or low areas where erosion can occur.
5. Pay Attention to Recurring Problems If the same area struggles after every heavy rain, it’ s unlikely to improve on its own. Addressing drainage issues early is typically easier and less expensive than repairing damage later.
Landscape Tip: After your next rainfall, spend five minutes walking your yard. Noticing where water collects is one of the simplest ways to identify drainage problems before they become costly repairs.
Presented by Ethoscapes
Avoid Volcano Mulching Around Trees
When applying mulch around trees, proper placement is essential for maintaining tree health. One common landscaping mistake is“ volcano mulching,” which occurs when mulch is piled high against the trunk of a tree, creating a volcano-like shape.
While mulch provides many benefits such as retaining soil moisture, reducing weeds, and regulating soil temperature, it should never be piled against the tree trunk. Excess mulch around the base of a tree can trap moisture against the bark, leading to rot, fungal diseases, insect infestations, and the development of girdling roots that can eventually strangle the tree.
Instead, apply mulch in a flat, donut-shaped ring around the tree, approximately 2 – 4 inches deep, while leaving several inches of space between the mulch and the trunk. This allows the tree’ s root system to benefit from the mulch while keeping the trunk dry and healthy.
Remember: Mulch the roots, not the trunk! Proper mulching helps trees thrive and can significantly extend their lifespan.
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