Having a well-maintained lawn is every dedicated gardener’s goal. No one wants a lawn that looks like a messy mucky lake. However, instances where lawns become flooded are inevitable especially after a heavy rainfall or when you have drainage problems at home due. If the drainage issues are due to burst pipes, you must take the necessary measures to fix the problem or apply rooter plumbing straight away. Other factors causing your lawn to be waterlogged include compaction, wherein the soil becomes so compacted as a result of being frequently trodden by human feet, and poor root system, so that your turf can no longer absorb water.
Whatever the causes of your flooded lawn, as the homeowner, you need to repair your lawn as soon as you can in order to prevent other nuisances such as the development of mold colonies and having standing water, which is a breeding site for mosquitos, from happening.
Here are recommended ways that you can undertake to troubleshoot problems after your lawn is being soaked under water:
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1. Determine the source of floodwater.
Certainly, the basic step you can take is tracing the origin of the flood. This is important so that you will know exactly what to do to stop the water flow. First, check your gutters and downspouts for the possibility of clogging. In case your gutters are clogged, clean them immediately. Also, make sure that your downspout is long enough to be able to direct water away from the foundation of your home.
2. Rake your lawn to aerate the soil.
Aeration is best for flooded lawns because it helps water to drain and sink deeper into the soil, thereby allowing the surface to dry out. Part of the process is raking the ground to break the soil crust. Of course, using a lawn aerator also produces good results when it comes to aerating the soil and getting rid of the sediments. Now, this method particularly works if your lawn has only been under less than an inch of silt and has been waterlogged for only less than four days. However, if your lawn has been deep under more than an inch of silt for more than four days, simply aerating your lawn may not do the trick. A major lawn renovation is more like it.
3. Add compost or fertilizers to replace the topsoil.
Soil erosion damages your lawn’s root structure. To help your turf recover and become healthy again, you need to add mulch or horticulture sand along with the topsoil. Besides cultivating your soil, this also allows absorption of excess water and moisture, and then you may grow back your lawn by overseeding.
4. Replant.
One way for a lawn to recover after being flooded is by planting new grasses on it. As much as possible, choose local grasses especially fast-growing ones and make sure not to cut them too short to maintain strong root structures. Experts say that local vegetation is proven more efficient in terms of draining rainwater and inhibiting soil erosion.
5. Put up French drains.
Another way to keep excess water away from your lawn is by digging French drains in various areas of your lawn. French drains are particularly helpful if your lawn really has some bad spots. Other options include putting up a dry well to collect and redirect extra water away from your lawn.
6. Capture rainwater using heavy-duty rain barrels.
Rain barrels are your practical options in terms of accumulating rainwater and protecting your property from floods. You can install them right beneath your exterior downspouts so it makes collecting rainwater a lot more convenient. Not only do rain barrels keep water away from your home foundation, they also help minimize flooding in your lawn. Most of all, the rainwater collected inside the barrels can be used for other purposes such as watering the plants in your garden.
Keep your lawn dry!
One thing to remember when you have a flooded lawn and before you take the necessary steps to fix it is to wait for the ground to dry. To avoid further damaging your lawn soil, stay off the lawn until the soil begins to dry, and while the above mentioned techniques are doable on your own, if you experience extensive flooding and already need professional plumbing assistance, contacting a trusted company that does flood cleanup services is your best alternative.