Landscape drainage is an integral part of creating an effective and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Without an efficient drainage system, water can pool and cause damage to your landscape and even the structural integrity of your home. Therefore, landscape drainage is not merely an option, but a necessity.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of landscape drainage solutions, including the slot drain system, gravel permeable pavers, and grass permeable pavers.
The Importance of Landscape Drainage
Proper landscape drainage is crucial to maintaining a thriving outdoor environment. Without it, there’s a risk of excess water accumulating, which could result in several issues potentially leading to reduced property value, and damage:
- Soil erosion
- Poor drainage
- Water accumulation
- Basement flooding
Last but not least, proper drainage plays an integral role in maintaining the health of plants and lawns. When the soil becomes waterlogged, it can hinder the plants’ ability to absorb nutrients and oxygen, and result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or even plant death..
11 Landscape Drainage Solutions
A variety of landscape drainage solutions are available, each suited to different needs and environments:
1. Swales
Swales are channels with a trapezoidal shape that are dug in order to divert stormwater overflow away from the home. They help slow down the runoff and allow it to naturally soak into the soil. Usually, swales are found at property boundaries or natural grades and they are often planted with vegetation specifically chosen to decrease erosion, filter pollutants from the stormwater, and improve the appearance of the area.
It’s important to construct the swales with the appropriate slope and with plants that encourage filtration and removal of pollutants.
2. Drains
To prevent surface water from accumulating near the foundation, drains can be set up to collect and steer it away. One example is the installation of underground drains, commonly called French drains, beneath grass, stone, or mulch within areas where water needs to be drained away to avoid pooling.
3. Site Grading
Properly grading the site can help control stormwater runoff and avoid soil saturation near the foundation. It’s important to ensure that the ground around the house is sloped away from the house to channel runoff away from the foundation, keep basements or crawl spaces dry, and prevent water from seeping into the building interior and causing moisture issues.
4. Rain Gardens and Bioretention Swales
To slow down stormwater runoff, ‘source’ solutions such as rain gardens and bioretention swales can be used. These measures help absorb runoff, promote ground infiltration, and decrease the amount of stormwater that enters the public drainage system. The choice of plants, such as grasses, prairie plants, or shrubs, can affect how much water is absorbed and at what rate.
5. Slot Drain Systems
Slot drain systems are a form of linear drainage that can handle anything from water to chemicals. They are more visually appealing as they are designed to blend with the landscape and provide effective drainage without the need for grates. Slot drain systems are an effective way to manage water runoff.
They are unobtrusive, aesthetically pleasing, and they are made to efficiently channel water away from the landscape. A slot drain system is particularly beneficial in flat landscapes where water tends to pool.
6. Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers, such as those offered by TRUEGRID, are an excellent solution for managing landscape drainage. Permeable pavers allow rainwater to pass through their surface and percolate into the ground below, to reduce runoff and erosion. They can be filled with gravel or grass, and allow for aesthetic customization to fit any landscape design.
7. Retention Tanks/Ponds
Retention tanks or retention ponds are designed to store rainwater temporarily during peak rainfall events, and then slowly release it back into the drainage system or environment. This reduces the risk of flooding and pressure on the drainage system.
8. Green Roofs
Green roofs are roofs covered with vegetation and a growing medium. They absorb rainwater, provide insulation, and create a habitat for wildlife. If you have a flat roof, consider creating a green roof. This setup involves planting vegetation on your roof, which helps to absorb rainwater, reduce runoff, and provide insulation.
9. Aerate Lawns
Lawn aeration is an effective method of landscape drainage control that serves a dual purpose of lawn maintenance and yard drainage. The process of lawn aeration is primarily facilitated by a device known as a lawn aerator. The aerator pulls up plugs of grass and soil, and leaves holes in the ground that permit air, water, and nutrients to access the roots.
The plugs left on the surface of the lawn break down over time, and contribute organic matter to the soil. The holes created through aeration form channels that guide water deeper into the soil, rather than allowing it to pool on the surface.
10. Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are used to capture rainwater from roofs and prevent it from becoming runoff. Runoff water often contains pollutants such as soil, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, road salts, and chemicals that can harm water bodies and aquatic organisms. By reducing the amount of runoff, rain barrels help protect waterways and aquatic life from these pollutants.
Rain barrels come in different sizes and can be joined together to capture more rainwater for bigger buildings.
11. Vegetated Filter Strips
These are areas of native shrubs or trees planted in the path of runoff. They help slow down and absorb the water, to help reduce the overall runoff volume.
Gravel and Grass Permeable Pavers
TRUEGRID offers two installation methods for their permeable pavers – gravel infill and grass infill/reinforcement.
Gravel Permeable Pavers
Gravel permeable pavers are a popular choice for driveways and parking spaces. They provide excellent stability and drainage while also maintaining a natural aesthetic. The gaps between the pavers are filled with gravel to provide a durable surface that can support heavy loads, and yet allow water to permeate.
Grass Permeable Pavers
Grass permeable pavers are a more green and eco-friendly option. They are ideal for lawns and garden paths where aesthetics are as important as functionality. Grass permeable pavers are designed to support grass growth while still offering superior drainage capabilities.
Choose TRUEGRID for Your Paver Needs
Choosing the right drainage solution for your landscape ensures its long-term health and beauty. TRUEGRID permeable pavers, whether gravel or grass, are a sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing solution to landscape drainage. Our pavers are designed to handle heavy loads and intense weather conditions while still promoting excellent water management.
We offer reliable, effective, and eco-friendly landscape drainage solutions. To learn more about how TRUEGRID can transform your outdoor space, contact us today for more information and receive a free estimate!
