Cities like Lehi, Saratoga Springs, and Eagle Mountain are rapidly expanding, and with this expansion comes more new housing. While this offers homebuyers the opportunity to expand and find a property that fits them better, there are a few drawbacks to these new developments. Many of these properties are plagued by heavy clay soil and poor grading.
Over time, these confounding factors can lead to major headaches, including standing water in your yard. But, this doesn’t have to be the case. With adequate drainage solutions, you can address the standing water problem on your Utah County property. But where should you begin and what might be the best solution for your home?
In this blog, we’ll explore the best drainage solutions for homeowners across Utah County to help you eliminate your standing water problem.
Why Clay Soil Causes Standing Water Problems in Utah County
Although you might like the idea of a waterfront property, dealing with mini lakes forming across your property isn’t the way to achieve this goal. But why are these mini lakes such a problem for Utah County homeowners? Many of these properties are built on land that consists of more dense, clay soils that make standing water a common problem.
Clay soil consists of tiny, tightly-packed particles that make it virtually impossible for water to move downward. When this soil is met with local heavy snowmelt, seasonal storms, and limited organic matter, water cannot move naturally throughout the soil. Instead, this water begins to pool on the surface, leading to chronic yard flooding.
Signs Your Yard Has a Drainage Issue That Needs Attention
While standing water is often the clearest sign that you’re dealing with a drainage problem on your Utah County property, there are a few other signs to look for. If you’re dealing with any of the following, it may be time to reach out to a yard drainage specialist for expert support:
- Soggy or squishy ground that feels wet and spongy long after the rain stops or your sprinklers finish running.
- Soil erosion, including ruts, washed-out mulch, exposed tree roots, and bare dirt patches from fast-moving water.
- Yellow, thinning, or dead patches of grass as a result of waterlogged grass roots that lack adequate oxygen.
- Brown spots or frequent fungal outbreaks as a result of constantly damp, poorly draining soil conditions.
- Mud splatters on your siding, a damp crawl space, or pooling close to your home’s walls that pose structural problems.
- Swarms of mosquitoes and green algae growth due to stagnant water building up on your property.
The Best Drainage Solutions for Clay Soil Landscapes
When it comes to drainage solutions for your standing water, there are a few incredibly reliable options. The most common drainage solutions include French drains, catch basins, and yard grading. But which is right for your Utah County home? If you’re thinking about investing in one of these options, consider the following:
| French Drain | Catch Basin | Yard Grading | |
| How It Works | A hole-drilled pipe is placed in a gravel-filled trench, wicking and catching water to lead away from your yard and home. | A sunken box with an open grate top is placed in low-lying areas to catch surface water and funnel it toward underground pipes. | The slopes and ground across your yard is reshaped to safely and carefully pull water away from your home and prevent pooling. |
| Best For | Addressing subsurface water, soggy lawns, and high water tables. | Standing water, heavy downspout runoff, and low flat spots. | Directing rainwater flow away from your home’s foundation. |
| Pros | This drainage solution is hidden from view, limiting its impact on your yard aesthetics. | This option quickly addresses standing water, removing it from your property. | This is the most natural and maintenance-free way to address standing water. |
| Cons | A French drain can be a more labor intensive and expensive drainage solution. | The grate can clog with leaves and other organic debris, leading to more flooding. | Grading is limited by tight spaces and heavy clay that doesn’t absorb rainwater. |
How Professional Grading and Drainage Systems Protect Your Property
When it comes to dealing with drainage problems on your Utah County property, a combination of french drains and yard grading can make a major, lasting difference. However, it is essential that you partner with a professional landscaping team when you are ready to make the investment, because DIY solutions may not yield the results you’re hoping for.
Professional grading and drainage system installation means professional preparation before the installation begins. They’ll perform a site assessment and obtain any essential permits before beginning the job. They will also ensure debris is removed and the appropriate equipment is available for the project.
From there, they will carefully begin any grading and French drain installation. When they’re done, you can trust that the final product will perform as anticipated. If you’ve been on the fence about making this investment, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted yard drainage specialist to discuss this project.
Prevent Future Drainage Problems with Smart Landscape Planning
Beyond investing in professional drainage solutions, you should also consider some smart landscape planning. Consider talking to your landscaping team about incorporating things like a dry creek bed and rain garden into your updated yard design. Dry creek beds, like other drainage options, allow you to naturally guide water away from your home.
Rain gardens, filled with native, water-loving plants can help to catch and absorb excess runoff during heavy rain and snowmelt. When placed in shallow depressions, it can also help you avoid future standing water problems. With these systems and landscaping in place, you can trust that any further flooding is a thing of the past.
Turn to Our Yard Drainage Specialists for Expert Support
When you’re plagued by standing water problems, it can be exhausting to deal with. But, with the support of our team at Total Yard Pro, these problems can become a thing of the past. We have the training, tools, and experience to help you address drainage problems of all sizes. Whether you’ve just noticed this problem or you’ve been dealing with it for years, our team is here to help you find a lasting solution.
When you’re ready to learn more about our drainage solutions and what is right for your Utah County home, contact us to get started.
