By Melissa Graham | Published Mar 28, 2022 2:47 PM

Photo: depositphotos.comQ: I’ve noticed pooling water on my lawn, and I’m worried I have serious drainage issues. Who do I call for drainage problems in my yard?

A: Since pooling water can be indicative of bigger problems in your yard, it’s recommended to call a landscaping professional to diagnose the issue and come up with lawn drainage solutions. A number of issues could lead to drainage problems, including poor soil irrigation, improper grading, or neglected or damaged gutters. While it may be tempting to address the issues yourself, the problem may be more complex than a simple DIY fix. Whatever is causing the issue, it’s wise to have an expert look at it as soon as possible, since pooling water can be a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes.

Whether you need backyard drainage or front yard drainage, you won’t need to ask who to call for drainage problems in your yard if you follow this guide and if searching for “yard drainage contractor near me” yields few results. Don't let drainage problems get worseA top-rated pro can help. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from experts near you. Find a Pro +

Before you try to diagnose the yard drainage issues yourself, it helps to have a professional landscaping contractor take a look at your lawn. This way, you don’t get knee-deep in a DIY project that doesn’t address the real problem. These experts have years of experience that they can rely on to help figure out the root of the issue and come up with a plan to eliminate the pooling water or muddy spots in no time. Plus, your landscape drainage may require specific tools and equipment that are better left to the pros. If the yard needs to be graded, connected to local drainage systems, or requires the installation of new drains, you’ll need the help of a professional landscaping contractor.

Photo: depositphotos.comDrainage problems may be caused by improper grading or poor soil irrigation, which requires the expertise of a landscaping professional.

A number of problems could result in drainage problems in your yard, from improper grading to poor soil irrigation. If you notice pooling at the base of your house, low spots, ruts, or slightly raised areas, these can all be signs that you’re dealing with improper grading. To solve this issue, yard drainage contractors will regrade your lawn by removing soil from raised areas and adding and compacting soil in low areas. Poor soil irrigation may be the cause of broken or unbalanced sprinkler heads or leaks. A landscaping professional can help determine if all your sprinklers are in working order and spaced appropriately so that your entire yard gets equal coverage. Soil irrigation issues can also be solved by putting in more absorbent soil, aerating the lawn so that it absorbs water more efficiently, or putting in an underground drainage system.

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A landscaping professional may suggest a more extensive fix, such as a dry well or a French drain. A dry well is commonly used to prevent flooding from sudden storm water or gray water, which is the runoff that comes from things like your washing machine or bath tub. Dry wells give water a hidden place to go, leaving your yard puddle-free. A French drain diverts water through an underground pipe to a curbside storm drain, again preventing water from pooling in your yard.

Photo: depositphotos.comAn old or neglected gutter system can cause water to pool close to your house and can require the services of a roofing or gutter professional.

The good news about having outdated or worn-down gutters is that the problem is generally easy to spot and fix. If you own a tall enough ladder, you can check your gutters to see if they’re clogged, sagging, or have bad seams or joints that are causing leaks. If any of these issues are present, it’s an easy enough task to handle on your own. But if you are scared of heights or find that the damage is more severe than you expected, you will likely need to call a roofing or gutter professional who can correct the issues. They can perform routine maintenance that will help water drain more easily, or if you need new gutters, they can install them properly and advise you on which type works best for your home. You can also have your downspouts extended farther beyond landscaping around the home to prevent water pooling in the future.

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If your drainage issues are the result of a sewer problem, your local water company may be able to help if there’s a blockage that lies on the city’s side of your yard. This would occur where your sewer line connects to the municipal sewer system. Your local government may also be able to provide assistance if tree roots infiltrate the sewer lines in your yard, causing a leak or other drainage issues. If this requires the work of a plumber or landscaping professional, the city may be able to cover the costs or reimburse you if you present them with a copy of your bill.

If you’ve already called a landscaping professional and they’ve suggested drainage ideas for your backyard that haven’t solved the issue, you may have an extreme drainage case that requires the help of your water company or local government. It’s worth giving them a call to see if they can provide assistance or suggest another yard drainage contractor near you.

Photo: depositphotos.comIn general, a landscaping professional can help solve most yard drainage problems.

There’s a chance that the drainage problems in your yard are too complicated to tackle solo and require the help of a landscaping professional who has yard drainage solutions. Plus, you may not have the time or resources to provide backyard drainage solutions, if that’s where your issue is located. In short, if your search history reads “yard drainage specialist near me,” an expert landscaper can get your yard in tip-top shape and prevent additional pooling from occurring. They may need to install a French drain, which redirects water discreetly, or they may need to secure permits to hook your drainage pipes or trenches to municipal storm drainage. In short, if you are in need of water drainage solutions, calling a landscaping professional is the best place to start.

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