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As temperatures heat up across the country, it’s important to understand how landscaping can help to reduce the impact of floods. As you begin planting flowers, plants, and trees that will accent your garden beds, backyard, and home’s exterior, remember: there’s more to landscaping than just growing your curb appeal.
If you’ve already been affected by a flood, your landscaping is an even higher priority. Immediate action is necessary after a flood; however, you also need to consider long-term planning to protect your property from future flooding. Implementing strategic landscaping techniques can significantly help control and divert water away from your home.
ATI Restoration is dedicated to helping homeowners recover from water and flood damage swiftly and thoroughly.
If you’re facing the challenges of flood recovery in your residential property, contact ATI Restoration right away. With more than 70 regional offices across the country, we offer critical 24-Hour Emergency Response services. Our flood restoration specialists are standing by to assess your situation and provide a detailed plan of action. Our goal is to help you return to normalcy as quickly as possible.
Flooding can cause significant damage to your property, your landscaping, and the ecosystem. By employing effective landscaping strategies, you can minimize these impacts and improve your property’s ability to manage water.
A functioning sump pump is crucial for preventing basement flooding. To ensure your sump pump is functioning properly, it’s important to test it regularly. Test your sump pump every few months and after major storms by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. Make sure the pump starts automatically and drains the water quickly. Make sure the pump and its inlet screen are clean.
Collecting rainwater in a barrel can reduce runoff and provide you with a water source for irrigation. Ensure that the barrel is made of a UV-resistant material and has a proper cover to prevent mosquitoes. Install a downspout diverter to direct rainwater from your gutter system into the barrel. Set up an overflow hose to direct excess water away from your foundation.
Driveways can direct a significant amount of water toward your home. To mitigate this, install drainage grates at the lowest point of the driveway to catch runoff. Alternatively, creating a permeable driveway with materials like gravel, pervious concrete, or permeable pavers allows water to seep through and reduces runoff.
Creating a rain garden involves planting a basin with water-tolerant plants to absorb rainwater. It should be situated away from your home’s foundation but where it can collect runoff from your roof, driveway, or street. Use local wetland or water-tolerant plants that can survive both wet and dry conditions. Make sure there's an overflow route for excess water to prevent flooding.
Healthy, robust grass can absorb rainfall and reduce runoff. Choose grass types known for their resilience and ability to absorb water, such as fescue or Bermuda grass. Till the soil before planting and add organic matter to improve its water-holding capacity. Regular maintenance through mowing, aeration, and fertilization will keep the grass healthy and effective at absorbing water.
Mulch enriches soil and acts as a barrier to slow runoff. Choose organic mulch, like wood chips or straw, that improves the soil structure by absorbing water and gradually breaking down. When applying mulch, lay a 2-3 inch layer around plants, leaving some space around the stem to prevent rot.
Using native plants in your landscaping can significantly reduce water runoff because these species are adapted to local weather conditions and soil types. Look for plants with deep roots that can help absorb more water and stabilize the soil. Planting densely also helps slow down water flow and increases water absorption.
A sloping yard can direct water toward your home, potentially causing basement flooding and erosion. Leveling the yard is a vital first step in flood prevention. Start by determining the direction and degree of the slope with a level or laser level. Use a mix of topsoil and sand to fill in low areas, which allows for better drainage and supports plant growth. Ensure the fill material is compacted properly to prevent settling over time. Aim for a gentle slope away from the house (about a 5% grade) to naturally direct water away from your foundation.
Once you’ve completed the above checklist, be sure to do regular maintenance at the beginning of each season change. Excessive rain, snow, or even droughts can create natural changes to your landscaping. Be aware about where rainwater and groundwater are pooling to best keep your home protected from unnecessary water damage.
If your home has been impacted by water damage, ATI Restoration’s team of experts is ready to handle every aspect of the recovery process. We offer a full suite of services that address both the immediate and long-term effects of water damage, ensuring your property is thoroughly restored to its pre-flood condition—or better—as soon as possible. We are committed to minimizing disruption and helping you get back to normal with services such as:
With ATI Restoration, you can trust that your property will be treated with the utmost care and professionalism. We strive to offer a smooth and efficient restoration process.
The aftermath of a flood can be overwhelming. You may be facing structural damage, dangerous mold growth, and the destruction of important documents and memories. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. ATI Restoration is standing by, ready to provide the help you need, day or night, with 24/7 support to homeowners affected by floods.
Our water damage restoration technicians are IICRC-certified. This gives you peace of mind knowing that our teams are highly trained in the most current and effective restoration techniques. IIRC certification also ensures that our work adheres to the highest industry standards. From the first assessment of damage to the completion of a restoration project, we strive to restore your property to its pre-loss condition—or better—as quickly as possible.
Contact ATI Restoration today to start the recovery process and learn how we can your property on the fast-track to recovery.