Many people consider the outside of your house to be the first impression your home offers. A nice paint job, decorative window treatments, and lighting all help set the tone for what people can expect before they walk in.
But one of the most impactful things about the outside of your home is your landscaping. A nicely manicured lawn and flowers can make a massive difference in the overall appearance of your house.
However, strategic and well-placed landscaping goes beyond just the look of your home. It can also be a valuable tool for preventing floods in your home.
Proper landscaping around your home can make a massive difference if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. Here’s how you can make the most of your yard to avoid potential floods in your home.
Prevent Floods by Leveling Out Slopes
If you notice your house sits in a portion of your yard that is lower than the rest, you’ll want to begin your work by leveling out your yard. When your home sits on a downslope, you risk any excess rain or snow water running directly into your house.
While this may not seem like a big deal during minor storms with minimal water run-off, it can quickly cause problems if a heavy rainfall or massive snow melt occurs. You may find yourself with a basement full of water in these instances.
Rather than risk a flood, it’s best to begin landscaping by leveling out your yard. While a high slope around your home is ideal, filling a yard can also be expensive and time-consuming. Reaching a level point is safer than a downslope.
Depending on the severity of your slope, you may need to purchase fill dirt to achieve the level you need. This can be costly, so it’s always worth asking people you know or even posting on local pages to see if anyone has some extra dirt they are willing to part with.
Add Mulch in Flowerbeds for Beauty and Function
If you have flowerbeds surrounding your home, you likely know there are many options for filling them. Some people prefer gravel; others like the look of natural soil.
However, if you’re looking to prevent flooding in your home, you may want to consider mulch as your best filler. Unlike other filler options, mulch helps absorb water and can help prevent excess run-off from entering your home.
When choosing mulch, it’s important not to cut costs if you’re looking to prevent flooding. Choosing a heavy-duty option and laying it about three to four inches thick is key to this method working its best.
If you’re utilizing mulch in close proximity to your home’s siding, it’s essential to keep your mulch at least six inches from your exterior. Any closer and you run the risk of excess moisture and rot.
Choose Native Plants for Your Landscaping Projects
While choosing your flowers and shrubs based on looks alone may be tempting, there are some other essential factors to consider before purchasing your outdoor greenery. Native plants to your area have a variety of benefits when planted, and flood prevention may be one of them.
Since these plants are already acclimated to your climate, they will be able to handle the rainfall your area receives typically. Because native plants thrive in their natural environment, they will be extremely handy in absorbing any excess rainwater that may fall throughout the year.
Choosing plants that are not native to your area may lead to a lack of water absorption, as the amount of rainfall you see could be too much for them. The result could be sitting water throughout your yard as the exotic plants struggle to keep up with the amount of water they are receiving.
Finding native plants is typically easy. Try heading over to your local greenhouse and speaking with someone about the best native plants for your area. You can also do some research yourself online if you wish. Garden and landscaping can be very simple.
Plant a Rain Garden to Enjoy Its Benefits
Many people enjoy planting gardens around their homes, but a rain garden can serve multiple purposes. Not only does it offer you a beautiful oasis to enjoy, but it also works as a preventative measure against flooding.
The plants used in rain gardens are special, deep-rooted species meant to help water quickly absorb into the soil. You can ensure the excess water stays far away from your home by creating a path for the rainwater to head straight for your garden through a downspout.
It’s best to plant your rain garden about ten feet from your home, ensuring you have enough space between your living space and the excess water. You can choose to make your garden as large or small as you wish, as there is no perfect size for this project.
Place a Rain Barrel Outside to Catch Excessive Rainfall
This tip may not technically require you to get your hands dirty, but it greatly benefits your home’s overall landscape. Rain barrels are an easy and effective way to catch excess water runoff that could potentially cause problems in your home.
The best location to place your rain barrels is at the end of your downspouts. This way, all the water from your gutters will run directly into your barrels. Not only does this prevent that water from pooling up around your home, but it also helps you save on water costs.
You can utilize rain barrels to water your garden once they are full. This water is free to use and can keep your plants healthier than water from your hose.
Preventing Flooding Through Proper Landscaping
A flood in your home is something no one wants to deal with. Between the damage and the insurance claims process, the experience can be a challenging one.
However, proper landscaping can help you prevent flooding and keep your home dry during heavy rainfall. You can avoid potential floods by leveling out your yard, planting native flowers, adding mulch, creating a rain garden, and utilizing rain barrels.
Transforming your home through landscaping will have an impact on the value of your home. Choosing any of these landscaping measures can help you not only have beautiful curb appeal but also keep your home perfectly dry.
