A yard with poor drainage will cause water damage throughout your property. The moisture will accumulate around the house's base, infiltrate the structure, dampen the crawlspace or basement, and saturate the foundation. To prevent these issues, have a landscaping professional improve the yard's drainage by building rock walls or in-ground channels to divert water. Here's how to know your yard isn't draining properly.

3 Signs of Poor Yard Drainage

1. Pooling Water

The gutters and downspouts of your home are meant to divert water from the roof and away from the house. However, if the yard isn't draining properly, water may collect and form puddles around the base of the structure instead.

You may see more of the lower wall of the structure exposed as a result. In some cases, you may also notice efflorescence on the side of the foundation. This is a white or gray mineral deposit buildup that may form with exposure to mineral-rich water.

2. Mold or Mildew Growth

Standing water around the base of a house creates a damp environment. This can cause mold or mildew to develop along the exterior, as well as the basement and crawlspace. You may see mold colonies or notice a musty smell in these areas.

3. Erosion

If water doesn't drain evenly, it can cause the topsoil to shift and move. If the silt, mulch, or bark you use in your garden is building up in piles and clumps after a rainfall, drainage may be an issue.

This problem endangers the health of your garden, as plant roots become more exposed to the elements and can't anchor as firmly into the soil. Excess water can also cause erosion around the home's foundation.

If you notice any of these red flags, turn to the landscaping team at Greatland Tree Service in Anchorage, AK. These professionals have over 15 years of experience, and they can implement drainage solutions that fit your yard's unique needs. View their landscaping services online, or call (907) 336-8733 to request an estimate.