How to Improve the Drainage of Your Lawn

Does your lawn suffer from poor drainage? Lawns require water. As it rains, water will soak into the soil where it's able to hydrate your lawn's grass and plants. Too much water, however, can lead to problems such as soil erosion, mold and fungal disease. And if your lawn suffers from poor drainage, water will accumulate on it. Fortunately, you can improve the drainage of your lawn by following these tips.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trimming large tree branches can improve your lawn's drainage. Large branches can cast shade over your lawn. With less direct sunlight, water will linger on your lawn for a longer period. Trimming the overhanging branches will result in more direct sunlight reaching your lawn so that water evaporates more quickly.

Use Less Mulch

You should avoid using too much mulch on your lawn. Many homeowners add mulch in flowerbeds and around trees. While there are different varieties of mulch, nearly all of them retain water. They'll absorb and hold water. If you use an excessive amount of mulch on your lawn, you may experience drainage problems. Rather than running off your lawn, water will accumulate on it. You can still some mulch, but try to follow the "less is more" approach to improve your lawn's drainage.

Aerate the Soil

Another tip to improve your lawn's drainage is to aerate the soil. Aeration is the process of scoring the surface of the soil with small holes. There are walk-behind aerators that you can push and roll over your lawn. As the aerator scores the surface with small holes, it will improve your lawn's drainage.

Mow Regularly

Don't underestimate the importance regularly mowing your lawn. Proper drainage requires deep grass roots. Grass roots will hold the soil together so that water can drain off it. For the grass roots to dig deep into the soil, though, you need to regularly mow your lawn. Mowing your lawn once a week during the spring and summer will encourage deeper roots that, among other things, improves your lawn's drainage.

Build a French Drain

If you're still experience drainage issues, you may want to build a French drain. A French drain is a simple water drainage system. It consists of a rock-filled trench with a piece of perforated pipe. Water will sink through the rocks and into the pipe. The pipe will then redirect the water to an appropriate area, such as the edge of your lawn.