Florida living comes with plenty of perks, but a dry lawn isn't always one of them. If you live here, you know the drill: the clock strikes 3:00 PM in the summer, the skies open up, and suddenly your backyard looks more like a swimming pool than a lawn.
While our rainy season (typically June through September) keeps things green, it also exposes serious drainage weaknesses in many properties. Standing water isn't just an eyesore; it's a threat to your home's foundation and a breeding ground for pests.
If you're tired of stepping into a swamp every time you walk out your back door, we can help. Here is everything you need to know about protecting your property from water damage.
You might think that because Florida is relatively flat, water would just sit there. But the issue is often more complex than just topography. Our soil composition varies wildly. In coastal areas like St. Petersburg or the barrier islands, the sandy soil usually drains quickly. However, inland areas often have layers of clay or hardpan just a few feet beneath the surface that act like a bathtub bottom, trapping water with nowhere to go.
Furthermore, many new construction homes in Central Florida are built on "fill" dirt that has been compacted tightly to support the foundation. While this is great for the house, it's terrible for drainage.
If your grass is constantly soggy, you might need to rethink your yard's foundation. While sod design & installation is often the final step in a landscaping project, choosing the right turf that can handle wet "feet" is crucial. However, even the toughest St. Augustine grass can't survive underwater forever.
Leaving standing water alone is rarely a good strategy. The water has to go somewhere, and if you don't give it a path, it will find one you might not like.
Is standing water damaging my home?
Yes, it certainly can. When water pools against your home’s foundation, it can seep into cracks, causing structural damage over time. This is why proper grading—sloping the ground away from your house—is the first line of defense.
Why are mosquitoes so bad in my yard?
Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap full of water to breed. If you have puddles that last more than 24 hours, you're essentially running a mosquito nursery. This poses a health risk to your family and pets.
What about soil erosion?
Uncontrolled water runoff washes away topsoil and expensive mulch. If you see exposed tree roots or channels cut into your flower beds after a storm, you have an erosion problem.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all fix, but there are several proven methods we use to manage water. Experienced landscaping companies Tampa Florida residents trust will usually recommend a combination of these techniques based on your specific yard.
A French drain is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. It captures groundwater and redirects it to a designated exit point. These are fantastic for drying out soggy lawn areas that stay wet days after a rainstorm.
If you have a pool deck or a driveway that floods, a channel drain is likely the answer. These are long, narrow grates set into the pavement that catch surface water before it can pool up or enter your garage.
Sometimes, gravity just isn't on your side. If your backyard is lower than the street or the surrounding properties, you may need a sump pump. This system collects water in a basin and mechanically pumps it away to a safe drainage area.
Often, the problem isn't the yard; it's the roof. An average 2,000-square-foot roof can dump over 1,000 gallons of water during a heavy storm. If your downspouts empty right at your foundation, you're asking for trouble. We often bury solid PVC pipes to carry that roof water far away from the house.
Pro Tip: While you're digging up the yard to fix drainage, it's the perfect time to evaluate your irrigation system installation. A broken sprinkler line can mimic a drainage problem, adding water to an already saturated area. We can ensure your system is water-efficient and not contributing to the swamp.
We love a good DIY project, but drainage is deceptive. It looks like just digging a hole, but it involves physics and fluid dynamics.
Can I fix this myself?
If you just need to extend a downspout or add a splash block, go for it. These are simple fixes that cost very little and can make a big difference.
When do I need a contractor?
If you need to install a French drain, change the grading of your land, or install a sump pump, you should hire a professional. Getting the "slope" wrong by even an inch can result in water backing up toward your house instead of away from it.
Additionally, cost is a factor. According to Angi, the average cost to install a French drain is about $5,000, though this varies significantly based on the length and complexity of the system. While this is an investment, compare it to the cost of foundation repair, which can easily exceed $10,000.
Not all landscaping companies Tampa Florida has to offer are equipped to handle complex drainage. Many focus solely on cutting grass or planting flowers. You need a team that understands the engineering side of landscaping.
Check their local experience
Drainage in Sanford's historic district is different from drainage in a new development in Lake Nona. Ensure your contractor knows the local regulations. For example, you typically cannot drain your water directly onto a neighbor's property or into certain protected waterways without a plan.
Ask about their process
A good contractor will start with a laser level or transit to map the elevation of your yard. If they just "eyeball it," you should look elsewhere. At Citrus Landscape Solutions, we analyze the topography, soil type, and water sources before we stick a shovel in the ground.
Once your system is installed, it's not "set it and forget it." To protect your investment, you need to keep it clean.
Clear the debris
If you have catch basins (little plastic grates in the yard), check them after you mow. Grass clippings and leaves can clog the grate, rendering the whole system useless during the next storm.
Watch the outlet
Know where your pipe ends (usually at the street or a low spot). Make sure this exit point hasn't been crushed by a vehicle or buried by dirt. If the water can't get out, it can't get in.
Flush the system
Once a year, it's a good idea to run a hose into your drainage piping to ensure water flows freely. If it backs up, you may have a root intrusion or a clog that needs professional clearing.
Water is a powerful force, especially here in Florida. Whether you're battling erosion in Tampa or standing water in Orlando, ignoring the problem will only make it more expensive to fix later. Proper drainage protects your home’s value, your landscape’s health, and your family’s safety.
If you're looking for landscaping companies Tampa Florida or Orlando residents trust to solve these wet-weather headaches, we are here to help. We combine expert knowledge of Florida's unique climate with high-quality installation to keep your yard dry and beautiful.
Don't wait for the next hurricane season to find out your drainage isn't working. Call Citrus Landscape Solutions today at (407) 759-1260 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
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