A lawn is a sure fire way to tell where you are located geographically. Lawns in a dry arid climate are difficult to keep moist enough so they tend to look brown and brittle. Lawns in a humid area where there is a lot of rain and snow can have very different issues. Although the grass might be green on a lawn in this wet climate, it might also be constantly flooded or mud ridden. While a dry, brown yard might not be very appealing to look at, let's face it, either is a lawn that stays constantly flooded or muddy.



If your home has poor landscaping and you live in a wet climate, it can play havoc with your lawn. Water can stand for days at a time after a heavy rain. If the water happens to be standing around your house, this can be an even bigger and more serious issue. When water is allowed to stand near the base of your home, it can eventually cause leak into your foundation. This can either allow water to accumulate underneath your home where your crawl space is or it can cause leaking or flooding in your basement.

Crawlspace and basement flooding can usually be solved if the faulty landscaping and drainage in your yard is corrected properly. Gutters are one of the best ways to help reduce the amount of water that might stand too close to your home's foundation. Keeping gutters in good condition is necessary. This helps to keep the water which is flowing off of your roof headed in the right direction. In other words, the water should end up as far away from your foundation as possible. This is the main function of gutters.

Even with proper gutter installation and maintenance, if the area around your home's foundation slopes downward toward the house, water will still accumulate and stand there. The slope of your yard should be higher at the base of your home's foundation and gradually run downhill. This allows water to drain away from the home on all sides. If this is not the way your yard is done, you should change it so it does.

Having a proper downhill grade can do a lot to prevent unwanted water under your home. If your lawn is prone to collect water too near the house, you need to either fix the problem yourself or enlist a lawn care specialist to do it for you. Not only will you have a nicer lawn to walk on and fewer problems with dangerous insects like mosquitoes, but you will also be protecting your homes foundation and avoiding possible structural damage as well.

Structural damage to a home's foundation is often due to water damage. Making sure your landscaping is sloped correctly and that your gutters are installed properly and in good working order can save you thousands of dollars in expensive repairs to your home later. Structural damage to a home can absolutely devastate its value. In conclusion, being aware of and fixing any flooding or drainage issues on your lawn can insure a sound and safe foundation under your home.