Virginia sees most of its annual rain between March and November. During this time, your home’s drainage mechanisms will be tested by daily (or near-daily) rain showers and thunderstorms. Yet installing gutters and downspouts, French drains, retaining walls, or a drainage system can protect your home and reduce the potential of erosion damage. If your home remains unprepared for rain, schedule a service with a professional residential landscaping company.
Northern Virginia Landscaping is a highly-rated landscaping company near Fairfax, VA. We offer an array of custom landscaping services that help your property reflect your taste and lifestyle. If you want to transform your outdoor living space with sustainable hardscape, softscape, drainage, or lighting solutions, allow our licensed and insured landscape designers to help. Contact us at (703) 982-0100 to schedule a consultation.
Our team is certified with storm water management certifications in Arlington, VA, as well as NGICP (National Green Infrastructure).
Below, we discuss how to prepare your home and property for spring rains:
Common Drainage Solutions
- Gutters and downspout extensions remain the simplest and–for many homes–most effective way to divert water from their structure. Moreover, they can be used in combination with swales, rain gardens, and other drainage solutions. Nevertheless, homeowners should keep their gutters clean and extend their downspouts at least five feet away from their home’s foundations.
- French channel drains are underground trenches filled with gravel or crushed stone that direct runoff away from your property. They can be installed around the perimeter of your home or in areas where excess water tends to accumulate. If your home has poor drainage, a French channel drain may offer an easy solution.
- Retaining walls are another common solution to address drainage issues, maintain structural protection, and add elegance to your yard. Retaining walls work particularly well for homeowners who want to direct water away from their homes without the expense or hassle of installing a traditional drain system.
- Dry river beds, swales, and ditches can also direct excess water away from your home. These drainage solutions are common in rural areas and residential neighborhoods. They provide gently sloped sides lined with grass or stone to prevent erosion.
- Proper grading of drainage channels to a catch basin or gate valve can also help to move water away from your house. Additional benefits of yard grading include protecting the topsoil, correcting your property’s overall drainage, and improving irrigation.
If you are unsure which drainage solution would suit your home, consult a professional for advice and proper installation.
Residential Landscape Design Company Near Fairfax, VA
By preparing your home for Virginia’s rainy season, you can avoid expensive water damage. The Northern Virginia Landscaping team can help you understand all the landscaping services available to you. We are a full-service, residential landscape design company that has the certifications, experience, and tools you can rely on to create the outdoor living space of your dreams. Contact us at (703) 982-0100 to get started.
