Texas may be known for its heat but it is also known for its severe storms that can wreak havoc on the landscape. Whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter, severe weather is never out of reach. It is important that your Fort Worth property is prepared to handle the sudden influx of water with the proper landscape drainage system. Otherwise, you risk flooding to damage your plants and leave your landscape looking like a sloppy mess.
If you are trying to figure out which type of landscape drainage system would best meet the needs of your Fort Worth, Texas home, the team at Landscape By Design can help. Our team of experienced professionals has put together this guide to help you protect your yard and garden from the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it. Here is what you need to know about the different types of landscape drainage systems:
What Are the Different Types of Landscape Drainage?
There are several different types of landscape drainage systems that can be used in North Texas. Here is an overview of the different types:
French Drains
French drains are common in Northern Texas as they are easy to install and are a reliable source of moving water off of your property. It doesn’t require you to dig up much of your landscape and can easily be hidden underneath gravel patches, allowing the water to travel off of your property through the pipes underneath. The rocks and pebbles also act as another form of drainage, as the water filters through and run toward your drainage system.
Curtain Drains
Curtain drains are a more natural alternative to french drains. Instead of using pipes, they make use of an underground trench that is covered by rocks and pebbles to hide the moving water. They can handle more runoff than a french drain, making them a popular choice for individuals in flood-prone areas.
It is important to keep in mind that curtain drains do not work well in flat areas. There needs to be some sort of elevation to allow your water to run down the hill, otherwise, it will just pool inside of the trench and lead to a mucky mess.
Trench Drains
Unlike the curtain drain which is a trench hidden underneath rocks and pebbles, a trench drain remains visible. Traditionally, a grate is installed over the top of the trench to reduce the amount of debris from falling into the trench and causing a clog. This allows the amount of maintenance needed to be reduced, giving homeowners better peace of mind.
They are most often used for walkways and other paved regions of outdoor space, as they are easily installed where there are tiles and pavers. They can also be placed around concrete or stone with little effort. The grates can then be matched to the style of your pavers, to help give them a more aesthetically pleasing look and mask the appearance. These types of trenches work best for flatter areas or homes that have a lot of leaves and pine needles during the fall.
Sump Pumps
If your home is located at a low point with nowhere to allow the water to drain, a sump pump may be the option you need. Sump pumps are built to sit in a basin. This basin helps hide the pump, keeping your landscape looking its best while allowing water to flow into it. The sump pump then pushes the water through the pipes, ensuring that it doesn’t back up into your yard. The water is then redirected toward storm drains or another existing water removal structure such as a nearby pond.
Dry Wells
If your yard does not have enough room to dig any lower into the ground due to hard soil or rock layers, then a dry well may be right for you. The name originates from the way the well is designed. A device is dug into the ground and is large enough to hold typical runoff without allowing the water to flood back into your yard. The well itself is filled with rocks or gravel, allowing the features to stay stable as it floods.
Over time, the water will be reabsorbed into the ground for your plants and to keep the soil healthy. This option works great for homes that are not in a significant flood plain.
Need Help Finding the Drainage Options for You?
When it comes to turning your landscape into a crown jewel of your property, you can rest assured that the team at Landscaper By Design can help. We offer several landscape solutions, from aiding with landscape drainage to creating beautiful outdoor living spaces for you and your family to relax in. Contact our team today for more information on landscape drainage in Fort Worth, Texas, or to schedule an appointment with our landscape design team.