Basic yard drainage methods & tips

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 02/02/2025

If your yard is full of puddles, soggy soil and waterlogged plants, it’s time to invest in better yard drainage. Depending on the cause and severity of the issue, there are plenty of DIY options you can handle without spending a fortune. Understanding common causes leading to drainage problems and how they affect your yard will go a long way in helping you handle the extra water.

To help, here are some basic tips and methods for improving yard drainage:

Examine & adjust your watering habits

You can often solve yard drainage issues by changing your current gardening habits and systems. For example, having drip irrigation or sprinklers that turn on and off automatically is a common cause of an over saturated yard. If you water your garden manually, consider going longer in between watering trips to see if the situation improves.

It’s also important to check any existing irrigation or sprinkler systems for leaks.

Plant a rain garden

If your yard has poorly drained soil that collects and retains moisture, try setting up a rain garden to capture and gradually absorb runoff. A rain garden helps support the plant life in your yard while taking care of the soil. The right combination of plants arranged in a shallow basin will help improve soil drainage and filter excess water from your yard.

Dig a swale

A swale is an artificial creek or channel used to route water away from problem areas in your yard. By digging a trench and filling it with gravel and river rocks, you can create a dry creek bed to direct the natural flow of rainwater and other excess water. This keeps it out of your soil and helps improve the overall moisture balance of the yard.

There are many methods for improving yard drainage. These three options are some of the simplest DIY solutions that don’t require spending a fortune on landscape renovation. However, if your drainage issues are serious, it’s always best to consult a professional for an expert opinion.

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”