Having standing water in your yard can be incredibly frustrating. It’s an invitation to pests, kills off healthy grass, makes walking or playing a messy event, and can cause a bad smell. If standing water is a problem for you, there are several steps you can take to address it, including those listed below.

Address the Leveling

Standing water often occurs when the yard is unlevel, as water naturally travels to the lowest point in a yard. If you have a great deal of standing water, you might need to call in a landscaper for the best results. They can help you achieve more level ground and address any trouble spots.

Aerate

Sometimes, soil clumps together, making it difficult for the water to soak in. When this is the case, a lawn aerator can help. You simply insert the aerator into several spots about two inches apart throughout your yard. This will help break up the compacted soil, allowing the water to travel as it should.

Provide a Path for Your Water

Again, water naturally travels to the lowest part of a yard. If you have standing water, you can usually address it by creating a lower spot for the water to travel to.

One way to do this is with a dry creek bed. Dig a trench that leads out to a well or storm drain. You’ll then fill the trench with gravel and rocks, which creates a natural pathway for the water to follow.

Another option is to consider French drains. They operate with the same principle of providing a lower path for the water, but they involve a few more materials. French drain installation isn’t overly complicated, but many people prefer to have a professional take care of it to ensure the system functions properly.

If standing water is an issue in your yard, these steps can help fix it. In most cases, it’s more cost-effective to have a professional landscaper come in, survey your yard, and provide the best recommendations for your needs. A consultation can save you time, money, and frustration.