Tips for Backyard Drainage
Pave and plant to improve drainage in an outdoor area
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Pave and plant to improve drainage in an outdoor area.
Small outdoor spaces have a tendency for drainage problems. When the runoff isn’t effective, the soil is unable to absorb water after rain so it puddles on the surface forming muddy patches, becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and rots top-soil root systems. As a result, hot weather dries out the soil so it becomes barren and inhospitable to plants.
Small Waterwise Yards
The aim is to soak up the water after heavy rain, while retaining moisture in the soil to keep the garden green in dry weather.
1. Paving breaks up an expanse of soil, helping avoid puddles and provide a hard surface for movement around the yard and to doors and steps.
2. Groundcover makes the most of rainfall by distributing moisture and allowing water to drain off easily into the ground to prevent soil from drying out.
3. Mulching keeps soil moist, insulates the garden and provides plants with nutrients as it breaks down over time. Native plants are waterwise, and don’t need much watering if mulched effectively.
For a shady yard
Lay road base mixed with cement and decorative inlays of 100 x 100m granite setts, called cobbles, and runoff drains around the perimeter.
For a soggy corner
Build square timber trays from treated pine to fill with white river pebbles and position with squares of groundcover planted in soil.
For a pudle-free path
Tall bamboo and black pebbles flank a timber-edged pathway filled with stones for drainage.
For no drainage
Lay 600 x 400mm concrete pavers, planting the gaps with tall mondo grass to absorb water.
For texture underfoot
Two-tone exposed aggregate inlaid with 400 x 400mm pavers has a slight slope for runoff.
On a slope
Rustic sleeper steps and mulched bark retain moisture in the soil without pooling water.
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