I read the response the landscaper gave and I have to say that I tried that suggestion without anybody telling it first and it hasn't worked so well for a couple of reasons.
1) Dirt and mulch is washed away every time it rains. In our case our sidewalk leading up to our house floods because the mulch and dirt collects at the base of the porch steps. And my husband and I can't figure out a good solution for a better sidewalk.
2) No matter what you plant, the rains washes away the nutrients in the soil you put down. In our case we also have the problem of either too much shade or sun because of the trees near the house and so figuring out what to plant is difficult.
I'm getting ready to pull everything I've done out and let it go to just grass.
Aug 24, 2008 Rating
Landscaping Drainage Near House by: Susan
Those that have their homes set up a little higher than the surrounding land always have it a bit easier than those in your situation.
However, the problem can definitely be solved!
The most important thing to understand is that the land at your house must be pitched away from the house. The elevation of the grade at your house has to be higher than the land around it.
In some situations where this is almost impossible, perforated drainage pipe can be placed adjacent to the house and lead the water away. This however would not be my first choice.
In your situation, there are a few options.
The first would be to create a swale. Grade the land away from your house for a minimum distance of five feet at 1/4" per foot. That means that the elevations five feet out should be 1 1/4" lower than the elevations at the house.
The land coming from the street is already pitched towards this area. As it meets the area of five feet out from your house, you will create a channel (swale) in the lawn (almost like a gentle stream) which should be sloped sideways to lead the water away. The swale should also be pitched at 1/4" per foot.
Another option would work if you have a planting bed near the house. Pitch the land similar to the above "swale" option. However, install a perforated pipe which would lead the water away.
The pipe should be wrapped in filter fabric to keep the hole in the pipe clear. Loose, decorative stone would be placed on top.
It is not the norm to create a swale in planted areas, as the water does not flow properly and mulch is just washed away.
I hope this helps. These are general suggestions. Your own land topography will determine the best solutions.
