How Landscaping Can Minimize Flood Damage

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

If you live in North Miami Beach, FL, you are probably accustomed to heavy rains and the threat of outside flooding. Even a moderate amount of water in your home can cause significant damage and expensive cleanup. Protecting your home from a flood can start outside with how you landscape. With some simple designs and arrangements, you can reduce the risk of flooding and feel better when storms arrive.

Use Native Plants

When you begin landscaping your yard, your first thought may be to use plants you think look nice or complement other aspects of your property. While this is certainly an option, be aware that indigenous plants are accustomed to the weather. Native plants have the following advantages during a rain storm:

• They prevent soil erosion
  
• They allow stormwater to drain effectively
  
• They can absorb the water more efficiently
  
  

Grade the Property

If your yard is not graded to slope away from your home, you need to get to work right away to assist with rain drainage. You want the water to drain away from your house in all directions. This includes the water coming down the rain gutters and downspouts.

Use Mulch

Using pieces of bark or other mulch will help soak up the water in flower beds and gardens. Place mulch near windows and window wells. This will also help prevent the rainwater from washing away the dirt. It's best if the mulch is at least 6 inches deep.

Plant Grass

Xeriscaping can look nice and may be a nice eco-friendly solution. However, if you live in an area where outside flooding is common, it's better to have a thick lawn. The grass can help hold in the water and keeps it away from your home.
It's nice to know you can call a flood cleanup team after a disaster. Still, preventing outside flooding damage in the first place is even better. Using these landscaping tactics could save you a lot of trouble when the rain falls.