Sloped yard with standing water after a heavy downpour. - Ask Extension
Our backyards slopes toward a fence. We currently have a 2.5 foot garden bed in front of the fence, and this area gets muddy after heavy rain (our dog...
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Sloped yard with standing water after a heavy downpour. #872875
Asked June 12, 2024, 8:03 PM EDT
Our backyards slopes toward a fence. We currently have a 2.5 foot garden bed in front of the fence, and this area gets muddy after heavy rain (our dog loves it back there, she can visit our neighbor dogs through the fence).
Possible solutions?
-slope the garden bed down towards the fence and add native plants
-add pavers and pea gravel along the fence
-mulch - what type would be best? I'd like to do something, any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
I believe you could create an attractive landscaped bed along the fence by using stones, bricks or landscape timbers to slightly raise the soil level - as long as you create a lower path (swale) for the rain water to get to the fence line. This could be accomplished by connecting the lowest point in the lawn to the fence with a slightly-excavated path lined with pavers, bricks or patio blocks.
I’ve attached an example sketch assuming the current low point is near the center of your photo. (Your dog would also have a place to say hi to the neighbors.)
It appears that this area may not get much sun, so (if true) the plant selection for shade tolerance will be important.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
I’ve attached an example sketch assuming the current low point is near the center of your photo. (Your dog would also have a place to say hi to the neighbors.)
It appears that this area may not get much sun, so (if true) the plant selection for shade tolerance will be important.
Please let me know if you have further questions.
