Rain water management - Ask Extension
Our home is near Lake Michigan. Every spring water flows into our yard from higher areas and typically collects there for weeks, then is dry during th...
Knowledgebase
Rain water management #924156
Asked February 02, 2026, 5:26 PM EST
Our home is near Lake Michigan. Every spring water flows into our yard from higher areas and typically collects there for weeks, then is dry during the summer. This is increasingly damaging to foundations in our neighborhood, not only because of the naturally swampy environment, but the lack of township building department limitations on tree removal. Extensive foundation work is pricey but ultimately ineffective long-term. Would French drains help? Would a rain garden help? And who would install these things? How do I evaluate what would be an effective solution? I have a good lawn service, but they have no expertise in rain gardens and are not water management engineers. Your guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.
Berrien County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Liz,
It's difficult to recommend an action without seeing the situation. If your yard was originally a wetland, then the topography, natural soils, and hydrology will be difficult to overcome.
You will likely need to hire a company to conduct a site assessment, design what is needed, and then install. French drains and rain gardens may indeed be part of the solution.
Consider reaching out to your local conservation district or drain commissioner's office to see if they have a list of local companies who have these services.
