A significant investment of time, energy, and money goes into making a landscape a beautiful, relaxing oasis. It takes careful planning and, sometimes, considerable collaboration with a landscape designer to create the environment envisioned as the completed project. Careful planning is also advised when considering drainage for your landscaping. Be it from natural rainfall or an irrigation system, water that fails to drain can ruin your landscape. Before you pursue creating your dream landscape, take some time to consider some information regarding drainage.
Without appropriate drainage, water can easily pool around any trees or other plants you plant. Unless resolved quickly, the result may be death of the tree or plant. This is because the pooled water acts as a barrier, which prevents absorption of the oxygen necessary for conversion to carbon dioxide. For a tree, root rot is affirmation that damage has occurred due to improper drainage. Like trees, the death of other plants, such as shrubs or flowers, will result if proper drainage is not managed.
Water that pools because of improper drainage may stagnate and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The presence of these pesky insects can quickly turn what’s meant to be a relaxing environment into a place of unrelenting discomfort and agitation, especially during the warmer months.
The natural lay of the property can be an ally in the pursuit of proper drainage. One factor that may help with drainage is to plant trees on the more naturally sloped areas that may exist. When water is applied, the tree receives the nourishment it needs to facilitate growth, but the slope on which it’s planted facilitates an organic runoff. Quite simply, other than the planning and the planting, nothing else is required of the property owner.
For land that may not have any natural elevations, consider using mulch to create a berm around the base of the tree. As with a slope, a tree is able to take in the water needed for its growth, but the berm helps to shed excessive water, therefore preventing accumulation at the base. If there are no natural elevations on the property, consider consulting an Austin tree trimming specialist. An experienced specialist can assist with grading to develop the slopes required for effective drainage.
Drainage may be cleverly disguised through the creation of a water garden. With the addition of river rocks, a beautiful garden statue or bird bath, complementary flowers or shrubs, or any number of lighting options, the runoff of excessive water manifested as a water garden could easily take the appearance of an intentional design.
Taking a thoughtful, proactive approach in the designing of your landscape can prevent damage to your investment in the long-run if drainage, as well as how to accomplish it, is assessed. Consult a professional to assist you with your concerns, and seek their expertise. If proper drainage is not accomplished initially and a tree later exhibits signs of damage, root rot may be an issue. An Austin tree removal professional can help you determine if the tree will need to be removed.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree services in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and stump removal. For more information on Austin tree service please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
