If you have either undeveloped property or a developed landscape that perhaps has areas in which standing water is an issue, there are several things to consider that can correct the issue. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started.
First, standing water can be corrected by changing the grade of the landscape. Often, standing water results due to a landscape’s inability to drain water. This is especially true of areas that are lower than the grade of the surrounding landscape. Standing water puddles, ranging from small to considerable based upon the affected area of the landscape that sits below the grade. Standing water also creates an environment prime for fostering the growth of such disease-transmitting pests as mosquitoes. Certainly, choosing to raise the grade of the landscape will likely facilitate the ability to shed and distribute rainfall more evenly, as well as lessen the chances for the existence of pests on your property.
Or consider using such an inconvenience to your advantage. Consider the addition of a water garden in areas of the landscape that naturally retain and pool rainfall. Some steps may need to be taken to assist with the implementation and overall upkeep of a water garden, especially if you desire to maintain animal life, such as fish. However, there are many creative ways to take what exists naturally on your landscape and turn it into a more acceptable and aesthetic feature.
On the same note, rock gardens are also another possibility. This is because the presence of rocks will also facilitate a degree of natural runoff of precipitation, although it may not completely remove all standing water. Speak with an Austin arborist about structural layouts of rocks that will greatly reduce, if not completely eliminate, standing water. He or she can also advise on specific criteria, including the kinds of rocks available for constructing a rock garden, the best porous or smooth textures for either absorbing water or enabling runoff, and aesthetics, such as rock colors, patterns, and markings.
Some areas of standing water may be caused by landscape trees themselves. Even a tree’s organic drip line may result in areas of standing water, particularly in geographic regions that naturally contend with greater levels of annual precipitation or in those that perhaps go through periods of above average precipitation levels. If this is the case with any of your landscaping trees and you live in Austin, Texas, consult an Austin tree trimming professional for assistance. Appropriately and strategically trimming branches which enable standing water can sometimes correct the issue.
If you prefer to correct the issue with an environmentally-friendly solution, consider planting a tree that grows well in waterlogged areas. Willows and cypress trees are examples of trees that grow relatively well in damp conditions. An Austin tree care specialist can advise you regarding which trees may fare best under such conditions within the average Austin climate. With careful planning, the growth of the tree over time will also serve to improve the overall appearance of your landscape by detracting from, or hiding altogether, the sight of the standing water.
If you still have questions or concerns regarding standing water issues affecting your landscape, contact a licensed, professional Austin arborist for further assistance.
About the Author: Andrew Johnson is the owner of Central Texas Tree Care, a leading provider of Austin tree service in Central Texas. Certified ISA Austin arborist services including: tree trimming, tree removal, tree care and oak wilt treatment. For more information on Austin tree service, please visit https://centraltexastr.wpengine.com.
