Our water holding backyard

11 years ago

Ok so whenever it rains heavily, our entire backyard becomes soaked. It looks like we have a mini pond normally. I have been trying to come up with a design plan but am very limited due to the water issue along with my dog Apollo who thinks the backyard and anything in it belongs to him. I have tried planting numerous things back there including trees and bushes that help soak up water. And then to my horror I see my lovely boxador running around the yard with said plants in his jaws thanking me for his new toy. Due to this I didn't even touch the backyard last year as you can probably tell. And I have tried numerous things to keep him away from the plants including fencing which he barrels through to get the plant as well as cayenne pepper which he licks up and seems to find delicious as though I was seasoning the plants for him.
A new thought came to me today since we have a one year old. What if I made a playground area towards the left? The grass less patch is where the dogs run making it nearly impossible to grow grass plus it holds water and is in the shade. My husband really wants a fire pit area but I'm not sure where that could go.

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Revolutionary Gardens

11 years ago

Not to be contrarian but replacing the asphalt with a permeable driveway isn't going to solve anything. Permeable pavement allows stormwater to hit the paving surface and percolate through to the soil, where it then filters down and away. That soil is clearly holding every drop of water it can and then some, so permeable is a step in the wrong direction.

@cspyder89, the best advice I can give you on the drainage is to consult with a local pro, someone who's used to working with the soils and related drainage issues in your area. At least in the photos it looks like water just has nowhere to go, but someone on site might be able to see a solution. All I can really tell you from the pics is that your soil appears saturated and since water wants to go downhill you need to find a downhill for it.

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Comments (7)

cspyder89
Original Author
11 years ago
Here's what I've drawn up so far. But I'm not sure where/how to put a fire pit. Plus, if we aren't going to be living here in the next ten years, would this design hurt our home value? Obviously it would be ideal for people with children but the house is a small 1500 sq ft with 3 bedrooms so really it's for young couples starting families or older couples with kids gone.
cspyder89
Original Author
11 years ago
Forgot the pic
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User
11 years ago
You really need to address the drainage issue if for no other reason but to keep the basement dry. If the city won't help, purchase a pump for bad days. As to plantings, how about raised beds? Not only would they help restrain Apollo, but would also block some of the unsightly chain link fence, keep roots drier, and provide more privacy in your backyard. A play area for your little one would be wonderful. As to hubby's desire for a fire pit, talk him into a chiminea instead, if possible. It takes up less space and would be safer around your toddler. Plus, the fire is more at eye level. We have a pottery one from Home Depot that is 10 years old and still going strong.
cspyder89
Original Author
11 years ago
Ah the hideous chain link fence dilemma ha ha. Believe me, I wish we had the money right now to get a privacy. I like the idea of the raised beds and might try that but if he's willing to go through plastic fencing to get the plants, I doubt having to take a step up to get the plants will deter him.
Unfortunately our whole neighborhood has the drainage issue. The picture showing my husband trying to push the water out was after we got so much rain it was the fourth heaviest rain in our areas history. And miraculously our basement stayed dry. We have a sump pump that pumps water from the stairs that lead down to the basement door but I doubt a new one in a different location would do much due to the drains not having anywhere to drain the water. During this rain, MSD (metric sewer department) was on standby right on our street corner, to pump the main drain. So I have to be a bit creative in addressing the problem because not much can be done in this area.
sacapuntaslapioz
11 years ago
you need to think in term of water management instead of landscaping first. My first step woud be to replace the asphalt with a draining permeable surface.
drsusanna
4 years ago
I just saw this and by now you’ve probably solved it or moved. If not - certain trees will absorb a lot of water. This is especially good if it’s always kind of wet. Depending on how much room you want to give up try willow, river birch, water or willow oaks or even a row of young pines along the fence.