Landscape Design
12 Beautiful Ways to Manage Excess Water in Your Yard
Use rain gardens, rills and more to turn drainage into a design feature while creating a more resilient landscape
Whether your yard floods during downpours, is permanently boggy or is so dry that rain simply washes away, managing drainage is a necessary and sometimes challenging task.
Slowing the flow and directing water into the ground prevents damaging runoff and pooling, making your yard more usable while nourishing any plants. If space allows, creating a dedicated area where water is welcomed can diversify your plantings and attract local wildlife. These backyard solutions also contribute more broadly by reducing the strain on overburdened storm drains.
Water management doesn’t have to come at the expense of style, either. Discover how these designs turn drainage into an attractive landscape feature.
Slowing the flow and directing water into the ground prevents damaging runoff and pooling, making your yard more usable while nourishing any plants. If space allows, creating a dedicated area where water is welcomed can diversify your plantings and attract local wildlife. These backyard solutions also contribute more broadly by reducing the strain on overburdened storm drains.
Water management doesn’t have to come at the expense of style, either. Discover how these designs turn drainage into an attractive landscape feature.
2. Plant a Soft ‘Area Rug’
In dining or semiformal seating areas, a firm surface is important for keeping furniture level and stable. To soften the hardscaping and prevent water from pooling, consider growing a walkable ground cover between wide-set paving slabs.
In this cozy seating area by Winn Design+Build in Maryland, velvety grass gives the effect of a geometric area rug while efficiently absorbing rainwater. To keep the look neat, the joints would need only a quick trim every week or two. You also could try creeping thyme or silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae, USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone) for added texture and tiny flowers.
In dining or semiformal seating areas, a firm surface is important for keeping furniture level and stable. To soften the hardscaping and prevent water from pooling, consider growing a walkable ground cover between wide-set paving slabs.
In this cozy seating area by Winn Design+Build in Maryland, velvety grass gives the effect of a geometric area rug while efficiently absorbing rainwater. To keep the look neat, the joints would need only a quick trim every week or two. You also could try creeping thyme or silver carpet (Dymondia margaretae, USDA zones 9 to 11; find your zone) for added texture and tiny flowers.
3. Go Subtle With Gravel
Using gravel between pavers is another effective way to manage excess water. For a subtle effect, choose stones in a similar color to the paving, as seen in this project by Silliman CitySide Homes in Orlando, Florida. Alternatively, highlight a geometric paving pattern with a contrasting hue for a bold, contemporary look.
When selecting gravel, bear in mind that angular gravel will lock in place better than rounded pea gravel. Set the gravel surface slightly lower than the pavers to minimize the migration of stones. An all-gravel patio is an option, but ensure that your furniture has chunky legs that won’t slip or sink, or consider building floating benches for a stable seating solution.
Using gravel between pavers is another effective way to manage excess water. For a subtle effect, choose stones in a similar color to the paving, as seen in this project by Silliman CitySide Homes in Orlando, Florida. Alternatively, highlight a geometric paving pattern with a contrasting hue for a bold, contemporary look.
When selecting gravel, bear in mind that angular gravel will lock in place better than rounded pea gravel. Set the gravel surface slightly lower than the pavers to minimize the migration of stones. An all-gravel patio is an option, but ensure that your furniture has chunky legs that won’t slip or sink, or consider building floating benches for a stable seating solution.
4. Keep Your Gravel Neat
Permeable resin-bound gravel can work well for some paths and patios, especially on sloped sites. It offers the textured look of gravel but with a more stable, slip-resistant surface that still drains well. (Make sure your landscape designer specifies an aggregate mixed with resin, which is permeable, rather than an aggregate scattered onto a layer of resin, which is not.)
In this Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, project by Jones Outdoor Living, the team used resin-bound gravel around circular concrete pavers, highlighting the pavers’ shape while absorbing runoff. They also installed a strip by the swimming pool in the backyard to prevent standing water.
Resin-bound gravel is weed-resistant, though airborne seeds can still take hold and would need to be plucked out.
Permeable resin-bound gravel can work well for some paths and patios, especially on sloped sites. It offers the textured look of gravel but with a more stable, slip-resistant surface that still drains well. (Make sure your landscape designer specifies an aggregate mixed with resin, which is permeable, rather than an aggregate scattered onto a layer of resin, which is not.)
In this Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, project by Jones Outdoor Living, the team used resin-bound gravel around circular concrete pavers, highlighting the pavers’ shape while absorbing runoff. They also installed a strip by the swimming pool in the backyard to prevent standing water.
Resin-bound gravel is weed-resistant, though airborne seeds can still take hold and would need to be plucked out.
5. Divert Water With Plantings
For this Texas project, the team at Samantha Kate Design replaced standard drainage with a far more attractive solution for heavy downpours. Rainwater from the roof is directed through a short downspout into a large steel planter, which sits on a gravel bed to allow the water to slowly percolate into the ground.
A mix of soft plantings within the planter absorb some of the slowly dispersing rainwater. The deep brown patina of the Cor-Ten steel complements the home’s expanses of wood, helping the architecture sit comfortably in the landscape.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
For this Texas project, the team at Samantha Kate Design replaced standard drainage with a far more attractive solution for heavy downpours. Rainwater from the roof is directed through a short downspout into a large steel planter, which sits on a gravel bed to allow the water to slowly percolate into the ground.
A mix of soft plantings within the planter absorb some of the slowly dispersing rainwater. The deep brown patina of the Cor-Ten steel complements the home’s expanses of wood, helping the architecture sit comfortably in the landscape.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
6. Fashion a Swale
A pebble swale, or dry creek bed, is a shallow landscape depression filled with stones and designed to capture and slow rainwater runoff. It allows the water to gradually percolate into the soil rather than overwhelm the site.
Designed to look like a natural riverbed, this swale by Village Landscape Architecture in California uses a mix of pebbles and cobblestones flanked by evergreen rushes, irises and grasses. You also could consider a bioswale, which follows the same principle but is densely planted with native wetland species that help filter the water while creating a lush outdoor feature.
How to Move Water Through Your Landscape
A pebble swale, or dry creek bed, is a shallow landscape depression filled with stones and designed to capture and slow rainwater runoff. It allows the water to gradually percolate into the soil rather than overwhelm the site.
Designed to look like a natural riverbed, this swale by Village Landscape Architecture in California uses a mix of pebbles and cobblestones flanked by evergreen rushes, irises and grasses. You also could consider a bioswale, which follows the same principle but is densely planted with native wetland species that help filter the water while creating a lush outdoor feature.
How to Move Water Through Your Landscape
7. Turn Marshy Land into a Bog Garden
This yard in the United Kingdom by Jeremy Allen Garden Design is a good example of embracing natural site challenges to turn a previously unusable area into a standout feature. In a once-neglected, muddy ditch overrun with brambles and stinging nettles, the designer planted damp-loving woodland species, including wild hyacinths, primroses, hostas and ferns.
An elevated oak boardwalk leaves plenty of space underneath for water to soak away while allowing people to walk across the yard and enjoy the plantings.
This yard in the United Kingdom by Jeremy Allen Garden Design is a good example of embracing natural site challenges to turn a previously unusable area into a standout feature. In a once-neglected, muddy ditch overrun with brambles and stinging nettles, the designer planted damp-loving woodland species, including wild hyacinths, primroses, hostas and ferns.
An elevated oak boardwalk leaves plenty of space underneath for water to soak away while allowing people to walk across the yard and enjoy the plantings.
8. Raise Your Roots
If your ground tends to get boggy and it’s hindering your ability to grow a variety of plants, consider raised beds. These can be filled with a free-draining soil mixture that should keep the roots from becoming waterlogged.
The rustic beds in this Boston-area yard by Zen Associates fit in beautifully with the rural surroundings. If you prefer a contemporary look, steel or concrete designs can work just as well. And the beds don’t need to be square or rectangular — round or semicircular beds can introduce soft curves into a backyard.
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
If your ground tends to get boggy and it’s hindering your ability to grow a variety of plants, consider raised beds. These can be filled with a free-draining soil mixture that should keep the roots from becoming waterlogged.
The rustic beds in this Boston-area yard by Zen Associates fit in beautifully with the rural surroundings. If you prefer a contemporary look, steel or concrete designs can work just as well. And the beds don’t need to be square or rectangular — round or semicircular beds can introduce soft curves into a backyard.
Check out our guide to get started on your home project
9. Hide Your Workings
There’s something beautiful about a wide stretch of soft green lawn, but it can easily become waterlogged and unusable in wet conditions. This is particularly common in areas with clay or compacted soil or on uneven ground where water can collect. However, there are ways to help drainage without ruining the view.
For infrequent flooding, a straightforward way to drain a lawn is to use a digging fork or aerator to make holes roughly 6 inches deep, which will improve drainage and allow air to reach the roots. You also can sweep a mixture of sand and compost into the holes to improve the soil structure long-term.
Some yards, though, need more help. At this property in northeastern Pennsylvania, for instance, several springs were leading to frequent flooding. The team at Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association installed a French drain, or drain tile. This is a sloping trench containing a perforated pipe set in gravel, which can then carry the water away to a sump or dry well. Looking at this lush lawn now, you’d never know there’s an extensive drainage system below the surface.
There’s something beautiful about a wide stretch of soft green lawn, but it can easily become waterlogged and unusable in wet conditions. This is particularly common in areas with clay or compacted soil or on uneven ground where water can collect. However, there are ways to help drainage without ruining the view.
For infrequent flooding, a straightforward way to drain a lawn is to use a digging fork or aerator to make holes roughly 6 inches deep, which will improve drainage and allow air to reach the roots. You also can sweep a mixture of sand and compost into the holes to improve the soil structure long-term.
Some yards, though, need more help. At this property in northeastern Pennsylvania, for instance, several springs were leading to frequent flooding. The team at Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association installed a French drain, or drain tile. This is a sloping trench containing a perforated pipe set in gravel, which can then carry the water away to a sump or dry well. Looking at this lush lawn now, you’d never know there’s an extensive drainage system below the surface.
10. Grow a Grass Grid
When it comes to creating a parking area, it’s possible to do more than simply lay a square of concrete or paving. Even though permeable hard surfaces are available, grass pavers, like the ones used in this design by Coppercreek Landscaping in the Pacific Northwest, are far more effective at reducing runoff and standing water. They also can help prevent ice from building up, making them practical year-round.
You will need to keep the grass trimmed with the help of a high-set mower or string trimmer, but grass pavers are a more environmentally friendly option that will maximize the greenery in your yard and add to the appeal of your property.
When it comes to creating a parking area, it’s possible to do more than simply lay a square of concrete or paving. Even though permeable hard surfaces are available, grass pavers, like the ones used in this design by Coppercreek Landscaping in the Pacific Northwest, are far more effective at reducing runoff and standing water. They also can help prevent ice from building up, making them practical year-round.
You will need to keep the grass trimmed with the help of a high-set mower or string trimmer, but grass pavers are a more environmentally friendly option that will maximize the greenery in your yard and add to the appeal of your property.
11. Site Flower Beds Strategically
This Idaho backyard by Boise Landscape Design Build is a wonderful example of good drainage worked discreetly into a design. The team created a rockery on a previously grassy slope, slowing the descending water; circular and semicircular planting beds have been cut into the paving at the base, so runoff can be absorbed before it floods the paving.
This Idaho backyard by Boise Landscape Design Build is a wonderful example of good drainage worked discreetly into a design. The team created a rockery on a previously grassy slope, slowing the descending water; circular and semicircular planting beds have been cut into the paving at the base, so runoff can be absorbed before it floods the paving.
12. Consider a Gravel Garden
If your region experiences cycles of drought followed by heavy rainfall, you may find that the soil in your flower beds becomes compacted and waterlogged. In such conditions, a gravel garden can be an excellent solution.
Many drought-tolerant plants that thrive in hot weather are also well-suited to survive sudden downpours when planted in a free-draining medium. As this design in England by Victoria Philpott Gardens shows, a gravel garden can be an attractive alternative to traditional flower beds.
Replacing the topsoil with gravel helps prevent pooling and surface runoff, as rounded gravel in particular leaves space for rain to percolate, directing water to the plant roots. Unless the entire yard will be gravel, you’ll need a hard border to keep the stones contained. Consult with your landscape designer on your preferred choice, such as brick or stone for a rustic look or a metal edge for a more contemporary design.
More on Houzz
Read more landscape stories
Browse outdoor photos for ideas
Find a landscape contractor
If your region experiences cycles of drought followed by heavy rainfall, you may find that the soil in your flower beds becomes compacted and waterlogged. In such conditions, a gravel garden can be an excellent solution.
Many drought-tolerant plants that thrive in hot weather are also well-suited to survive sudden downpours when planted in a free-draining medium. As this design in England by Victoria Philpott Gardens shows, a gravel garden can be an attractive alternative to traditional flower beds.
Replacing the topsoil with gravel helps prevent pooling and surface runoff, as rounded gravel in particular leaves space for rain to percolate, directing water to the plant roots. Unless the entire yard will be gravel, you’ll need a hard border to keep the stones contained. Consult with your landscape designer on your preferred choice, such as brick or stone for a rustic look or a metal edge for a more contemporary design.
More on Houzz
Read more landscape stories
Browse outdoor photos for ideas
Find a landscape contractor
Sponsored
Drainage can be made into a beautiful focal point rain garden, as this project in Chicago shows. To manage a yard prone to flooding, the team at Prassas Landscape Studio created a dry well using slate chips to detain the water and allow it to gradually percolates into the soil.
A Cor-Ten steel rill directs water from the upper-level dining area into the rain garden, ensuring that the lower seating area and fire pit remain dry. The rill is also fed by the roof’s runoff and basement’s sump pump. The rain garden serves as an attractive divide between the two seating areas, featuring a small bubble fountain and a mix of plants that thrive in both wet and dry environments.
Find a landscape designer on Houzz