Is your yard permanently flooded, no matter the season? If that's the case, it's probably because of inadequate soil drainage. This is a significant issue because it causes plant wilting, promotes the growth of mold and mildew, and can even cause grass and trees to die.
In this post, the Arlington arborists at J Davis Tree Services will share some tried-and-true methods for improving soil drainage in your yard, as well as preventative measures you can take to avoid future problems.
What Causes Arlington Poor Soil Drainage?
Water movement through soil is called soil drainage—the amount of precipitation or irrigation and the soil type all influence the water flow rate.
Because it allows roots to take in oxygen and keeps the soil from becoming waterlogged, good drainage is crucial for plant growth. Conversely, poor drainage can cause soil compaction, disease transmission, and the death of plants.
Several factors can contribute to poor soil drainage, including:
- Soils with a lot of clay have tiny particles that pack together quickly, making it hard for water to drain.
- Reduced capacity to absorb water causes poor drainage in soils low in organic matter.
- Soils that have been compacted have had their pores compressed, preventing water from quickly permeating them. Such damage can be brought on using heavy machinery, passaging people, or even just the passage of time.
- Bedrock close to the surface but still impermeable can cause drainage problems.
What Are the Effects of Poor Soil Drainage?
A yard with poor soil drainage may experience issues like:
- Because plant and tree roots can't absorb oxygen from waterlogged soil, the plants and trees in your yard may perish.
- Fungal diseases Persistently wet soils provide an ideal breeding ground for these pathogens.
- Mold and mildew: Both plants and surfaces are susceptible to mold and mildew growth in humid, poorly ventilated environments.
- Soils that have been compacted can be challenging to work with when trying to grow plants.
- Wet, poorly drained soils are ideal breeding grounds for the fungus that causes root rot. In addition, trees may die because they cannot absorb water and nutrients.
- Leaves turning yellow typically show nutrient deficiencies, often the result of saturated soils.
- If the drainage is taken care of, none of these issues will arise. Therefore, poor drainage can be avoided before it causes significant problems, saving you time, money, and stress in the future.
Drainage Solutions With Arlington Tree Care Professionals
You can enhance the drainage in your yard in several ways using Arlington tree care professionals, such as
1# Adding Organic Matter
If you add organic matter to your soil, it will be better able to hold and use water. Compost, manure, or even just leaves and grass clippings can be added to the soil to achieve this goal.
2# Aerating
Soil aeration helps loosen compacted soil and boosts water drainage. A garden fork or aeration machine can be used for this purpose.
3# French Drains
A drainage system known as a French drain can be installed to collect and reroute water. This is a helpful solution for yards with water pooling in low spots.
Fix Arlington Tree Problems With J Davis Tree Care Solutions Professionals
To avoid issues like water logging, fungal diseases, and compacted soils, it is essential to take these steps to improve drainage in your yard.
Don't forget to factor drainage into your garden's design when working on your landscaping. Again, getting help from your local Arlington Tree Care Services is wise to ensure your trees are healthy.
Contact J Davis Tree Care Solutions for the best tree programs, or use the compact form below for a direct response.
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