With a record number of hurricanes producing wet weather across metro Atlanta, it is crucial to understand the importance of landscape drainage. Many homeowners are confident in their landscape drainage system until it proves otherwise. Landscape drainage problems can result in damage costing thousands of dollars. Even worse, landscape flooding can cause damage to your home. This can create a massive headache for homeowners. If you have neglected or have an outdated yard drainage system, it may be time to look for Effective Ways to minimize erosion and drainage. Here are some of the many reasons you should ensure your outdoor drainage system can handle any amount of rainy weather.

The Importance of Landscape Drainage

Protect Your Home's Foundation.

If water does not have a proper place to go, it will often run to the lowest point of the yard. Oftentimes, this is the foundation of your home. By not properly draining water that collects outdoors, your home is likely to experience water damage. Water damage can be among the most extensive and expensive types of damage to your home. Installing landscape drainage is one of the best ways to protect your home.

Stop Mold and Mildew.

Nothing ruins a party like mold and mildew buildup. Mold can cause problems in your home's foundation and internal structure. It can even cause health problems for you and your family. Mold requires moisture to grow and it spreads quickly. Proper drainage solutions allow areas to completely dry out. This prevents mold and mildew from growing and taking over your home.

Prevent Bugs and Termite Damage.

Many homeowners don’t realize that the reason they have bugs around their house is due to moisture. Many bugs, such as mosquitoes, live and breed in standing water. Termites are also attracted to moisture and can cause extensive damage to a home. Through proper yard drainage and pest control, you can save a lot of money and create a more comfortable outdoor living space.

Minimize Erosion.

Erosion is caused by water moving the materials in the ground. Heavy rain can cause a significant amount of water to flow through your yard. As this happens, soil and other materials are washed away. This can cause damage to your lawn, plants, and even cause water to flow into your home. Proper landscape drainage will prevent erosion by directing water through designated channels.

Prevent Stagnant Water.

Whereas water will flow to the lowest natural spot, it is not rare for the collected moisture to remain stagnant in one specific area. If water remains stagnant and does not drain or dry, this can cause flooding the next time it rains. Even mild flooding can cause severe damage to your outdoor landscape and home.

Whether you are preventing these problems or already facing them, the first step is to ensure a stable drainage system. The importance of landscape drainage cannot be understated. By installing a professional drainage system, you can rest easy knowing your yard is protected from even the heaviest rainstorms. If you are ready for a custom-built landscape drainage system, contact our yard drainage experts today. Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces understands the importance of keeping your home safe from flooding. Our experts will evaluate all potential flooding hazards and will design a custom drainage solution for your home. We have been protecting homeowners from flooding since 2001.

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If you want a beautiful landscape for 2021, then fall planting is a must-do task.

Why?

Because if you let your lawn lay dormant from September until February, then when spring rolls around your landscape will not be ready. Better yet, there are many trees, shrubs, and flowers that can be planted now and enjoyed even after summer has passed and into fall. Since we are spending more time than ever at home, why not enjoy your lawn for long as possible!

Fall Planting: What to Plant This Fall

If your goal is to add some spice and color to your fall landscape, then there are several options from which to choose. Here are a few plants to consider planting this fall:

Flowers

Amaranthus – With beautiful tassel-like flowers, this can be planted in full sun or partial shade. A perfect choice for a Georgia landscape!

Celosia – Also known as cockscomb, is a beautiful plant for fall and will bloom quite late into the season.

Pansies and Violas– The great thing about planting these is that you get 2 sets of blooms from them. Typically, they will bloom in the fall and then again in the spring. Definitely a win!

Kale, radishes, heirloom lettuces, spinach, and rainbow chard– while these plants might not be a part of the entertainment area of your landscape, they will look great in a raised bed. Better yet, they will provide you with fresh veggies for your table.

Ornamental peppers – Though not recommended for consumption (they’re super spicy!), these brightly colored plants are easy to care for and add a pop of color to your landscape.

Chrysanthemums – Is it really fall without having a pot or two mums? After all, their bold colors brighten any space. Pick some up and set the pits in bright, but indirectly lit areas of your yard.

Trees

• Sugar maple
• Gingko
• Quaking Aspen
• Chinese Dogwood
• Tulip Tree
• Sweet Gum
• Japanese Maple

Shrubs

• Camellia Sasanqua
• Fothergilla
• Oakleaf hydrangea
• Rhododendron
• Smoke Bush
• Spirea

Fall Planting Tips

So now that you have some ideas for what to plant, there are some fall planting guidelines to keep in mind. After all, you want your landscape to look good now and later. Plan a weekend of beautifying your landscape and follow these tips. It is also a great time to prep your outdoor kitchen for the fall!

• Aerate the lawn and patch any bald spots with grass feed. Spreading grass seed will help fill in any dead areas of your lawn. Prepping your lawn for fall will ensure that is comes back better than ever in the spring.
• Divide bulbs. Use a garden fork to make the task easier and to not damage the roots. Divide them and replant them immediately.
• Cover any container gardens or bring the containers inside – especially the more delicate ones!
• Collect and save fallen leaves. Rather than piling up those fallen leaves and hauling them away, put them to good use. Gather them and store them until spring. When spring comes around, combine the leaves with an organic fertilizer to feed your landscape.
• Choose the healthiest plants available when buying new landscape plants. Ideally, you want plants that have healthy foliage and no roots escaping the container. However, opt for smaller versus larger plants as they are more budget-friendly and easier to work with. Once planted, be sure to water and properly care for your new landscape plants.
• Apply compost. This is the time to put those warm-weather plants to bed. A good layer of compost will protect them from winter’s temperature and have them ready for spring.
• Spread mulch. About 2-3 inches is recommended for most plants. Spread mulch will allow better water absorption and will prevent erosion. Be sure not to pile mulch against the trunks, crowns or stems of plants.

Fall planting is a great way to have a gorgeous landscape for more months of the year. Now is the time to get out those garden tools, visit the local nursery, and spruce up your landscape. Not feeling it? Then contact Outdoor Makeover & Living Spaces and learn how we can help. We have been providing excellent landscaping and design services in the Atlanta, GA area since 2001.

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