Water is the enemy of any home’s foundation. In Altoona, IA, we experience a wide variety of precipitation events, from rapid snowmelts in March to torrential thunderstorms in June. While rain is good for the farmers, it can be disastrous for homeowners if it isn’t managed correctly. The heavy clay soil common in Central Iowa does not absorb water quickly, leading to pooling, basement flooding, and soggy yards that attract mosquitoes.
Landscape drainage is often the unglamorous side of landscaping, but it is arguably the most important service provided by professionals like Larkin Landscape & Design.
Identifying the Problem
Do you have standing water in your yard 24 hours after a rainstorm? Do your downspouts dump water directly against your foundation? Is your sump pump running constantly? These are signs of poor drainage.
In many older subdivisions in Altoona, IA, the initial grading was done quickly, or the ground has settled over time, causing water to flow toward the house rather than away from it. This “negative grade” is the leading cause of wet basements.
Grading and Swales
The first line of defense is proper grading. A landscape team can reshape the terrain of your yard to create a positive slope away from the home. Sometimes, this involves creating a “swale”—a shallow, grassy depression that acts as a natural channel to guide water toward a storm drain or the back of the property. When done correctly, a swale is barely noticeable, blending seamlessly into the lawn while silently protecting your home.
Burying Downspouts
One of the most effective upgrades for any home in Altoona, IA is burying the downspouts. Standard aluminum downspouts often dump water right at the corner of the house. By connecting these to solid PVC pipes buried underground, we can transport that roof runoff 20 or 30 feet away from the foundation.
This water can be directed to a “pop-up emitter” in the yard, where it can safely disperse without eroding the soil, or plumbed directly into a storm sewer system if local codes allow.
French Drains and Dry Creek Beds
For areas where water naturally collects and creates a swamp, a French drain may be necessary. This involves digging a trench, lining it with geotechnical fabric, and filling it with gravel and a perforated pipe. The water takes the path of least resistance, entering the pipe and flowing out of the yard.
For a more aesthetic solution, many homeowners in Altoona, IA opt for a “Dry Creek Bed.” This uses decorative river rock and boulders to create a channel that looks like a natural stream. When it rains, it functions as a drain; when it’s dry, it adds texture and beauty to the landscape.
Permeable Hardscapes
If you are planning a new patio, consider permeable pavers. Unlike solid concrete, permeable paver systems are installed with gaps filled with small aggregate. This allows rainwater to pass through the patio and into a deep gravel base below, where it dissipates naturally into the soil. This reduces runoff and is an eco-friendly choice gaining popularity in Altoona, IA.
Conclusion
Ignoring drainage issues will not make them go away; it will only make the repair bill higher when your foundation cracks. If you are tired of a muddy dog, a wet basement, or a useless backyard, it is time to call in the experts. Effective drainage solutions protect your investment and reclaim your yard, ensuring that when the storms roll through Altoona, IA, your property stays high and dry.
