Landscape Drainage
Landscape drainage systems are necessary for homes in the
Houston area, which sits at about 39 feet above sea level with
21 major bayous crisscrossing the greater metropolitan area and
sees the regular appearance of downpours, tropical storms and
hurricanes. A properly designed and functioning landscape
drainage system helps your green plants flourish while working
to keep your home and family safe, thus becoming an invaluable
asset in your overall home investment.
Landscape Drainage: Planning and Installation
Drainage plans. The total landscape drainage area of
your property for drainage purposes is called a watershed.
Watershed means the total water drainage area with its different
slopes, rates of water run-off, soil porosity and the dividing
line between each drainage surface area such as roof, deck and
lawn areas. A property watershed analysis by a drainage expert
will identify these different areas and will recommend the
appropriate fixtures and pipe size for the landscape drainage
system.
Permitting. Many cities require the submittal of a
drainage plan with regulations concerning minimum pipe size.
Engineering plans. In addition, some jurisdictions may
require an engineered landscape drainage plan with submitted
runoff equations.
Tree preservation.
When installing a yard
drainage system, it is recommended to hand-dig trenches
around trees to minimize damage to them. It is best to tunnel
under tree roots by using compressed air. This method exposes
tree roots so they are not torn. Alternately, pressurized water
can be used to dig deep trenches and expose roots, which also
minimizes damage.
Types of drains.
Drainage systems may include gutter downspout tie-ins, catch
basins (also known as yard drains), channel drains,
French drains and deck
drains.
Landscape Drainage: Affect on Other Systems
Drainage systems and irrigation systems can work in concert with
each other. Landscape
designers or landscape
architects can develop a whole-system approach so that the
nuts and bolts of both systems are hidden as much as possible.
When that is not possible, the use of custom decorative drain
gates can be used to reduce the negative visual impact. The
design and location of the two systems should be seamless with
the rest of the landscape
design.
Drainage systems impact
residential landscape maintenance as well. Since they drain
water from low-lying areas, they prevent standing water that can
cause slippery surfaces, mosquito breeding grounds and drowned
landscaping. A proper drainage system is essential for the care
of your lawn as it moves water off of your property in a timely
manner, thus encouraging healthy grass and allowing your
maintenance crew to perform their regular lawn service duties.
Expertise Required
In Houston, storm
drainage issues are very serious due to our flat topography,
dense clay soils, and heavy forested lots compacted by years of
construction that have increased impervious surfaces, explains
Jeff Halper with
Exterior Worlds. These factors have caused more streets and
homes to become flooded during the heaviest rainfalls.
Consequently, local ordinances are beginning to follow the model
used by the Memorial
Villages that require minimum pipe sizes, flow rates,
temporary drainage systems, engineered drainage plans,
calculations, topographic maps, and as/built plans. If
drainage contractors
embark on a drainage project without a thorough understanding of
these demands, homeowners may find themselves dealing with the
clean-up of a very expensive mess.
River Oaks, Tanglewood, West University, and the Memorial
Villages, including Piney Point Village, Hunter Creek Village,
Bunker Hill Village and Hedwig Village, are just some of the
neighborhoods in the greater Houston area served by Exterior
Worlds since 1987. Providing
high-end landscape design
and services, Exterior Worlds can be reached at 713-827-2255 to
discuss a drainage system for your home and property.
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