When it’s time to prepare your yard for winter, one of the simplest solutions you should consider is hiring a New Jersey drainage contractor for assistance. While there is always the option to choose a DIY approach, the reality is that investing in professional services is worth the money. You will receive top-notch results without needing to put in extra time during your evenings and weekends.
In this article, we are providing an overview of the things that you can do to help with proper commercial and residential drainage during the winter season. Here are a few tips that every property owner should keep in mind.
Common Winter Drainage Issues
The first step is to learn more about the most common types of winter drainage issues. If you are going to improve the drainage system, then it starts with knowing what problems you are trying to avoid.
One of the main issues during the winter occurs when excess water starts to pool. You might have standing water in the yard, or ice dams can start to form (depending on the current temperature). When the ground freezes, it often makes these drainage challenges even worse. So, the best solution is to take a proactive approach whenever possible to stay ahead of drainage issues before they become a bigger problem later in the winter season.
Other common drainage issues include:
- Excess water pooling because of melting snow
- Soil erosion and runoff issues
- Snow and ice blocking the drainage systems
- Lack of water absorption because of frozen ground
- Increased risk of water damage to your foundation and/or basement
Also, consider how snow mold can impact the health of your lawn. For example, if the snow starts to accumulate and stays in the same place for an extended period, then it can cause the ground to have leveling issues. Proper drainage helps to reduce the risk of snow mold problems.
How to Prepare Your Yard for Winter with Proper Drainage
There are various steps to prepare your yard with good drainage solutions all year long. If you are looking for personalized results, then talk to an experienced New Jersey drainage contractor to design a plan for your yard. Remember: proactively caring for your lawn during winter will help you maintain a beautiful and green lawn in the summer months.
Here are a few tips that every property owner should follow:
- Check the yard for low spots or areas where the water is pooling
- Make sure that all gutters and drainage pipes are clean and functioning properly
- Add dry wells or French drains if needed to help with water flow
- Before the ground freezes, aerate the soil – these small holes can help with the air-water balance in the soil
- Trim the trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of branches breaking under the weight of the snow
- Use gravel or mulch as needed to stop soil erosion
- Grade the lot effectively so that water runs away from your foundation
Tips on Maintaining Your Drainage Systems to Prevent Damage
Once your drainage system is in place, there are certain maintenance steps that should be followed to ensure that everything is working optimally. Your New Jersey drainage contractor will offer recommendations based on the specific type of drainage system you are using.
Some of these maintenance tips include:
- Regular gutter cleaning and inspections. Ensure that both the gutters and downspouts are functioning and free of any debris that might block water flow.
- Check all drainage pipes to see if you can find any signs of blockages, leaks, or cracks. If you notice these issues, then they should be repaired as soon as possible.
- Test the function of your sump pumps, especially before the snow starts melting.
- All overhead tree branches should be trimmed to keep leaves and broken branches out of your drainage systems. Make sure to prepare tree trunks and thin-barked trees because they can be more vulnerable in the winter months. For example, you might choose to wrap the tree for protection.
- During heavy weather conditions, keep an eye on your yard to watch for any water pooling or signs of drainage issues.
- Spend some time on lawn care before the ground freezes. You’ll want to winterize the sprinkler system and cut the lawn to the ideal length before it snows.
If you notice any problems with your drainage systems, then these issues should be repaired as soon as possible. A proactive approach to maintenance and repairs can save you a lot of headaches and expensive renovations in the future. Our team is here to help with anything that you need, ensuring that your drainage systems are always in the best condition.
Speak With a New Jersey Drainage Contractor
Are you ready to hire a New Jersey drainage contractor? Professional advice is critical to protecting your property and maintaining quality every step of the way. Our team understands the local weather conditions and we offer the best solutions that will work for water and drainage management throughout the year.
There’s no doubt that hiring a professional contractor is worth the investment. You can relax knowing that the experts are on the job. These projects can be quite time-consuming, which is why it’s best to hire a skilled team instead of attempting a DIY project.
For more information about the best services for your property, reach out to our team at Mikula. We offer full-service solutions to help with drainage systems, excavation, sloping, and more. Call us at your convenience to discuss your upcoming residential drainage project.
