How to Landscape a Drainage Area

Drainage areas can look like eyesores when weeds and unruly grass take over. When this area goes without landscaping, it can detract the eye from the rest of the lawn. Because drainage areas get an abundant amount of water, it is important to choose plants that can tolerate a lot of water. If the soil in the drainage area is clay, you have the additional problem of it remaining waterlogged. Find out what type of soil you have in your drainage area and landscape this part of your lawn.

Things You'll Need

• Soil testing kit
• Shovel
• Lime
• Sulfur
• Tiller
• Compost
• Builder's sand

Instructions

1. Grab a handful of dirt from the drainage area and squeeze. If water droplets are released, you have waterlogged soil. Soil that breaks up into clumps is dry and sandy. Likewise, soil that remains malleable in the hand is loam which is ideal for its ideal ratio of water retention and drainage abilities.

2. Conduct a soil pH test on the designated planting area. You can purchase a soil testing kit from your local county extension office. All plants require a specific pH range in order to absorb the soil's nutrients. Growing plants outside of this range will result in unhealthy plants. Follow the soil sample directions on the kit and mail off to the address provided. Wait a few weeks for the results of the test.

3. Make a list of moisture loving plants that can stand the high amount of water concentration in the drainage area. Some water loving plants include winterberry, elephant ears, false indigo, gray dogwood and leatherwood. Depending on the location of the drainage area, you can plant small shrubs as a border to increase the privacy of the home.

4. Increase the draining abilities of the drainage area by spreading both compost and builder's sand over the area. Work the amendments into the soil with a tiller, so that it is well mixed.

5. Draw a diagram of your drainage area and plan your garden beds. Think about allowing enough room for adequate air circulation. Because this area will see a lot of rain, there will be a higher risk of fungal infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant a variety of plants to contribute varying textures and height to the area.

• Monitor your plants for fungal infections, especially in the humid months.

References

• University of Minnesota: Tough Trees and Shrubs
• The Audubon: Our Rainy Region