Flooding is the most common natural disaster across the United States and impacts thousands of people and properties each year. While there are some cases where no amount of preparation could prevent the destruction caused by flooding, there are others where a bit of planning may go a long way in mitigating damage.

In the wake of significant flooding across many parts of the country, here are a few tips for landowners to start thinking about ways that they can secure their most important investment and protect land from flooding.

It should be noted that flood preparation differs greatly from property to property, so it’s best to work with local engineers, architects, landscapers, and other knowledgeable professionals before acting on any of the recommendations in this article.

Look into Changing Site Grading

If water is getting into homes or other structures on the property, it may be a good idea to take a look at the grading around these structures.

Land grading refers to the process of leveling the surface of the ground by moving the dirt around. While grading is typically done to create flat-level spaces to construct homes or other buildings, it can also be used to improve the drainage of a given area.

By grading the land on slopes running away from structures, landowners can create natural drainage channels to funnel water away. This grading can be further complemented by putting drainage pipes into the ground if the area tends to receive an excessive amount of water.

Berms and Managing Runoff For Ponds

Oftentimes, existing bodies of water are the first areas of a property to flood when faced with high precipitation. Luckily, landowners can do a few things to plan for increased water levels in their fishing ponds.

One such way to divert water runoff is by using berms. Berms are raised barriers often constructed around the banks of ponds or streams to help control and guide excessive runoff. Berms can be constructed out of soil, rocks, woodchips, and more depending on the overall goal of the berm. For example, rock berms are great sediment barriers in addition to being great for directing runoff. A well-placed berm can do wonders for ponds and streams that frequently experience flooding.

Another option for diverting runoff is digging a drainage trench to guide water away from important areas of the property. Drainage trenches tend to be about a foot across and anywhere from 18 to 24 inches deep. Once dug, the trench is lined with landscaping fabric before a layer of gravel or rocks is put down on the bottom. This provides a base on which the drainage pipe can rest. The specifics of digging drainage trenches can vary significantly depending on the property and the landowner’s goal, so be sure to consult with a local service provider to make a plan for your project.

Although these tips above may not protect landowners from severe flooding, putting some time and effort into planning drainage management could save plenty money and headaches.

If you’ve got questions about drainage on your property and how to protect it from flood damage, it’s best to work closely with a local professional since the needs of each property will differ based on a variety of factors. 

Get in touch with your local Land Professional today!