When most people think of flood protection, they picture foundations, retaining walls, or even sandbags hastily stacked at the last minute. But did you know that landscaping can be one of the most effective—and aesthetically pleasing—ways to guard against floodwaters? At DeVooght House Lifters, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners elevate and protect their properties, and one aspect that’s often overlooked is the role your yard can play in deflecting or mitigating flood damage. In this guide, we’ll dive into the design principles and practical steps you can take to create a resilient, flood-ready landscape.
Why Landscaping Matters in Flood-Prone Areas
Complementing Your House Lifting Efforts
If you’ve gone through the process of house lifting, you’re already investing in protecting your home from rising waters. But water doesn’t magically stop at your foundation’s edge. Floods can erode soil, damage driveways, and even push debris into your house. By designing your yard with water flow in mind, you add a second line of defense that helps keep floodwaters at bay.
Reducing Soil Erosion and Property Damage
Floodwaters can move swiftly, carrying away topsoil, mulch, and even small structures. When you strategically landscape with flood-resistant features, you can slow down water flow, encourage it to pool or infiltrate the ground in safer areas, and reduce the risk of large-scale erosion. This not only protects your property but also helps neighboring areas by mitigating the volume of water rushing downstream.
Enhancing Aesthetics and Property Value
Resilient landscaping isn’t just functional—it can also be beautiful. Many plants that thrive in wet environments feature lush foliage, unique textures, and vibrant blooms. Properly executed, your flood-ready yard can become a selling point that adds both curb appeal and market value to your home.
The Fundamentals of Flood-Resilient Landscaping
Understanding Water Flow
Take a walk around your property after a heavy rain. Notice where water tends to pool or which areas are most eroded. This on-the-ground research gives you insight into your land’s natural drainage patterns. For a more detailed analysis, consider hiring a landscape architect or civil engineer who can create a topographical map and recommend specific design solutions.
Grading and Slope
Proper grading is the cornerstone of flood-resilient landscaping. Even small slope adjustments can make a world of difference. Your goal is to direct water away from the house’s foundation and into designated drainage zones, such as swales or rain gardens.
- Positive Slope: The ground around your home should slope away at a ratio of about 5% (or six inches over ten feet).
- Terracing: On steeper properties, terracing can help control water flow, reducing speed and preventing large-scale erosion.
Soil Types and Absorption
Different soils absorb water at different rates. Sandy soils let water drain quickly but can lead to instability if the water flow is too rapid. Clay-heavy soils, on the other hand, retain moisture, sometimes creating standing water. A balanced, loamy soil structure often provides the best conditions for water infiltration and plant growth. Amend your soil with organic matter like compost to improve its water-handling capabilities.
The Best Plants That Help With Flood Management
Native Wetland Plants
Native species typically adapt well to local climate conditions, including precipitation patterns and soil types. In flood-prone areas, you might look for wetland plants or riparian grasses. Some excellent choices include:
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): A tall, durable grass that thrives in moist conditions.
- Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): A robust perennial with beautiful purple blooms, attracting pollinators and tolerating high moisture levels.
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): A shrub with globe-like flowers, often found in wetlands. It helps stabilize soil near water’s edge.
These species typically have deep root systems that bind soil and absorb excess water, reducing runoff speed.
Ground Covers for Erosion Control
Low-growing, spreading plants (like creeping juniper or certain sedums) help keep the soil in place. If your yard features slopes or embankments, ground covers can be a simple yet effective way to combat erosion. They spread quickly, lock the soil together with intertwined root systems, and provide an attractive, low-maintenance green cover.
Trees and Shrubs with Strong Root Systems
Trees like bald cypress and willow can withstand seasonal flooding and help anchor soil with their extensive roots. If your property experiences frequent standing water, consider adding these water-tolerant species in strategic locations to slow down and absorb runoff.
Hardscaping Techniques to Channel Water
Swales and Dry Creek Beds
A swale is a shallow channel designed to collect and direct stormwater. Often lined with rocks or grass, swales can guide water toward a rain garden, pond, or other safe drainage area. A dry creek bed serves a similar function but mimics the look of a natural stream—especially appealing if you’re aiming for a more organic aesthetic.
- Shaping the Swale: Ensure the sides are gently sloped so water can move gradually rather than gushing.
- Rock Linings: Adding rocks not only looks pleasing but also reduces erosion by slowing water flow.
Rain Gardens
A rain garden is a shallow, depressed area filled with native plants that love periodic flooding. Placed in a low spot in your yard, this “sunken garden” collects rainwater from gutters, driveways, or swales, allowing it to percolate into the ground naturally. Rain gardens help filter out pollutants, reduce runoff, and provide a habitat for beneficial insects and birds.
Permeable Pavers
Traditional asphalt or concrete driveways can accelerate runoff, sending water rushing toward your foundation or the street. Permeable pavers (made from porous asphalt, permeable concrete, or interlocking pavers) allow water to seep through, replenishing groundwater and preventing large volumes of surface runoff. These pavers can be used for:
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Patios
By letting water pass through, you reduce the chance of pooling near your home’s base.
Protective Features Around Your House
French Drains and Downspout Extensions
French drains consist of a perforated pipe wrapped in fabric and buried in a gravel-lined trench. They capture excess groundwater and channel it away from your home’s foundation. Meanwhile, downspout extensions ensure that roof runoff doesn’t dump right at your foundation, but rather releases several feet away or into a swale.
Retaining Walls and Berms
If your yard has significant slopes, retaining walls can help stabilize the soil and create level tiers. Depending on your flood risk, you could build a berm—a mound of earth that forms a barrier against water. Some homeowners even integrate retaining walls and berms with decorative landscaping elements, so they blend seamlessly into the yard’s design.
Layering Elements for Enhanced Protection
Consider combining multiple solutions. For instance, direct your downspouts into a French drain that empties into a rain garden or swale. Each element serves a purpose, and layered together, they create a robust network to handle stormwater and rising floodwaters.
Maintenance Best Practices
Regular Inspections
Periodically inspect your yard, especially after heavy rainfall. Look for signs of erosion, pooling water, or dying vegetation. Catching these issues early allows you to make minor tweaks—like adding mulch or repairing a swale—before they evolve into larger problems.
Seasonal Cleanup
Leaves, debris, and sediment can clog swales, storm drains, or dry creek beds. Dedicate time each season to clear these elements, ensuring water can flow freely. Also, refresh mulch in rain gardens and around plants to maintain both aesthetics and moisture control.
Adapt to Evolving Conditions
Flood risks can change with new construction in your neighborhood, shifting climate patterns, or updated FEMA flood maps. Stay informed and be ready to adjust your landscaping strategies. Add new plant species if older ones fail to thrive, or build a secondary swale if water flow increases.
Integrating Landscaping with House Lifting
Creating a Cohesive Plan
If you’re planning to elevate your home—or you’ve already done so—landscaping should be factored into the overall design. At DeVooght House Lifters, we often collaborate with landscape architects to ensure the final project is both functional and visually harmonious.
- Grading: After lifting, the area around your home might need regrading to fill gaps or adjust slopes.
- Aesthetic Choices: Using landscaping to disguise the foundation or piers can make your elevated home look more natural.
Improving Curb Appeal
An elevated home doesn’t have to look awkward. A well-thought-out landscape design can hide the extra height with shrubs, tiered gardens, or strategically placed hardscaping features. This approach maintains curb appeal and continues to offer flood protection benefits.
Community Benefits of Flood-Resilient Landscaping
Floodwaters don’t stop at property lines. When you design your yard to manage stormwater effectively, you also help reduce the burden on public drainage systems. That means fewer backups, less standing water on roads, and ultimately, a more flood-resilient neighborhood. Some communities even offer incentives or rebates for installing permeable pavements, rain gardens, or other green infrastructure.
How DeVooght House Lifters Can Help
While our primary focus is lifting and stabilizing houses, our team at DeVooght House Lifters recognizes that flood protection extends beyond the four walls of your home. We provide guidance on:
- Site Assessments: Determining how water flows on your property and offering suggestions for optimal grading or drainage solutions.
- Post-Lift Recommendations: Once your home is elevated, we can advise on finishing touches, like adding flower beds or swales to enhance both function and appearance.
- Local Regulations: Flood-prone areas often have specific rules about grading, retaining walls, and other landscaping changes. We can help ensure your plans align with local ordinances and FEMA guidelines.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Flood-Ready Landscape
Landscaping can be a powerful ally in your fight against flooding. By strategically grading your yard, selecting water-tolerant plants, and implementing features like swales, rain gardens, or permeable pavers, you transform your property into a protective shield against rising waters. Beyond protection, these steps can add beauty, boost biodiversity, and even raise the value of your home.
At DeVooght House Lifters, we’re firm believers that flood resilience doesn’t stop at your doorstep. An elevated home paired with a well-designed, water-savvy yard is a holistic approach that secures your property while enhancing its natural appeal. Whether you’re dealing with minor pooling issues or preparing for major storm surges, integrating robust landscaping solutions is an investment in peace of mind—and a healthier environment for your entire community.