1130 Davidson Road
Brookfield, WI 53045
262-784-8219
gmswi@yahoo.com
Brookfield, Wis. – Recent heavy rains that raked the area have left ponds in backyards, water in basements and, in all likelihood, questions in the minds of homeowners.
The impact of the two-night deluge was worsened at homes lacking proper grading at their base or even clear gutters on their eaves, said Todd Ruedt, owner of Grounds Maintenance Services, Brookfield. Water not properly directed away from houses can damage foundations, resulting in potentially expensive repairs.
“Everyone owns a basement,” Ruedt said. “It’s a gigantic indoor swimming pool with a cover. Unless water is correctly drained out and away from a house, it will go directly into the ground and put pressure on the foundation.”
Grading around homes is the major cause of water-related basement problems, Ruedt said. A properly-graded house should have soil at a level at least 6 inches below the siding, and extending out five feet at a slope of a half-inch per foot. The slope can be steeper if space is tight. The goal is to ensure that water flows away from the house, and stays away.
Gutter issues can aggravate problems caused by heavy rain. Clogged gutters force water to back up and spill over the side of a house. Downspout extenders that leak or are not attached pour water directly into the ground.
“Homeowners clean gutters in the fall but often neglect to do so in the summer, when trees are shedding seeds,” Ruedt said. “It’s very important to ensure that gutters are not clogged and that downspouts are all in working order.”
Water accumulates at low points in yards, often in the middle of the backyard or along lot lines. Another common area is discharge points for gutters and sump pumps, where moving water erodes soil and depresses the clay beneath. When clay dries out, it becomes cracked and powdery and is susceptible to further compaction by feet and lawn tractors. The low point will grow deeper unless addressed.
Ruedt advised homeowners to mark off the boundaries where standing water occurs. Adding soil to the area and reseeding is usually enough to fix the grading and eliminate the problem.
Standing water can have devastating impact on grass and plants, Ruedt added. Roots can rot from the heavy moisture or, conversely, an undamaged plant can have reduced root growth because the moisture is so close. Either way, sections of lawn can burn out and die. Shrubs and perennial plants can be similarly affected. Standing water often quickly breeds mosquitoes, as well.
“Excessive rain is never friendly to homes, lawns or landscaping,” Ruedt said. “Seeing as we can’t control the weather, homeowners who take proactive steps to manage the water can avoid most problems that come with these occasional heavy downpours.”
Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services offers a full range of landscaping and yard maintenance services, plus snow plowing and snow removal during winter. Its professional staff prides itself on helping homeowners grow their dreams, one yard at a time.
CONTACT: Todd Ruedt, Grounds Maintenance Services
(262) 784-8219
