Have you ever wanted to enjoy your beautiful backyard after a heavy rain or melting snow but found it to be too muddy? Muddy backyards can be unpleasant to look at, and clean up after, and dirty your home. We explore some common solutions to reduce mud, as well as the innovative ground grid stabilization found in our BaseCore geocell.

What Causes Muddy Backyards?

In short, mud is caused by excess water pooling in areas around your yard. There are many reasons as to why this water does not drain. Soil can only soak up a certain amount of water, which means there is often excess water after large storms.

Other reasons for mud include the uneven areas, drainage systems, and surface material of your yard. Low-lying areas in your yard are typically where water tends to pool. Runoff from higher areas brings excess water and soil to lower areas, increasing the change of mud.

The drainage systems in your yard could be creating mud. Downspout drainage exits can be especially susceptible to mud because water tends to pool underneath. Downspouts funnel water through at high speeds, which means that water exits forcefully. Forceful water can erode the soil underneath, causing it to be lower than the rest of the yard. This can be problematic for basements and foundations nearby.

The surface material of your yard can also create mud. Ground covers such as paved concrete have poor drainage, causing runoff to pool in lower areas. Unfortunately, paving can provide a mud solution for that specific area, but still cause mud in others. Surface materials that do not actively absorb water are optimal for the formation of mud.

What are Some Solutions for Preventing Mud in My Yard?

Mud may be tricky and messy to deal with, but luckily, preventing mud can be simple! There are many options for preventing mud such as installing new drainage, adding more vegetation, paving, and installing BaseCore geocell.

Solution 1: Installing a new drainage system

If your drainage system is causing water to pool, you may want to install a new one. Because high-pressure water from your downspout causes erosion, extending your downspout to a level area can provide a temporary solution.

Other drainage solutions include installing geocell (we will talk about this later), a french drain, creating a dry well or creek bed, and digging trenches. French drains are placed under the surface and are covered with permeable pavers that allow water to drain. French drains can be installed around your backyard putting green, flower garden, or lawn. Because they are beneath the surface, french drains work best when placed in areas that are susceptible to pooling water.

Dry wells and creek beds both serve the purpose of collecting excess water. A dry well is a 1 to 2-foot hole that can be lined with gravel or rocks. The purpose of a dry well is to provide a place for water to pool and direct drainage to deeper soil.

Creek beds are similar to dry wells in that they provide a place for water to pool. They can be lined with large or small rocks, depending on your preference. Unlike a dry well, creek beds can be formed to escort water down a slope. This allows for more drainage over a larger surface area.

Adding creek beds and dry wells to your yard can provide excellent drainage, but can be problematic. If your yard is home to active dogs and kids, both wet and dry rocks can be major slipping hazards.

Solution 2: Adding more vegetation

Another mud prevention option is adding more vegetation to your yard. Roots of plants hold soil in place, preventing erosion when big storms bring heavy rainfall. If you do not already have a lawn, planting sod can increase the ground’s water absorption and soil retention. It is important to ensure that your lawn is level; uneven ground can cause uneven water drainage.

Planting a rain garden can offer another drainage solution for your yard. Rain gardens are small gardens planted so that the middle is lower than the majority of the yard. This allows excess water to pool in a designated muddy area, removing it from walkways and play areas. Rain gardens provide good-looking water drainage, and are easy to maintain.

Solution 3: Add pavers or concrete to your yard

Paving your yard can be a good solution to drainage problems when done properly. Paving with rocks, crushed brick, and sandstone can be excellent drainage solutions, while paving with concrete can cause more problems.

Paving with concrete can make your backyard into an unnatural, industrial area, which is typically unpleasant. Because of its decreased drainage, concrete can create more runoff, and can be a slipping hazard in colder areas.

Natural pavers that allow for drainage include small rocks, crushed brick, wood chips and gravel. Installing a patio made with sandstone and lined with small pavers is an excellent solution. Pavers can provide drainage and a patio can create a pleasant place to enjoy your yard. Small rocks and wood chips can also be used to pave paths and provide drainage in high-traffic areas. Pavers and rock can be secured in place using BaseCore geocell as a base.

Solution 4: Installing BaseCore geocell (*highest rated solution)

Installing BaseCore geocell is arguably the best drainage solution for any yard. BaseCore geocell is a durable geocell material that anchors roots and soil, while allowing water to easily pass through. BaseCore geocell is installed under any material of your choice, providing a permanent solution while keeping your yard beautiful.

BaseCore geocell can be installed under your garden, lawn, patio, and any other material you might have in your yard. BaseCore geocell’s cell-like structure holds soil and pavers in place, improving drainage while preventing water from washing them away.

BaseCore geocell is extremely easy to install, and only requires a few do-it-yourself steps using our guide. The first step in installing your new yard is to measure the area. After measuring the area, you can order your new geocell and begin installing!

Are you Ready to Reduce Mud and Improve your Backyard Drainage?

If you are ready to create your new backyard, but still have a few questions, we are here to help! Our team of BaseCore experts has helped with many backyard projects. You can access our FAQ page or contact us directly at (888)897-2224

Backyard Bases proudly supplies backyard owners with high-quality geocell mud prevention solutions. We look forward to helping you create the perfect backyard that you can enjoy in all weather!