If
you’ve called Hardscaping in Buckingham, PA home for some time now, it probably hasn’t
escaped your notice that even among the most beautiful yards, there are those
that requiring an extra measure of hours and effort for maintenance. Between
the fluctuating landforms and the great diversity of soil types found in the
area, combined with the older residential districts where landscapes have
matured, it’s not surprising at all that a good number of homeowners end up
with areas they find less than user-friendly.
We
regularly hear from our neighbors here in Buckingham: “We have a lovely yard…
but each time it rains, there are water puddles everywhere,” or “Only half of
the backyard is on the hill and we don’t really use it,” and so on.
In
fact, these types of issues are something we are very familiar with here. Our
extensive experience of working with different families in Central Bucks County
enables us to understand that a well-planned hardscaping project in Buckingham,
PA may offer simple, natural, and effective solutions to such problems.
Here
we are discussing the reasons behind these problems being so frequent and the
way we have been handling them successfully.
Reasons a Large
Number of Yards in Central Bucks County Experience Drainage and Slope-related
Problems
Living
in Central Bucks County is a blessing due to its natural beauty but as with any
lovely thing, there are aspects that make the life of homeowners a little
difficult. If you compare the houses in the newer developments that have been
built on level ground with those in this area, quite a number of houses here
are situated on a gently rolling terrain. This is what gives the area its charm
but at the same time, it means we cannot always want to control the behavior of
water very well.
How Frequent Heavy Rainfalls Affect The Area
Living
in Pennsylvania has taught everyone that weather can change very suddenly and
it is most unpredictable in springtime. A few days of steady rain or a sudden
summer thunderstorm could very quickly and dramatically convert your backyard
to a muddy playground if water is not properly drained.
Along
with precipitation, during late winter period thawing snow also poses some risk
to the yard water pooling and flooding.
Many
homeowners seem to mistake their “lawn problems” for other issues but the
underlying cause in many cases is just improper drainage.
Clayey Soil and the Cohesion of Water in Local
Neighborhoods
We
could not help but notice the presence of clayey soil as a major issue in many
parts of Bucks County. The good thing about clay is that it retains minerals
and nutrients which are very important to plant life, but it doesn’t allow
water to drain as quickly as sandy soil.
So,
when it rains, water will gather on the surface staying wet for extended
periods even without rain.
That
is why you see sometimes puddles lingering for days. Over time, standing water
may generate erosion or make certain spots in the yard virtually unusable.
A Buckingham Story-CSR backyard
I2
remember that project, which was a family in Buckingham who loved being
outdoors, but their backyard presented them with a challenge.
Their
house was on a hill and the slope causes rainwater to flow into the patio.
After the rain, the mud on the patio was so bad that it was impossible to use
the patio, and the children could not run and play in the backyard.
Drainage issues due to the hill slope causing
water flow toward the patio.
A
little inspection and a conversation reviewing the issue with the family helped
us identify the main cause of the problem. They were following that slope, and
it was typical for gravitation to move water downhill and direct it to the
house.
Inspection
of the lawn revealed that there had been the formation of small erosion
channels over the years. The channels may not be dramatic but they expose a
clear lack of landscape management for water.
At
first the family believed that the only way to fix the problem was to redo the
entire yard or to rebuild. This is a common thought and can be intimidating.
The approach: Considered Hardscaping Instead of
Total Yard Reconstruction
We
did not want to implement drastic changes to the property so we emphasized on
finding ways by which to do justice to water’s movements.
Where
there had been an erosion problem, the stone patio extension complemented the
other solutions and met the family’s needs without the costs of major
construction.
The
family was happy and we were happy; the yard looked natural and balanced and
was not a major construction project at all.
Most
importantly, they had a lovely backyard to enjoy on days when it did not rain.
Small changes in
Hardscaping achieve Big Improvements
One
of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that solving yard problems
requires dramatic changes. In reality, small adjustments can often make a
noticeable difference.
Retaining Walls That Control Slope and Prevent
Erosion
Retaining
walls are great for sloped yard areas because they not only help create level
terraces but also stop the soil from sliding further downhill.
Using
even a very simple retaining wall, you can convert a steep or awkward slope
into a comfortable patio, fire pit, or garden area.
They
are one of those features that the eye tends to overlook, but which quietly
handle numerous problems.
Permeable Patios and Walkways for Better Water
Management
We
have seen that the practice of using permeable materials for patios and
walkways is quite effective in this area.
Quite
the opposite, of water accumulating on the surface, these materials allow the
rainwater to permeate through tiny spaces and then naturally drain into the
soil below.
Given
the amount of rain we sometimes get in Bucks County, that simple design choice
can make a big difference.
Smart Grading Around Patios and Walkways
In
many cases, the greatest change is also the least obvious.
By
just a little bit the slope around a patio or walkway can be changed to direct
water away from the house and towards parts of the yard where it can be safely
disposed.
Most
homeowners do not notice it immediately, but it is often detection that makes a
yard function well over a long period.
Popular Homeowner
Queries in Buckingham Before Committing to a Hardscaping Project
The
following questions are typically asked many times during any planning and
designing phases.
How Effective Is Hardscaping in Preventing
Standing Water?
That's
not a one-size-fits-all answer, and a lot depends on the overall design.
Hardscaping
is most effective when integrated into the overall water management plan of the
yard. Geographically correctly placed retaining walls, terraces, patios, and
walkways can help to detour water or soil stabilization.
When Do I Need Permits for Hardscaping Projects?
In
Bucks County, for some big projects especially those involving major grading or
structures, permits may be necessary.
Homeowners
are always well warned to consult with local authorities before embarking on
something major.
What Are Some Durable Material Choices for Our
Outdoor Areas in Pennsylvanian Weather?
Pennsylvania
weather can be tough on outdoor materials. Between freeze-thaw cycles in the
winter and humid summers, durability matters.
Natural
stone, high-quality pavers, and properly installed retaining wall systems are
materials known to resist local climate conditions.
Some Thoughts on
Working on Buckingham Yards
Working
on multiple outdoor projects in this part has given us some insights into the
trends of this region.
Each Yard Has Its Own Character
Even
two houses located on the same street can have entirely different drainage
issues and therefore require different solutions.
This
emphasizes the importance of being present to and observing how water behaves
in your yard especially after it rains.
Tackling Water Issues from the Beginning Is the
Best Way to Avoid Headaches
In
planning outdoor improvements, water management is one of the most neglected
aspects until it becomes a problem.
Given
the choice between managing water during the design phase or dealing with
problems after a yard has been installed, most people prefer the former option.
Looking at Your
Own Yard With Fresh Eyes
If
you think your yard is in for a major makeover with some hardscaping, first of
all, just be observant.
Walk
around your yard after someone rains and see if you notice any water collection
or puddling.
Ways Your Yard Could Use a Helping Hand From
Hardscaping in Buckingham, PA
The
following problems are commonly seen in yards of Central Bucks County:
1.
Puddles that stay for days after the rain stops
2.
Moving soil in sloped areas
3.
Perpetually muddy spots
4.
Parts of the yard that are not easily usable
Such
issues are quite common in Central Bucks County, in fact, they are a part of
our shared natural environment.
This
being the case, with the proper approach, even a difficult yard can be
transformed into a very pleasant part of the home.
Sometimes
all it takes is a small change in the way the yard is set up or a new addition
to the hardscape to make an old boring yard into a place that you love going
out to.
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