The Importance of Gutter Cleaning

Fall is the time homeowners and landscapers remember for the leaves that pile up in the yard and gutters. Gutters are especially difficult to clean. So why do we bother cleaning them? It is actually very important to keep you gutters clear, especially during the winter months. Here are a few reasons for why that is, and some tips to cleaning them out.


1. Leaky Basements and Cracked Foundations-
Clogged gutters are the number one cause for basement flooding and foundation cracks. If the water is not able to flow correctly out of the gutter, it will build up and eventually overflow around the foundation. This could mean a basement leak is just minutes away. It can also lead to cracked foundations if left alone for a long time.

2. Rotted Wood-
If the water is allowed to build up in the gutter, it can lead to rotting of the wood around the gutter. It can get VERY expensive to replace wood, so cleaning the gutter can save you money.

3. Sagging Driveways-
Clogged gutters can lead to sagging driveways and sidewalks. This will also be expensive to fix.

Overlooking the importance of gutter cleaning can lead to water damage which can get very expensive. Either clean the gutters yourself or hire a professional, but do not leave the gutter clogged. Keeping your drainage system running is very important.

Tyler Kaiser
T. J. Landscaping Inc.

French Drain

If you have puddles in your lawn and landscape after a storm, you might want to consider a french drain. This system is basically a hole underground that collects water and allows for easy drainage. Usually a pipe is installed to accomplish the draining.


To create a french drain, first dig a U-shaped trench six inches deep by three feet wide, pitching deeper where the water exits. Line the trench with heavy-duty plastic with one edge of the plastic up tight against the foundation. Install perforated pipe in the center of the trench, cover with spun bond fabric (weed barrier), cover this with clean 3/4 inch stone up to grade, and have the pipe exit some place to deposit water. Remember before doing any digging, contact Dig Safe or your local utility locator company to pinpoint gas and utility lines and save yourself potential headaches and harm.



Tyler Kaiser
T. J.  Landscaping Inc.

How to Deal with Storm Water

Rain storms can be disastrous to landscapes, especially in the North-East. Puddles in both the lawn and beds can kill plants and look bad for months at a time, if it is especially rainy. Here are a few ways you can protect your lawn by draining the water, and make it look natural and beautiful.

1. You can turn drainage solutions into features that enhance your landscape, and protect natural water ways. Ditches can be designed with small stones and rocks to allow good drainage, but look like a natural stream. If you only want to create a small swale, you are okay to do it yourself, but for a  small river, you should hire a professional landscaper because they usually have earth moving equipment. The best place to do this is usually a gutter runoff that runs into a water source. Planting ferns and other plants on the bank enhances the design.

2. Gutter drainage can be directed into rain gardens that can be butterfly and bird habitat. This type of garden is great for both drainage and design. Where are swale is a carrier of water, a rain garden is a destination. The idea of a rain garden is that water will drain quickly and sink into the ground promoting lush plant growth. Although a low spot in the lawn seems like a good place for a rain garden, these are usually soggy and saturated. Instead you should find a place in the lawn that dries quickly.

3. Driveways and patios are also susceptible to flooding. One way to avoid this is to bear flooding in mind before designing a patio or driveway. Creating a pattern that has holes in between the pavers is a great way to allow drainage. Laying the pavers on a layer of gravel is also good because it will drain quicker and eliminate most runoff. This could even be done with porous asphalt or concrete made with little or no sand, making small air pockets for water to drain through. These types of projects require a little extra planning, but draining can be very important.

With these simple tips in mind, rain storm water is manageable to deal with. Don't let the water ruin you landscaping. Be one step ahead of the storm and get prepared.

Tyler Kaiser
T. J. Landscaping