If you have a neighbor who has a yard that is always full of water, or one that’s constantly flooding your property or street, then this blog post is for you!
There are many reasons why people may be experiencing these problems, but the most common culprits are too much rain runoff and poor drainage. No matter the culprit, this post will help you figure out a solution as we will cover five different ways to stop water runoff from your neighbor’s yard.
5 Simple Ways to Stop Water Runoff from Your Neighbor’s Yard
Here are five simple fixes to the problem you’re facing.
1. Use a Drywell
A drywell is a simple, cost-effective way to stop water runoff from your neighbor’s yard. It can be made out of almost anything — but hard plastic and metal are the most commonly used materials.
That being said, if you don’t want to go through the trouble of making a drywell yourself, pre-made ones are readily available in the market.
2. Dig a Trench
If you’re handy with a shovel, this might be the solution for you. Simply dig a trench from your property to your neighbor’s yard (or vice versa) that is deep and wide enough to hold water.
Be sure to slope the sides of the trench so that the water can easily flow in and out.
This fix is not permanent, but it will get the job done until you can come up with a more long-term solution.
3. Build a Berm
A berm is a mound of soil that will help hold water in place, rather than letting it flow freely down the slope.
Building one may not be easy if you don’t have any construction experience or tools — but fortunately, there are premade berms available for purchase at most home improvement stores.
To make your life easier during installation, use an existing ditch to lay the track of your berm and dig out material from behind it. That way, gravity can help when water starts flowing through instead of you having to carry all the dirt around yourself. Once the material has been dug out, simply fill up empty spots with topsoil until you’re satisfied with how high everything has been raised.
4. Buy a French Draining System
If you’re looking for a more permanent and long-term solution, then installing a French draining system is the ideal choice.
This involves excavating part of your yard to create a trench that will slope towards the street or another drainage outlet. The trench is then filled with gravel and pipe before being covered back up with soil.
While this can be a costly option, it’s one of the most effective ways to stop water runoff from your neighbor’s yard.
5. Hire a Professional Landscaper
If all else fails, you may need to reach out to an expert for help in solving this problem permanently. Water runoff can cause serious damage over time if left unchecked. So don’t hesitate to look for help!
Why Water Runoff Is Bad for Your Property
Water runoff from your neighbor’s yard is bad for your property for several reasons, among which the following three are the most concerning.
1. It Turns Your Yard Into an Ideal Spot for Pests
Slugs and snails, among dozens of other pests, love wet environments. So they will be attracted to your property if water runoff from your neighbor’s yard is left unattended.
Also, standing water provides a breeding ground for mosquitos — which can increase the risk of contracting harmful diseases like West Nile or Zika virus. Like that’s not already enough trouble, rodents such as rats and mice may also use your yard as their new home. They carry harmful bacteria that might even damage the structural strength of your house over time.
2. It Makes Your Lawn Slippery
When water runoff accumulates on your property, it can create a dangerously slick surface. This is especially true if the ground is covered in ice or snow.
Injuries are more likely to occur when people are trying to walk or drive on an area that’s been compromised by water runoff. So not only does this cause physical harm, but also potential legal trouble if someone were to sue you for negligence.
3. It May Drown Your Grass and Plants
If water runoff is not addressed on time, it can eventually cause your grass and plants to die. This is because the excess water will drown them out by preventing oxygen from getting to their roots.
Over time, this could lead to significant damage that’s expensive and often difficult to repair. So it’s best to take action as soon as you notice an issue with water runoff from your neighbor’s yard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Runoff
Here are answers to the three most frequently asked questions about water runoff.
1. Can I Sue My Neighbor for Water Runoff?
You may be able to sue your neighbor if their water runoff is causing significant damage to your property. However, this will likely require the services of a lawyer which can be costly. It’s also important to note that each state has different laws when it comes to water runoff. So it’s best to speak with an expert to determine if you have a case.
If the problem is not adjourned quickly in a court, it could lead to years of tension and conflict between neighbors. So it’s always best to try and work things out amicably before resorting to legal action.
2. How Effective Are Drywells for Fixing Water Runoff?
Drywells can be an effective solution for water runoff, but they aren’t always the best option.
Usually, you’ll need to install multiple drywells in order to cover a significant area of land. You will also have to regularly maintain them and check how full they are before rainstorms if you want them to work effectively.
A better alternative would be a French drainage system. It may cost you some money and require effort for installation, but it will be a permanent and far more effective solution.
3. Should I Talk to My Neighbor First or Just Take Legal Action?
The first thing you should do is talk to your neighbor about the water runoff problem. This will give them a chance to remedy the issue before it becomes worse or causes damage.
Legal action should be reserved only for unreasonable neighbors who aren’t willing to comply even though they are clearly in the wrong.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to stop water runoff from your neighbor’s yard to enter your property. If this isn’t a one-time problem and a regular occurrence, then the first thing you should do is simply talk with your neighbor. Inform them about the trouble you’re having and ask them how they intend to fix the issue. If they don’t comply, taking legal action is a viable option.
