Gardens in Surrey can be particularly prone to flooding, and not just those located near to rivers and streams. The terrain in the county tends to be sloping and made of clay-heavy soil, both of which can exacerbate flooding problems.
And then there’s growing urban development to consider. Fast-growing towns like Leatherhead, Dorking and Godalming in particular have seen increased surface water issues in recent years, especially during heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.
With more driveways replacing lawns, there is less natural drainage. This not only means overloaded public waste water infrastructure, but also more instances of standing water in gardens.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to prevent flooding in your garden, and play a part in improving drainage across the region.
Tip 1: Improve Soil Permeability
Clay soil, which is widespread in Surrey, tends to absorb water slowly. To combat this, aim to aerate your lawn regularly. Using a garden fork or aerator tool, perforate the soil to allow water to penetrate deeper. This is particularly important before heavy rainfall is expected. Over time, even small efforts like this can make a big difference in how your garden copes with water.
You can also mix in organic matter like compost or sand to break up compacted ground. This can help water drain more effectively, rather than pooling on the surface.
Another thing to try is to plant deep-rooted vegetation such as ornamental grasses and shrubs. This can help to break up compacted soil layers and naturally increase water filtration.
You should also avoid using dense mulch (which can trap moisture) or over watering your garden.
Tip 2: Install French Drains or Soakaways
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe, designed to help redirect water away from problem areas. Another effective option is a soakaway, which disperses water underground.
If you’re having issues with standing water, flooding or water penetration of the brickwork of your home, these could be improvements to consider.
Both systems are particularly helpful in low-lying garden areas, where water tends to collect and pool. A properly installed French drain can reduce the likelihood of lawn and flower bed damage, while a soakaway can help manage runoff from roofs and hard surfaces.
You might also consider connecting your home’s roof gutter downpipes to your soakaway. Alternatively, you can create a rain garden to capture and filter runoff in a natural way, which also has the added bonus of being aesthetically pleasing. It could end up being a real focal point in your garden.
Tip 3: Use Permeable Landscaping
Concrete patios and tarmac driveways can be terrible for drainage. So you may want to consider swapping these impermeable surfaces for alternatives such as gravel, permeable paving or even grass for better drainage.
These materials allow water to seep into the ground rather than running off into already saturated areas.
Permeable pavers come in a wide range of styles and colours, making it easy to design a practical yet attractive driveway. You can also try laying your paving with wide joints filled with gravel or sand. This helps reduce runoff and supports groundwater recharge.
When to Call in Drainage Professionals
If flooding problems persist despite your best efforts, it may be time to look for Surrey drainage specialists for domestic and rental properties.
They can assess your garden’s unique layout, soil type and drainage routes to design a tailored solution that keeps water flowing where it should.
