Swampy yards can make a problem for property owners who want to keep their outdoor space usable and attractive. Knowing what you can do to make the best of a swampy yard can help you enjoy your property despite its limitations. 

Install a Rain Garden

A rain garden is a garden in a low-lying area. Ideally, a rain garden will be at the bottom of a trench surrounded by well-draining soil, so that all water from the spaces above will drain into the rain garden. Rain gardens are commonly filled with plants that are able to tolerate wet conditions because rain gardens can be especially swampy during periods of wet weather.

Plant Extra Plants and Shrubs

Fill any empty areas of your yard with plants and shrubs, if at all possible. Plants do a lot to suck up moisture from the soil, and areas of bare soil can get especially boggy if they're left bare.

Install Water-Loving Trees

There are a few trees out there that tolerate the condition known as wet feet, meaning their roots typically sit in wet soil. Water-loving trees will help drain your property of excess water by drinking what's in the soil. One excellent example of a water-loving tree is the weeping willow, which is commonly found beside lakes and ponds. Planting one or more water-loving trees on your property will help ensure that excess water is removed from your soil.

Install Pathways

Walking through wet grass can make a muddy pathway through your lawn and can also damage your grass. To avoid damaging your lawn, install a pathway through any areas where people commonly walk. Gravel pathways will work, but stone pavers will generally be the tidiest, most professional-looking option.

Put the Patio at the Top of a Slope

If you plan to install a patio, put it at the top of a hill or a slope in your yard, to ensure that the water always runs down and away. This will keep your patio well-drained throughout the year.

Work with a Landscape Architect

Landscape architects deal with tough landscaping problems all the time. Your landscape architect will know the best soil amendments to ensure that your soil drains well, which plants will absorb the most water from your soil, and what kind of architectural features will divert the water from the high-traffic areas of your yard. For more ideas about how you can make your yard useable, contact a reputable landscape architect in your area.