Record Rainfall in San Antonio: Is Your Yard Ready?

San Antonio just saw record-breaking rainfall and with it, a lot of water that needs somewhere to go. If you are now dealing with the aftermath, flooded yards, soggy landscaping, and water pooling in places it shouldn't be. If that sounds familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at your drainage system.

At VHS, we deal with this kind of thing all the time. From small fixes to large-scale corrections, we’ve seen just about every drainage issue a yard can throw at us. In fact, very few landscape projects get completed without some kind of drainage solution in place. Whether your property is flat, sloped, or somewhere in between, proper water management is key to a functional outdoor space.

Common Drainage Solutions We Use

Gravel Paths or Faux Creek Beds These are great options for allowing water to move across your property without washing away soil or mulch. We often install river stone or gravel bands along the foundation of a home, to control water flow from the roof. This approach reduces erosion and can even eliminate the need for gutters in some cases.

Swales and Berms Swales are shallow channels that guide water from one area to another, often lined with grass or stone. Berms are raised mounds of soil used to block water from flowing into unwanted areas, like from a neighbor’s yard into yours. Both are simple, effective ways to manage surface water.

French Drains and Underground Solutions When water needs to move through a yard without disrupting patios or planting beds, we install underground drainage. These systems often connect to roof gutters and direct water out of high-risk areas. Think of these as long-term protection, insurance for your landscape.

Sump Pumps In some cases, a sump pump is the best solution. This system collects water in a basin and pumps it to a better location. While it’s often used as a last resort, it’s effective for areas where gravity alone can’t do the job. Just keep in mind that these systems require power to operate, and backup power may be needed during major storms. (Ask us about generator installation. We do that too!)

A Healthy Lawn Helps Too Don’t underestimate the role of healthy grass. Turf absorbs and slows water, preventing erosion and giving water time to soak in. If your lawn is struggling, it may be part of the drainage issue.

Signs You May Have a Drainage Problem

Not sure if you’re dealing with a serious issue? Here are a few things to look out for:

• Water pooling near your home’s foundation

• Soggy areas that stay wet long after the rain stops

• Washed-out mulch or gravel

• Erosion or exposed roots in your planting beds

• Water making its way into your garage or patio
  

These issues can lead to long-term damage to your home, landscape, and hardscapes if left unchecked.

What We Look At

When you schedule a consultation with VHS, we’ll come out and assess:

• Grading and slope

• Roof runoff and gutter placement

• Soil conditions

• Existing drainage paths

• Nearby hardscapes or retaining walls
  

What to Do Next

Drainage issues don’t fix themselves. The recent rains have shown how important proper planning is, especially in a climate like ours. Whether you're dealing with a single trouble spot or need a full yard assessment, VHS can help. We take a straightforward approach: assess the problem, explain the options, and build a solution that works for your property. If you’re ready to get ahead of the next storm, schedule a consultation today.

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