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Marshy area on our lawn-

Discussion in 'Nature/Habitat/Garden Corner' started by redon1, Apr 24, 2007.

  1. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    Any ideas how we can get rid of it? It's a shallow "path" of standing water running between the trees (on an incline) and our house. it runs from our neighbor's yard down toward an upraised rainage ditch in our backyard- no less than 40 yards, i think.

    it's got to be a health hazard when mosquitoes discover it. Even after days of sunny weather it doesn't dissapate.

    we were told there was an attempt to put in a "French Drain" once- don't ask me what it is- I'm just the messenger- but it didn't work.

    So WHO of you green thumbed folks can advise me on what can be done? Is there someone on the HOA board that I should have come out to make approved recommendations?
    Thanks in advance~
     
  2. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    The only time the HOA gets involved in drainage issues is when a resident builds on their lot that changes the drainage onto adjoining properties.
    If your section is still on bond with the county by Van Metre, the county can require them to correct the situation if the property is not draining properly.
    Given that a french drain was installed, it appears that it was a known issue.
    Once the property is off bond with the county, any changes to the drainage are generally then considered to be homeowner responsibility.
     
  3. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    thanks Cliff! how will I know whether or not there is still a bond?
     
  4. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    search Google for "French Drain" and you will get great info and pictures. More than you need to know. But the concept is simple - to help the water drain and flow and get "absorbed" more efficiently. It is hard to give recommendations without a picture, but when did you move in? If you are within a year or two, chances are you are still on bond.

    Some simple ideas could be to dig a hole with some small stones and let the water head that way... and it might just overflow on heavy rain days. 2-3 feet deep maybe?
     
  5. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    What happens when there's a lot of water on common ground behind your house. Meaning - on HOA property - not your own????
     
  6. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    thanks Zeratul! yes- we are within 2 years... i just don't know who to call... 80's fans- RESIST the temptation to say...
     
  7. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    I am thinking that you could start by calling Van Metre... ask them the general question and see what they say. Perhaps you could get one of the guys to stop by and take a quick look. I know they have a land management person(s) that deals with this stuff... and perhaps the worse that could happen is that you at least ask them for professional advice.
     
  8. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    GREAT advice- thanks!!!
     
  9. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    We have a river that flows behind our house on common ground every time we get rain. It's a mess. We even see ducks floating down it. What can be done about that?
     
  10. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    duck hunting dogs...?
    kidding! although crispy duck IS delicious....
     
  11. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    tyger - the key word there is "flow". As long as it flows and moves somewhere, then it sounds like things are working correctly, from a drainage perspective. If water sits for more than 48 hours - then you have a problem.
     
  12. tyger31

    tyger31 Member

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    It flows to a point - then stops a couple houses down and looks marshy....
     
  13. Zeratul

    Zeratul Well-Known Member

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    do you live near redon? Seems like a coincidence...! Without really seeing the area you are talking about, kinda hard to assess. The marshy area could have been intended to be that way... does it look like like the landscaping or general area was meant to be "wild" or is this HOA maintained land, with grass and regular mowing?

    We could come over to your house, get on the deck, have a drink and take a look?
     

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