If you live in Central Iowa, you know the drill.

One minute, it’s a beautiful, crisp spring morning. The next, a heavy storm rolls through, and suddenly your backyard looks less like a lawn and more like a swampy marshland. You step outside to let the dog out, and squish: your boot sinks into three inches of cold mud.

We’ve all been there.

At Larkin Landscape & Design, we see this every single season. Between the heavy clay soil that dominates our region and the flat terrain that makes water hesitate to leave, yard drainage is a unique challenge for Iowa homeowners. And let’s not forget the freeze-thaw cycle of our winters; that melting snow has to go somewhere, and too often, it decides to stay right against your foundation.

Having a soggy yard isn’t just annoying when you’re trying to mow the grass; it’s a legitimate hazard. Standing water breeds mosquitoes, drowns your landscaping, and, worst of all, can seep into your basement, turning a muddy lawn into an expensive structural headache.

So, what can you actually do about it?

We believe that your yard should be a place you want to spend time in, not a place you need waders to navigate. Here are 7 drainage fixes that actually work for Iowa yards, from simple DIY tweaks to professional heavy-lifters.

1. Extend Your Downspouts (The "Low-Hanging Fruit")
Before you start digging up your entire yard, look up. Your roof catches a massive amount of water during a storm, and your gutters funnel all of it down to, where?

If your downspouts are dumping gallons of water right next to your foundation, you’re fighting a losing battle. The soil can only absorb so much before it pools and seeps back toward your house.

The Fix: Attach downspout extensions to move that water at least 4 to 6 feet away from your home. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix that often solves minor drainage issues instantly. You can bury these extensions for a cleaner look or use simple flexible pipes above ground.

2. Core Aeration (Let Your Soil Breathe)
Iowa soil is famous for its clay content. While that’s great for growing corn, it’s terrible for drainage. Clay particles are very small and fit together firmly to provide a barrier that water can't get through. Over time, foot traffic and mowing make the soil increasingly harder.

The Fix: Core aeration. This process involves a machine that pulls small "plugs" of soil out of your lawn. It sounds simple, but it effectively punches thousands of tiny breathing holes into the ground. This breaks up the compaction and gives rainwater a direct path to soak into the earth rather than sitting on top of it. It’s like loosening a tight belt after a big meal. Your lawn will thank you.

3. Regrading and Swales (Go With the Flow)
Water follows the path of least resistance. The problem is, sometimes that path leads straight to your patio or back door. If your yard is perfectly flat or worse, slopes toward your house, gravity is working against you.

The Fix: Regrading involves reshaping the land to encourage water to flow away from your home and toward a safe exit point, like a storm drain or a wooded area.

Sometimes, we create a swale, shallow, gentle depression in the ground that acts like an invisible river channel. When it rains, the water naturally finds the swale and is guided away. When it’s dry, it just looks like a gentle curve in your lawn that’s easy to mow over. It’s a subtle solution that uses physics to your advantage.

4. French Drains (The Heavy Hitter)
Sometimes, the water issue is underground. You might not see a puddle, but the ground feels like a sponge because the water table is high or trapped by a layer of heavy clay. In these cases, you need a solution that addresses the problem from below.

The Fix: A French drain. This is basically a trench with gravel and a pipe with holes in it. Water flows through the gravel, into the pipe, and then quickly leaves at a discharge point. It works really well to dry off wet spots that won't drain on their own.

We often get asked about the investment for this kind of work. To give you a realistic idea, French drain cost Iowa homeowners pay can vary based on the length of the run and the accessibility of your yard. Generally, for a professional installation in Central Iowa that includes proper trenching, quality gravel, and restoration of the turf, you might be looking at a range between $2,500 and $5,000 for a typical residential system. It’s an investment, but when you compare it to the cost of fixing a flooded basement, it’s often the smartest money you can spend.

5. Dry Creek Beds (Beauty Meets Function)
Who says drainage has to be boring? If you have a specific path where water always rushes during a storm causing erosion and washing away your mulch stop fighting it. Embrace it.

The Fix: A dry creek bed is exactly what it sounds like. We excavate the path the water naturally wants to take and line it with river rock and boulders of various sizes.

Most of the time, it looks like a beautiful, decorative rock feature that adds texture and character to your landscape. But when it rains, it springs to action, channeling the rushing water safely away without washing out your soil. It’s the perfect marriage of form and function.

6. Retaining Walls (Structure and Support)
If your property is on a slope, you might be dealing with runoff from a neighbor’s yard above you, or perhaps your own soil is slowly sliding away. Uncontrolled slopes can speed up water flow, causing erosion that eats away at your yard.

The Fix: A retaining wall. By building a sturdy wall, we can flatten out sloped areas, creating usable tiered space for planting or patios. But more importantly, a properly built retaining wall includes drainage behind it. It holds back the earth while managing the water pressure, stopping the flow from overwhelming your yard. Plus, using natural stone or high quality blocks adds a premium look to your property that lasts for decades.

7. Rain Gardens (Nature’s Sponge)
If you have a low spot in your yard that always stays wet, you can try to fill it in or you can plant a rain garden.

The Fix: A rain garden is a designated area planted with deep rooted, native Iowa plants like sedges, swamp milkweed, or ferns that actually love "wet feet."

Instead of trying to force the water away, you direct it into this garden. The deep roots of these native plants act like sponges, soaking up the excess moisture and helping it infiltrate the soil much faster than turf grass ever could. It fixes your drainage problem in a way that is good for the environment and makes a home for butterflies and birds in the area.

Don’t Let a Wet Yard Ruin Your Summer

Your backyard is an extension of your home. It’s where you host barbecues, play catch with the kids, or just sit with a coffee on a Saturday morning. You shouldn't have to check the weather forecast just to know if it's safe to walk on the grass.

If you’re tired of the mud and the mess, let’s take a look. We’re local, so we know Central Iowa’s soil and weather better than anyone. We can walk your property, identify exactly why your yard drainage Iowa issues are happening, and design a custom solution that fixes it for good.

Ready to reclaim your dry land? Request a Free Quote Today and let’s get your yard back to being a place you love.

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Prepare Landscape for Spring: 8 Expert Secrets

How to Prepare Your Landscape in Winter for a Healthier, More Beautiful Spring

By Andrew Larkin • January 14, 2026

Want a stunning yard this year? Learn how to prepare landscape for spring with our proven checklist for hardscapes and plants. Start planning your oasis now.

Snow Removal in Iowa: Residential vs Commercial What’s the Difference

By Andrew Larkin • January 6, 2026

The 4 a.m. Alarm: An Iowa Winter Reality If you’ve lived in Iowa for more than a single winter, you know the sound. It’s not your alarm clock, it’s the muffled ‘scrape-scrape-scrape’ of a shovel hitting concrete before the sun even comes up. Iowa winters are beautiful, sure. The blanket of white over the cornfields is postcard-perfect, until you have to drive through it to get to work or open your shop for customers. That’s when the reality sets in: snow isn’t just weather here, it’s a logistical hurdle. At Larkin Landscape, we’ve spent years battling Iowa’s unpredictable elements, from those heavy, wet snowfalls in December to the biting ice storms of February. One question we often hear from our neighbors in Des Moines, Ankeny, and Iowa City is, "Is there really a difference between hiring someone for my driveway and hiring a crew for my business?" The short answer? Yes. The long answer? It comes down to two things: urgency and liability. Let’s grab a warm cup of coffee and dive into what separates residential snow plowing services from commercial ice management, and why knowing the difference matters for your peace of mind. Residential Snow Removal: Reclaiming Your Morning For homeowners, snow removal is personal. It’s about getting the kids to school safely and not throwing out your back before your first meeting. When you hire a pro for residential snow removal in Iowa, you’re essentially buying time. You’re paying for the luxury of hitting the snooze button while someone else handles the heavy lifting. 1. The Scope is Smaller (But Details Matter) Residential jobs are typically about precision in tight spaces. We aren't clearing acres of asphalt, we’re navigating around your kid’s basketball hoop, your meticulously planted boxwoods, and that one car parked a little too close to the edge of the driveway. Equipment here is different, too. While we might bring a plow truck for a long driveway, we often rely on snow blowers and shovels for the detail work. Why? Because a massive commercial plow can do a number on a residential lawn if you aren't careful. We treat your property like our own, ensuring the snow is moved away from the house (to prevent wet basements when it melts) without burying your mailbox. 2. The Schedule is Life-Dependent Residential triggers are usually simpler. Most homeowners want service after the snow stops falling or reaches a certain depth (usually 2 inches). The goal is clear access. You need to get out of the garage, and the mail carrier needs to get to the door. It’s about restoring the flow of your daily life. Commercial Snow Removal: The Zero Tolerance Game If residential snow removal is about convenience, commercial snow removal is about risk management. For business owners in Iowa, snow isn't just an inconvenience, it’s a liability lawsuit waiting to happen. If a customer slips on a patch of black ice outside your storefront, the consequences are far heavier than just a wet pair of pants. This is where the term ice management takes center stage. 1. It’s Not Just About Moving Snow; It’s About Melting Risk Commercial contracts are intense. We operate with what we call a "zero tolerance" policy for ice. In a residential setting, a little hard packed snow on the driveway might be acceptable for a few hours. In a commercial lot? Absolutely not. This means we aren't just plowing, we are pre-treating surfaces with brine or salting immediately after clearing. Sidewalk clearing becomes a high stakes game. We have to ensure that handicap ramps, loading docks, and emergency exits are down to the pavement. 2. The 24/7 Monitoring Cycle Unlike residential routes that might run once the storm passes, commercial snow removal in Iowa is a round the clock operation. Imagine a hospital entrance or a 24-hour gym. We can’t wait for the snow to stop. We are often out there during the storm, making multiple passes to keep lanes open. We monitor weather radar specifically for ground temperature drops to predict when wet pavement will turn into a skating rink. 3. Heavy-Duty Artillery Remember those snow blowers we mentioned for homes? They rarely cut it here. Commercial jobs require skid steers, frontend loaders, and massive V-plows to stack snow into designated snow piles that won't block visibility for drivers. We have to plan where the snow goes before the first flake even falls, ensuring it doesn't melt and refreeze across the parking lot later. The Science of Salt: It’s Not Just Sprinkling Magic Dust You might think throwing salt down is the universal fix, but in Iowa, it’s actually a science. One thing many people don’t realize is that standard rock salt loses its effectiveness when temperatures dip below 15°F. In January, when we hit those sub-zero wind chills, throwing cheap salt on your sidewalk is like throwing gravel, it won’t melt a thing. This is where the difference in service really shines. For our residential clients, we’re hyper-aware of your landscape and your furry friends. We often use blended products that are gentler on concrete and safe for Fido’s paws. Over-salting a driveway can burn your grass come spring, leaving you with brown edges that are a pain to fix. On the commercial side, however, we often have to use more aggressive treated salts or liquid brine. We can’t risk a ‘slip and fall’ lawsuit, so we use products designed to cut through ice even in extreme cold. It’s a balancing act between safety, budget, and environmental care that requires a professional touch to get right. The Iowa Factor: Why Local Expertise Wins Whether it’s residential or commercial, the Iowa Factor changes the game. Our weather doesn't follow a script. We get those wintry mixes, rain turning to sleet turning to snow, that create a concrete like layer of ice underneath the fluff. National chains that manage snow removal from a call center in a different time zone often miss these nuances. They don't know that the wind whips across the open plains of Central Iowa, causing massive drifts on north facing driveways even after the snow has stopped. At Larkin Landscape, we are local. We know that in Ankeny, the wind chill can freeze a wet sidewalk in minutes. We know the local ordinances in Des Moines regarding how quickly public sidewalks need to be cleared (usually 24 hours). A Human Approach to a Cold Job: We believe that whether you are a frantic mom needing to get the minivan out or a property manager worrying about tenant safety, you deserve a human response. You aren't just a route number to us. ● For our Residential Clients: We promise to respect your property boundaries and your sleep schedule as best we can. ● For our Commercial Clients: We promise documentation. We keep logs of when we plowed and when we salted, protecting you if a liability claim ever arises. Which Service Do You Need? If you are reading this and wondering, "Do I need a commercial contract for my large rural driveway?" or "Can I just hire a neighborhood kid for my small business lot?", here is a quick rule of thumb: ● Traffic Volume: If you have strangers (customers/employees) walking on your property daily, you need commercial grade ice management and insurance protection. ● Tolerance for Delays: Can you wait until the storm ends to leave your house? Residential service is a perfect fit. Do you need the lot clear by 7:00 a.m. sharp regardless of when the storm hit? That’s a commercial necessity. Ready for Winter? Winter in Iowa is inevitable, but the stress that comes with it doesn't have to be. Whether you need your front walk cleared or a shopping center maintained, Larkin Landscape has the local know-how to keep you moving. Don't wait for the first blizzard warning to start Googling "snow plowing services." By then, our schedules and our mugs of hot cocoa are already full. Contact Larkin Landscape Today to discuss your winter plan. Let’s keep Iowa safe, one cleared sidewalk at a time.

Rock vs Mulch Iowa: The Best Choice for Your Local Yard?

Rock vs Mulch in Iowa Landscapes: Pros, Cons & When to Use Each

By Andrew Larkin • January 1, 2026

Discover the truth about rock vs mulch in Iowa landscapes. We break down costs & weed control to help you choose right. Click here to decide today.

Commercial Landscaping in Iowa: Maintenance Calendars, Contracts & KPIs

By Andrew Larkin • December 3, 2025

Protect your buildings with expert storm damage restoration Philadelphia after severe weather. Learn an essential action plan for managers today. Get help fast.

Native Iowa Landscaping: 15 Low-Maintenance Plants

By Andrew Larkin • November 18, 2025

Build a low-maintenance landscape with Iowa native plants. Explore 15 prairie perennials that thrive in Iowa for color, pollinators, and easy care.

Retaining Walls in Iowa: Costs, Drainage & Erosion Control

By Andrew Larkin • October 29, 2025

Learn when you need a retaining wall in Iowa, how much block retaining walls cost, and why proper drainage and erosion control matter for your yard.

Seasonal Landscaping Tips: What to Do Each Quarter

By Andrew Larkin • October 15, 2025

Seasonal Landscaping Tips for Your Iowa Home You have to work all year to keep your Iowa property looking its best. Your lawn and landscape need various things at different times of the year because summers are hot and humid and winters are cold and snowy. The key to having a beautiful, healthy, and strong outdoor area is knowing what to do and when to do it. We put together a whole guide to seasonal landscaping just for households in Central Iowa. Follow these tips every three months to keep your property healthy from the first thaw of spring to the last snowstorm of winter.