REAL ESTATE REALITY: A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT—LANDSCAPING WITH A PURPOSE

By Maryanne Jackson Real Estate Broker CNE. CPRES

March 21, 2019 (La Mesa) -

Dear Maryanne,

I own a property on Fuerte Drive in Mount Helix. With all the rain we have been getting recently, there’s an area in my front yard that has become a stream when it rains. Can I divert this water away from my house? What are some of the most common ways to deal with this?

--Ms. S. T.

Dear Ms. S.T.,

Yes, as a homeowner, you do have the right to divert running water away from your home.

I would recommend hiring a professional landscaping company to get the job done.

It is important that the water is diverted away correctly and away from any neighboring homes. The water should be redirected out to the street and storm drains.

Here are a few landscaping ideas that may help with excess water and further erosion.

1. Add drainage areas near driveways
2. Plant grass
3. Add Mulch
4. Create a rain garden (plant deep rooted plants)
5. Dig trenches to redirect the water away from your home and toward the street & storm drains (may require a professional.)
6. Grade your yard
7. Add French Drains

To submit a confidential question, email westcoastproperties@yahoo.com or call 858-740-7858. Maryanne Jackson, #DRE 01784021 Real Estate Broker, CNE, CPRES.

All questions are answered on a first come, first serve basis.