Proper drainage is often overlooked when planting a garden, or putting in a new shrub. Settling ground after a new house or lawn is put in can alter the drainage.
Good drainage is important to plants and trees in your landscape. Almost all nursery tags and gardening articles will remind you that the plant needs good drainage along with specific watering and sun conditions. It is not always easy though to tell if you have good drainage or not. One way is to dig a small hole (about the size of a coffee can) and fill it with water. The water should not immediately drain out, as that would indicate very porous soil conditions such as sand. On the other hand the water should not be there for more than an hour or two. Clay or heavy soil will be indicated if the water stays too long. Amend both these soil so that the drainage is optimum for good plant growth.
Another way to tell whether you have good drainage is on a rainy day. Look at the garden and notice where the pools of water lie. Water will collect in low points and you will likely have at least one in the garden. In most subdivisions, the drainage will be between the houses, usually along the adjoining back gardens. This too should drain quickly after the rain has stopped. Obviously the time to drain will depend on how much rain you had and how fast it fell. Smaller areas in the garden will be the ones that need to be attended to. Build these up so that the area is smooth and the surface water drains correctly.
Remember too that building can alter the drainage of the land. Settling ground in subdivisions can make some areas higher than others, so check the drainage patterns regularly.
