Do I Really Have a Drainage Problem? (How to Tell)

Living in Central Florida comes with its fair share of weather challenges. Our region’s heavy afternoon rainstorms, sandy soils, and flat terrain often create the perfect conditions for water to collect where it shouldn’t. Homeowners in DeLand, Orange City, DeBary, Deltona, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and Daytona Beach frequently call us asking the same question: “Do I really have a drainage problem, or is this just normal?”

The truth is, not every puddle means you need a drainage system. But there are clear warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s walk through how to recognize a real drainage issue, and what to do about it.

Common signs of a drainage problem

If you’re seeing any of these around your yard, it’s likely more than just “normal Florida rain.”

• • Pooling water that lingers for hours or days after a storm. Healthy lawns should drain quickly.
  • Soggy or spongy patches of grass that never seem to dry.
  • Soil erosion or exposed roots near landscaping beds, fences, or walkways.
  • Mildew, algae, or discoloration on patios, pool decks, or driveways.
  • Runoff from neighbors’ yards or roofs making its way across your property.
  • Foundation concerns, such as water pooling along the base of your home.

If one or more of these sound familiar, it’s time to take a closer look.

Why drainage problems are so common in Central Florida

Our climate and geography make drainage issues more common here than in many other parts of the country.

• • Heavy rainfall: Intense summer storms can dump several inches of rain in a short time.
  • Sandy soils: While sand drains fast, it can also shift and erode easily, leaving bare spots.
  • Flat terrain: With little natural slope, water often has nowhere to flow and spreads out across lawns.
  • High water tables: In some areas, groundwater is already close to the surface, making standing water worse.

Put all these together, and it’s easy to see why many homeowners in Volusia County and beyond deal with soggy lawns and erosion.

What kind of drainage solution do you need?

Not every yard problem can be solved with the same fix. That’s why choosing the right system—and the right installer—makes all the difference. At Tree of Life Landscaping, we’ve installed hundreds of drainage systems across Central Florida neighborhoods, from DeLand to Daytona Beach. Each property is different, and we design solutions based on your soil, slope, landscaping, and how water moves after a storm.

Here are the most common drainage systems we use:

• • French drains: These are one of the most effective ways to deal with surface water and erosion. A perforated pipe buried underground collects water before it can flood your lawn or wash away soil. French drains are ideal for soggy yards, eroding garden beds, or runoff that flows between homes in neighborhoods like Orange City, Deltona, and New Smyrna Beach.
  • Downspout drainage: Roof runoff is one of the biggest causes of foundation and erosion problems. If your gutters simply dump water at the base of your home or into your landscaping, you’ll see pooling, soggy mulch, and even cracks in driveways or patios. With underground downspout extensions, we safely carry roof water away from the house, protecting your investment and keeping your yard dry.
  • Patio, driveway, and pool deck drainage: Hard surfaces like pool decks, patios, and driveways often collect water because they don’t absorb rainfall. Channel drains and strip drains are designed to capture this runoff and direct it underground. This keeps surfaces safer to walk on, prevents algae growth, and protects against long-term damage caused by standing water—especially important for homes in Port Orange and Ormond Beach.
  • Drain boxes: Sometimes water naturally settles in low-lying spots in your yard, creating a swampy mess. A drain box collects that water at the surface and connects to underground piping, moving it to a safe discharge point. This solution is often combined with French drains or downspout drainage for complete protection.

In many Central Florida homes, the right system isn’t just one of these options—it’s a combination. For example, a French drain might intercept surface runoff while downspout drains carry roof water away, all feeding into strategically placed drain boxes. By blending solutions, we can create a custom system that keeps your lawn, patio, and foundation safe from damage year-round.

Why choose Tree of Life Landscaping?

When it comes to drainage, the quality of the installation is just as important as the product itself. That’s why homeowners throughout Central Florida turn to Tree of Life Landscaping.

• • We’re a Certified NDS Drainage Contractor, trained to install systems that last.
  • Our team has completed hundreds of successful installations in neighborhoods across DeLand, Port Orange, Deltona, and beyond.
  • With a 4.9-star Google rating and over 60 verified reviews, local homeowners trust our work and professionalism.

That combination of hands-on experience, professional certification, and proven results means you can feel confident your yard will stay dry and protected.

How to know for sure

The easiest way to find out if you really have a drainage problem is with a professional assessment. During an inspection, we’ll look at:

• • How water flows across your property after a storm
  • Soil conditions and grading
  • Roof runoff and downspout placement
  • Existing landscaping, patios, and driveways

From there, we’ll design a customized system that solves the root of the problem—not just the symptoms.

If you’re curious about cost, you can try our online Drainage Cost Calculator for a quick estimate before booking a consultation.

The bottom line

Not all puddles are a red flag—but if water is causing erosion, soggy lawns, or damage to your home’s foundation, you likely have a real drainage problem that won’t go away on its own. The good news is that with the right design, your yard can be both beautiful and functional, even in Central Florida’s rainy climate.

Ready to get answers?

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a serious issue, let the experts help. Tree of Life Landscaping has the training, reputation, and experience to diagnose your drainage problems and install a system that truly works.

Explore our full range of drainage services or request a consultation today.