How to Drain Water from a Low Spot in the Yard

If your yard has a stubborn low spot that always turns soggy after rain, you know how frustrating it can be. These problem areas often stay wet for days, turning into muddy patches that kill grass, attract mosquitoes, and make the space unusable. In Central Florida, where heavy rainfall, sandy soils, and flat terrain are the norm, low spots are one of the most common drainage issues homeowners face.

At Tree of Life Landscaping, we’ve helped families in DeLand, Orange City, DeBary, Deltona, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and Daytona Beach solve these exact problems. With a 4.9-star Google rating from over 60 verified reviews, and as a Certified NDS Drainage Contractor, we’ve installed hundreds of drainage systems across Florida neighborhoods. Here’s how we recommend dealing with those tricky low spots in your yard.

Why low spots hold water

Before choosing the right solution, it helps to understand why low areas stay wet in the first place. Some of the most common causes include:

• • Flat terrain – Without natural slope, rainwater has nowhere to flow.
  • Heavy rainstorms – Our frequent downpours overwhelm the soil’s ability to absorb water.
  • Sandy soils – While sand drains quickly, it often shifts and settles, creating uneven low spots.
  • Runoff from neighbors – Water from higher properties can flow into your yard, worsening the problem.
  • Compacted soil – Years of foot traffic or equipment can compress soil, making it harder for water to soak in.

These conditions combine to create soggy patches that never fully dry out without intervention.

Solutions for draining water from low spots

The good news is you don’t have to live with a soggy yard. At Tree of Life Landscaping, we design drainage systems that move water out of low spots and release it safely away from your home and landscaping. Because every yard is different, the right solution depends on soil type, the source of the water, and the layout of your property. Here are some of the most effective ways we address standing water in Central Florida yards:

French drains

A French drain is one of the most reliable solutions for low areas that constantly stay wet. These systems:

• • Use perforated pipe surrounded by gravel and filter fabric to capture water underground
  • Redirect water to a safe outlet such as the curb, swale, or pop-up emitter
  • Work especially well in sandy soils where water drains quickly into the pipe
  • Prevent standing water from damaging lawns, killing grass, or creating muddy areas
  • Help protect plant roots and landscaping from oversaturation

Drain boxes

Sometimes the simplest fix is to install a drain box directly in the lowest part of the yard. A drain box:

• • Acts like a basin to collect water at the lowest point
  • Connects into underground piping for reliable water flow
  • Can tie into a French drain, downspout system, or curb outlet
  • Keeps water from spreading across lawns or creating larger soggy patches
  • Works well in yards with obvious depressions where water gathers

Downspout drainage

If your low spot is near the house, the real issue may be roof runoff. A downspout drainage system can:

• • Capture roof runoff before it pours directly into the yard
  • Carry water underground and discharge it away from the foundation
  • Prevent erosion around flower beds, walkways, or lawn edges
  • Protect your home’s foundation from long-term water damage
  • Reduce the amount of water flowing into backyard low spots

Patio and driveway drainage

Hard surfaces are another common culprit when it comes to yard drainage. A patio and driveway drainage system is designed to:

• • Intercept water runoff from patios, pool decks, and driveways
  • Use channel, strip, or trench drains to capture surface water
  • Direct water underground before it spills into the lawn
  • Stop erosion along hardscape edges where runoff is strongest
  • Keep outdoor living spaces safe, dry, and free of puddles

Combination systems

In many yards, a single fix isn’t enough. A combination system may include:

• • A drain box to capture water in the lowest spot
  • A French drain to move that water underground and redirect it
  • Downspout tie-ins to stop roof runoff from making the problem worse
  • A patio or driveway drain to keep hard surface runoff under control

By blending these solutions together, we create complete, long-lasting systems that address every cause of standing water and keep your backyard dry, stable, and enjoyable year-round.

Why professional installation matters

Many homeowners try quick fixes, such as filling in the low spot with extra soil. Unfortunately, this often makes the problem worse, since the soil eventually settles again and creates an even deeper depression.

At Tree of Life Landscaping, we take a more reliable approach. Our systems are:

• • Built with professional-grade NDS drainage components
  • Designed with the correct slope for continuous water flow
  • Protected with filter fabric to prevent sandy soils from clogging pipes
  • Customized for your property’s unique conditions

This is why our drainage solutions last for decades and continue working through Florida’s rainy seasons.

Get a cost estimate before you start

If you’re curious what it might cost to fix a low spot in your yard, our Drainage Cost Calculator is a great first step. This easy-to-use tool lets you enter basic details about your property—such as the type of drainage problem you’re experiencing, where the water collects, and the size of the affected area—and provides a quick ballpark estimate.

While every yard is unique, the calculator helps you:

• • Get a realistic starting price range without waiting for an in-person visit
  • Compare the potential costs of different drainage solutions
  • Plan and budget more confidently before moving forward
  • Save time by preparing for your consultation with clear expectations

Once you’ve used the calculator, the next step is scheduling a visit from our drainage specialists. During the consultation, we’ll inspect your property in detail, identify the cause of your low spot, and recommend the best combination of systems—whether that’s a French drain, a drain box, or a complete drainage network. We’ll then provide a precise estimate tailored to your yard so you’ll know exactly what to expect before work begins.

Using the calculator is a quick, no-pressure way to start planning your project, giving you confidence before committing to a full installation.

Take control of your yard

A soggy low spot doesn’t just ruin your lawn—it can make your backyard unusable and cause long-term damage if left untreated. The right drainage system will move water where it belongs and restore your yard to a safe, dry, and enjoyable space.

If you live in DeLand, Orange City, DeBary, Deltona, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, or Daytona Beach, Tree of Life Landscaping is ready to help.

Contact us today to schedule your drainage consultation and finally fix that low spot in your yard.