From June through September, Bradenton averages 7-9 inches of rain per month. That's a staggering amount of water hitting your property, and if your landscape doesn't manage it properly, you'll deal with standing water, drowned plants, foundation concerns, and mosquito breeding grounds. Here's how to fix drainage problems before the rainy season hits.

First, identify where water collects. After a heavy rain, walk your property and note every area where water pools for more than 24 hours. Common trouble spots include low areas near foundations, between homes on zero-lot-line properties, at the base of slopes, and in compacted soil areas where foot traffic has reduced permeability.

French drains are the most versatile solution for Gulf Coast properties. A trench filled with gravel and perforated pipe redirects subsurface water away from problem areas to a suitable discharge point. For most Bradenton residential properties, a 12-inch wide by 18-inch deep French drain handles typical storm volumes. Cost runs $25-$45 per linear foot installed.

Rain gardens are a beautiful, eco-friendly alternative. These shallow planted depressions collect runoff and allow it to slowly percolate into the soil. Plant them with native species that tolerate both wet and dry conditions — Blue Flag Iris, Canna Lily, Fakahatchee Grass, and Swamp Sunflower are excellent choices for our area. A well-designed rain garden handles the first inch of rainfall from your roof or driveway.

Grading and swales solve many problems without any underground infrastructure. Proper grading ensures water flows away from your foundation at a minimum 2% slope for the first 10 feet. Shallow swales — gentle channels in the landscape — can redirect large volumes of surface water to street drainage or retention areas.

For severe drainage issues, consider a dry well or underground retention system. These buried chambers store large volumes of stormwater and release it slowly into the surrounding soil. They're invisible once installed and can handle the intense downpours that overwhelm surface drainage. Permits may be required in Manatee County for larger installations — your landscaper should handle the permitting process.