GA rainfall way above average lately. How that’s hurting your yard, home & what to do about it
Georgia rainfall is well above yearly normal lately and although the moisture is great for drought conditions, it is wreaking havoc across the state.
According to the National Weather Service some areas are at double or triple their averages and when the ground can’t keep up homes and yards pay the price.
Here’s what to look out for and what to do if you find a problem.
In the yard
Saturated soil looks lush but can quietly destroy a lawn. The UGA Extension Camden Agriculture & Natural Resources warns that too much standing water stresses grass roots, kills beneficial soil organisms, and opens the door to fungal disease.
Major problems to watch:
- Fungal lawn disease: Brown patch and dollar spot thrive in warm, wet conditions.
- Root rot: Ornamental plants and trees sitting in waterlogged soil can develop root rot even when they look healthy above ground.
- Soil erosion: Heavy rainfall washes away topsoil, especially on sloped yards.
What to do:
- Look for circular brown or tan patches in your grass
- Check for wilting despite wet soil is a red flag
- Beware of bare spots or ruts after storms
- Hold off on fertilizing
- Aerate when things dry out.
- Add mulch around plants to help regulate moisture.
In the house
Water finds every weakness. Extended wet periods accelerate problems that might otherwise go unnoticed for months. The US Environmental Protection Agency offers advice for residents.
Major problems to watch:
- Foundation seepage: Musty smells are often the first sign.
- Mold and mildew: Any moisture breach combined with Georgia’s humidity creates ideal mold conditions fast.
- Gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters overflow and direct water toward your foundation. Wood rot: Prolonged moisture accelerates rot on siding, window frames, and decks.
What to do:
- If you have a crawl space or basement, check for water intrusion after heavy rain.
- Downspouts should extend at least four feet from the house.
- Look for bubbling paint or soft spots as early warning signs.
- Act within 24 to 48 hours: After that window closes, you’re dealing with remediation, not just cleanup.
- Fix the source first: If you don’t fix the water problem, the mold problem will most likely come back
- Fix small patches yourself: If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet scrub hard surfaces with detergent and water and dry completely
- Do away with porous materials: Absorbent or porous materials have to be thrown away if they become moldy.
- Call a professional for big jobs: Call a licensed remediation contractor for mold covering more than 10 square feet, or any mold near your HVAC system
- Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect it is contaminated with mold
- Clean up the mold and dry the surfaces before painting.
The bug problem
Standing water creates a perfect breeding ground for bugs and insects. Protect yourself using the Centers for Disease Control recommendations.
Watch for:
- Mosquitoes: Any container holding water becomes a breeding site within days.
- Termites and carpenter ants: Wet, softened wood is prime real estate for both. Fungus gnats: Overwatered soil in potted plants breeds these nuisance gnats.
What to do:
- Dump and scrub outdoor containers weekly
- Call a professional pest professional if you notice mud tubes near your foundation or sawdust near wood structures
- Let soil dry in indoor pots between waterings
A checklist after a big rain event
Walk your property within 24 hours of a significant storm.
Look for these things:
- Check gutters and downspouts for blockages
- Look for pooling water within 10 feet of your foundation
- Inspect crawl space vents and basement walls for moisture
- Dump any standing water in containers, no matter how small
- Check window and door caulking for new gaps or cracks