How to Keep Water from Pooling Around Trees

Excess water pooling around the base of your trees can cause more harm than good. While trees need moisture to thrive, too much standing water can lead to root rot, disease, and even death. If you’ve noticed soggy soil or puddles around your trees after rain or irrigation, it’s important to take action—fast. Below, we explain what causes this issue and how GCO Landscaping can help you fix it with smart, long-term solutions.

Why water pooling around trees is a problem

Water that doesn’t drain properly can saturate the root zone of your tree. When this happens repeatedly, it cuts off oxygen to the roots and creates a breeding ground for fungal diseases. Young trees and species that prefer dry soil are especially vulnerable.

Common consequences of poor drainage:

• • Root rot and fungal infections
  • Stunted growth or yellowing leaves
  • Increased pest problems due to weakened health
  • Shallow root development and instability
  • Tree death in severe cases

What causes water to pool at the base of trees?

Water pooling around the base of a tree is often a sign of poor drainage in your yard. Excess moisture around the roots can suffocate the tree, promote fungal growth, and lead to long-term damage. Below are the most common reasons this happens—and how GCO Landscaping can help fix them.

1. Low spots in the landscape

Trees planted in natural depressions or uneven areas often become collection points for rainwater and runoff.

Common signs:

• • • Water puddles after light or moderate rain
    • Surrounding grass stays soggy or muddy
    • Erosion patterns or sediment buildup near the trunk

Solution:
GCO Landscaping offers property grading services using laser-leveling tools to:

• • • Eliminate low areas around trees
    • Create positive slope away from trunks
    • Improve overall yard drainage with proper contouring

We may also recommend drainage swales, catch basins, or dry creek beds in larger problem areas.

2. Compacted or clay-heavy soil

Many properties in Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, and surrounding Georgia towns have dense, red clay soil that absorbs water slowly and can trap moisture around trees.

What to look for:

• • • Soil that stays soggy or sticky long after rain
    • Minimal absorption when watering
    • Pooling even in areas with no obvious slope issues

Solution:
GCO Landscaping provides soil amendment and aeration services to:

• • • Loosen compacted soil and reduce water retention
    • Blend in sand or organic matter for improved structure
    • Encourage better water absorption and root oxygenation

These techniques are especially helpful around newly planted trees or trees that are beginning to show signs of stress.

3. Gutter or downspout runoff

Trees near your home’s roofline may receive more water than intended due to poorly placed downspouts or missing extensions.

Clues this is the issue:

• • • Splash marks or exposed roots at the base
    • Heavy runoff visible during rainstorms
    • Downspouts that discharge directly toward trees

Solution:
Our team at GCO Landscaping installs buried downspout extensions, catch basins, and French drains to:

• • • Safely redirect stormwater away from trees and foundation
    • Prevent over-saturation in isolated areas
    • Reduce erosion and washout around trunks

4. Poorly designed irrigation systems

A misaligned sprinkler head or a timer that’s too aggressive can drown tree roots—even when natural rainfall is minimal.

Symptoms to watch for:

• • • Standing water only after irrigation runs
    • One zone stays wetter than others
    • Yellowing or wilting leaves due to root rot

Solution:
We offer full sprinkler repair, tuning, and irrigation upgrades to:

• • • Reposition or replace overwatering sprinkler heads
    • Balance watering zones for even coverage
    • Fine-tune timing based on plant needs and sun exposure

These adjustments not only protect your trees but improve the health of your entire landscape.

5. Raised beds or edging trapping water

Edging, tree rings, or mulch borders can unintentionally hold water too close to the trunk if not installed correctly.

Signs this might be the cause:

• • • Mulch or edging forms a bowl around the trunk
    • Water doesn’t drain outward from the tree bed
    • Root collar remains damp for days

Solution:
GCO Landscaping can evaluate and adjust your hardscaping and mulch beds to:

• • • Regrade around the tree base for proper runoff
    • Break or remove barriers that trap moisture
    • Restore healthy moisture balance for tree roots

How to prevent future drainage problems

Once we solve the immediate issue, it’s important to protect your landscape from recurring problems. Our team can help you plan and implement long-term drainage strategies that work with your existing trees and layout.

Preventive measures include:

• • Installing French drains or dry creek beds to channel water away
  • Creating rain gardens in low-lying areas to absorb excess runoff
  • Adding proper slopes and swales around landscape features
  • Installing permeable paver borders that encourage natural drainage
  • Mulching properly to help retain moisture while allowing for evaporation

Proudly serving Sharpsburg and surrounding areas

GCO Landscaping provides expert drainage and landscaping solutions throughout:

• • Sharpsburg
  • Peachtree City
  • Senoia
  • Newnan
  • Tyrone
  • Fayetteville

No matter where you’re located in the area, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to solve drainage problems and keep your trees healthy year-round.

Let’s fix those soggy spots—before it’s too late

Water pooling around your trees isn’t something to ignore. If you’ve noticed soft soil, standing water, or declining tree health, let GCO Landscaping take a look. We’ll identify the issue and recommend smart solutions—from grading and drainage improvements to sprinkler system repairs and soil amendments.

Contact us today to schedule an estimate and get the expert help your landscape needs.