The holiday season is a great time to make your home feel warm and welcoming, both inside and out. Many homeowners add lights, inflatables, yard displays, and seasonal landscaping features. While these decorations look great, some can unintentionally affect the way water drains around your home. That may not seem like a big deal in December, but poor drainage can lead to foundation problems long after the decorations come down.
Here is what to keep in mind this season so your holiday cheer does not create springtime headaches:
Avoid blocking your downspouts
Downspouts play a major role in keeping water away from your foundation. If you place decorations too close to them, you can restrict the flow of water or accidentally disconnect the extensions.
Common issues include:
- Large inflatables pressing against the downspout or extension
- Extension hoses bent or folded under yard displays
- Leaves or branches from seasonal decor blocking the opening
Make sure downspouts stay clear, straight, and connected so they continue to direct water away from the home.
Do not set heavy decor in low spots
Placing heavy decorations in natural low areas of your yard can compact the soil. When soil becomes packed down, water pools in those areas instead of draining properly. Over time, this standing water can work its way toward your foundation or into your crawl space.
If you have inflatables, statues, or wooden Christmas decorations, try placing them on higher or flatter ground.
Keep light stakes and display anchors away from drainage lines
Many holiday yard displays require anchors in the soil. Be cautious about where you place them. Anchors that are pushed into the ground near buried drainage lines or French drains can cause damage.
This is especially important if you have:
- A buried sump discharge line
- An underground extension that carries gutter water away from the home
- A French drain system
If you are not sure where your lines are located, keep your anchors near the surface or move the display a little farther from the home.
Check that lights and cords do not trap debris
Extension cords and light strings that run across the lawn can act like small barriers. Leaves, mulch, and pine needles collect around them, which can redirect water during heavy rain.
This may seem minor, but in a yard with poor grading, even small obstacles can create channels that move water toward the foundation.
Try to run cords along siding or hard surfaces when possible, or check them occasionally after windy days.
Avoid placing decor directly against the foundation wall
A festive display against the house may look nice, but it can hide trouble spots. Decorations placed directly against the siding or foundation can trap moisture, block airflow, and make it harder to spot standing water or erosion.
Leaving a few inches of space helps protect both your home and your decor.
Be mindful of seasonal landscaping decor
Holiday planters, evergreen bundles, hay bales, and similar accents can all affect drainage if placed in the wrong spot. Organic materials absorb water and can hold moisture against the home. Hay bales in particular soak up a surprising amount of water and can collapse into mush near the foundation.
Keep decorative natural materials slightly away from the home and avoid setting them in areas that already tend to stay damp.
A quick check before the next rain helps protect your foundation
The holiday season can be busy, but a few minutes spent walking your yard can make a big difference. Take a look at:
- Your downspouts and extensions
- The areas where heavy or tall decor is placed
- Low spots where water may pool
- Cords, anchors, and light stakes that could block water flow
Making small adjustments now keeps water moving in the right direction and helps prevent long term foundation damage.
We are here if you have questions
If you notice water pooling near your foundation, sinking soil, or moisture inside your crawl space this winter, our team can help you understand what is going on and what to do next.
Call 336.867.0298 or visit dunwellsr.com to schedule a free estimate.