If your land often stays soggy after rain or forms puddles that never seem to dry, poor drainage may be to blame. Over time, excess surface water can cause soil erosion, crop damage, and even structural issues. Knowing the warning signs early can save you costly repairs later.
At Axis Plant & Groundworks, we help landowners across Devon and the South West identify and fix drainage problems with professional ditching, trenching, and land-shaping services.
1. Standing Water That Won’t Go Away
After rainfall, water should drain within a day or two. Persistent puddles or boggy patches show the ground isn’t dispersing water properly — often due to blocked ditches or compacted soil.
2. Muddy or Flooded Gateways
If your gateways turn into mini lakes every winter, water is likely being trapped by poor gradient or lack of outflow. Installing cross drains or stone tracks can make a huge difference.
3. Soil Erosion and Exposed Roots
Water moving too quickly washes away topsoil and exposes roots. This weakens grass cover and reduces soil fertility. A well-graded ditch or swale can slow and redirect flow safely.
4. Waterlogged Crops or Grassland
Saturated soil starves roots of oxygen, leading to stunted growth and patchy fields. Proper sub-surface drainage and ditch maintenance help restore balance and improve yield.
5. Cracking Ground in Summer
Ironically, poor drainage can also lead to very dry soil later in the year. Compacted or sealed layers trap water in winter, then bake solid in summer, causing cracks and uneven ground.
6. Flooding Near Buildings or Tracks
If driveways, barns, or garden areas collect water after rain, your site’s surface gradient and soakaway systems may need attention. We can regrade surfaces or install new channels to keep runoff under control.
7. Slow-Draining Ditches
Ditches should always have a gentle, visible flow after rain. If water stands still or vegetation has overgrown the channel, it’s time for clearance or re-profiling.
In Summary
Ignoring drainage problems only makes them worse. Early action protects your land, reduces flooding, and keeps access usable all year round.
At Axis Plant & Groundworks, we offer ditch clearance, land drainage, and runoff solutions tailored to your terrain. With modern machinery and experienced operators, we help rural landowners keep their ground dry, safe, and productive.
📍 Based near Tiverton — serving Devon and the South West.