In landscaping, which direction must water drain?

In landscaping, which direction must water drain?

• A. Toward buildings
• B. Toward trees
• C. Away from buildings
• D. Away from trees

Answer: (C)

Directing water away from buildings is essential in landscaping. Keeping surface runoff slope away from the foundation reduces moisture at the base of the walls, lowers hydrostatic pressure, and helps prevent leaks, cracks, and mold in the structure. A proper grade also minimizes erosion near the building. Draining toward buildings would defeat this protective purpose and can lead to water intrusion, while draining toward trees doesn’t address protecting the structure and may keep the root zone unnecessarily wet. So the water should drain away from buildings.

Directing water away from buildings is essential in landscaping. Keeping surface runoff slope away from the foundation reduces moisture at the base of the walls, lowers hydrostatic pressure, and helps prevent leaks, cracks, and mold in the structure. A proper grade also minimizes erosion near the building. Draining toward buildings would defeat this protective purpose and can lead to water intrusion, while draining toward trees doesn’t address protecting the structure and may keep the root zone unnecessarily wet. So the water should drain away from buildings.