Flood and vermin proofing the yard

We raised the section on the right here to keep water from funneling in. We have a drain that feeds into the french drain so the water will eventually get pumped out into the ditch. However, one week prior to the Boulder Floods as we call them, we noticed rain water funneling in so quickly that the water was backing up into the house. We were home when it happened and caught it quickly so no permanent damage was done. We got the chronic problem fixed prior to the heavy floods. It was certainly a blessing to notice it when we did.

 Below is my favorite fix. The down spout is connected to underground drainage that funnels out into the yard. However, when the drains fill up, water would spill out of the down spout and funnel into the area where the walk out basement was created. If that funnels in too quickly, the water will find its way into the house. We took a regular plastic down spout gizmo and cut a whole large enough for the black drainage pipe to fit in. After sliding the gizmo over the black drainage pipe, we caulked the gap. It worked beautifully when the Boulder Floods came. Rain water poured down the spout, filled up the pipes in the yard and then spilled over into the plastic gizmo. From there it innocently found its way into the grass away from the foundation. It worked so well, we did the same thing in two other locations.

We widened the gate so that a wider lawn mower can get into the back yard. Lawn services are often cheaper if your backyard has good access.

Check out the fence post in the center of the photograph below. There is a huge owl perched there that is apparently the cause of death to a number of small rabbits we found victimized in the yard. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep it around? Sure is a good solution to rabbits.

See the fence latch below. Along with metal edging along the bottom of the gate, the rabbits have found it difficult to get in with this tight fit.

Before Pictures

Here is a picture of the ground level before raising the right corner. Water funneled in much like the leaves you see here.

Below is the gate prior to widening it. Gregg and I did the labor ourselves when the handyman kept putting us off. We are happy with the results.