Suffering from waterlogged soil in your yard? These 5 moisture-absorbing trees can solve drainage nightmares naturally and fast

During stormy weather and periods of heavy rainfall, many yards can experience waterlogging or even flooding. Excess water in your yard can be more than just an inconvenience, it can lead to property damage. Fortunately for us gardeners, many trees can help with water absorption and reduce moisture levels.

Certain tree species, both native and non-native, have evolved to thrive in wet regions, with extensive root networks taking up large amounts of water. Growing species that have impressive water-absorbing abilities will help to ease the pressure on drainage systems during fall and winter.

So, if you are looking for plants for wet soil that you can utilize as a natural drainage solution, here are five of the best trees for water absorption, including elegant weeping willows and robust, resilient arborvitae, for attractive and practical borders this year.

Best trees for water absorption

Levels of moisture in the soil vary depending on geology, climate and US hardiness zone. In northern regions that experience heavy snow and rainfall in winter, for example, waterlogging is common during January, February and March. However, using trees for water absorption is a clever landscaping trick that can help to improve drainage.

Even one large tree can make a difference, with some estimates suggesting that a single 100-foot-tall tree can absorb more than 11,000 gallons of water in a single growing season.

1. Willow

There are approximately 350 species of willow, or Salix, native to cool and temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and most are well suited to water absorption, particularly the weeping willow, Salix babylonica. or the white willow, Salix alba.

Most willow species can be grown from US hardiness zone 3 to zone 9, with a preference for full-sun and moist soil. A word of caution, however, is that 'these fast-growing trees need plenty of space,' says Florida-based tree expert Alex Kantor.

'With a rapid growth rate and extensive root system, willows can cause problems in smaller yards, disrupting pipes and outcompeting smaller plants,' Alex adds. 'At maturity, some species can reach 50 feet tall, so these are certainly trees to avoid planting close to a house.'

So, while they are well-regarded for water absorption, willows are best suited to larger, rural plots. Finally, always do your homework, as some willows are considered invasive trees in particular states.

While the standard weeping willow is far too large for a smaller space, there are several dwarf varieties that are better suited to smaller borders. For example, Salix integra 'Pendula' is one dwarf variety that is highly rated for water absorption but will not grow taller than three to four feet.

Weeping willow live plants are available from Walmart.

Alex Kantor

Alex has worked in the horticultural industry for over 20 years and grew up on the farm. He is an expert on landscape trees, shrubs, and indoor plants, and is passionate about growing and helping others learn the trade.

2. Red maple

The red maple, or Acer rubrum, is a native alternative to Japanese maples. Found growing in swampy or wet areas across North America, the roots of the red maple can efficiently manage excess moisture in the soil, making this a good option for flood-prone regions.

Red maples grow best in US hardiness zones 3 plus, tolerating a variety of soil and light conditions. They can grow upwards of 60 feet, so for the best results, give them plenty of room to grow at the back of your plot.

Finally, this native tree is perhaps best known for putting on a brilliant fall display, with deep red foliage helping to mark the transition into fall. Practical and beautiful, all in one tree.

Red maple live plants are available from Walmart.

3. River birch

For a native option that is well suited to wet, poorly drained soils, try growing the river birch, or Betula nigra. As you might guess by the name, the natural habitat of the river birch includes riverbanks, making it a good choice for regions with periodic flooding.

The river birch can be grown from US hardiness zone 4 to zone 9 with a preference for full sun. It produces shallow but wide-spreading roots that absorb moisture while also stabilizing the soil.

Just be sure to give the tree plenty of room to grow - at maturity, river birches can reach up to and over 60 feet tall. While you can prune the tree to limit its height, remember that the bigger the tree, the greater its ability to absorb moisture.

River birches are also known for their peeling bark, which adds year-round visual interest and texture to borders, complementing the golden-yellow foliage display in the fall months.

River birch live trees are available from Walmart.

4. Eucalptus

There are over 700 different eucalyptus species growing worldwide, most of which are native to hot regions in Oceania. However, some species, such as the swamp gum, Eucalyptus ovata, or the river red gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, thrive in boggy, wet soils.

Both of these two options are best suited to mild, temperate areas from US hardiness zone 8 to zone 10, with a preference for sunshine and high humidity.

In very dry areas, eucalyptus trees can be a fire hazard, as their foliage and bark are notoriously flammable. What's more, they can reach upwards to 100 feet tall if left unpruned, so any eucalyptus species are best suited to large yards and should be planted far away from the home.

Eucalyptus live trees are available from Amazon.

5. Arborvitae

'Arborvitae, or Thuja, are often considered fast-growing hedges, shrubs or trees, showcasing remarkable growth in short periods,' says Bert Bast, garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Center.

'The ‘Green Giant’ variety can grow two to three feet per year once established,' Bert adds, 'which is helpful if you are looking to fill a gap in a sunny yard.

'These are some of the easiest evergreen trees to grow and are fully hardy, growing down to zone 3,' Bert says. 'What's more, they can tolerate very wet environments, making them a great choice for areas with consistently moist soil in fall, winter and spring.'

Arborvitae live plants are available from Amazon.

Bert Bast

Bert Bast is a garden expert and owner of Bast Brothers Garden Centre. Established in 2014 and nestled in the heart of Mullica Hill, NJ, Bast Brothers Garden Center is a destination for all things garden. 

Whatever trees for water absorption you opt to grow, remember that planting is best done from fall until early spring, typically around November until March. Select a week when the temperature is cold but not frosty, and avoid planting into waterlogged soil.

For more gardening inspiration, see our guide to some of the best low-maintenance trees, to fill your yard with adaptable and resilient species that require little attention.