Drainage And Grading – Understanding The Importance

Proper landscaping drainage and grading are essential aspects of any successful design. Any home and property owner who has experienced drainage issues will agree that problems won’t go away independently. Without proper drainage and grading, your landscaping will suffer extreme wet and dry conditions, not to mention the possible structural challenges of hardscaping and pest control issues.

Proper Drainage And Grading In Landscaping

The simplest way to manage lawn drainage problems is to redirect the surface water away from your house. By sloping all of the land, walkways, patios, and driveways away from your home, you are directing water to flow off your property. Grading can be an effective way to keep water from standing in areas around your property.

If your property slopes towards your home, it will need to be re-graded to address water flow issues. Not only does rain create standing puddles in an undrained landscape, but so does the water that flows off of your home out of gutters. This water can quickly pool up in areas near hardscape structures, decking, and your home’s foundation, causing potential structural problems.

Creating A Swale

A swale, or drainage ditch, can also be created to alleviate drainage issues on your property. Swales subtly lead surface water to a lower elevation on our property, such as a street gutter or nearby wooded area. Landscape grading can also be done so that the surface water from the drainage swale just eventually dissipates if needed. Some swales can involve pipes; others may not; it all depends on your landscape’s specific needs.

Drains

Swales and grading can also be used to direct water flow to a landscape drain. Drains are contained devices with a grate cover intended to accept run-off water. Set at lower elevations, drains capture water in a container then direct it through a pipe. This pipe then leads the water to an intended area which can even be a garden or natural pond.

Landscape Grading

Landscape grading should be considered, if possible, in your landscape design. When planned in conjunction with landscaping, grading can increase both the aesthetics and function of your landscape. However, it is possible to successfully grade your landscape after the fact that if problems arise at any point, it just might be a little more involved at that point.

Professional Landscaping Services

If you are planning new landscaping or having drainage issues with your current property, hiring professional landscaping services is advised. At ScapeWorx Landscape Design & Maintenance, we provide experienced and professional landscaping services designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Call today to find out how we can help you with all of your landscaping needs.