Whether you’re going with landscaping pros or DIY-ing your landscape project, landscape grading and drainage are one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of landscape construction. Whether you’re getting a patio installed or putting in a retaining wall, proper landscape drainage and grading can spell the difference between a beautiful backyard and an ugly, flooded mess. Let’s talk more about it.

Grading and Drainage as Part of Landscape Design

Before landscaping construction comes landscape design, where landscapers survey your yard and create a plan for your project. Grading and drainage are no small part of the project, as installing stonework can create non-permeable surfaces where water can pool, and moving soil without grading can create landscapes that look and function worse than the original area. Making sure both are factored into landscape design is critical.

Needed Grading and Drainage Before Landscape Installation

Before landscape installation starts, construction focuses on preparing the site, which can include grading and drainage (both temporary and permanent) to avoid issues and speed up landscape construction.

• Pre-Construction Drainage: If your landscape has pre-existing drainage issues, they can be addressed before construction, including grading, lawn aeration, and temporary or permanent drainage options.
• Pre-Construction Grading: Beyond drainage issues, pre-construction grading can better shape the landscape for construction, including any temporary grading needed for machinery.
• Compacted Aggregate Bases: Many forms of hardscaping require site preparation, including compacting soil and using compacted aggregate bases (often larger gravel) to promote proper drainage.

Needed Grading and Drainage During and After Construction

During or after a landscape installation has been completed, proper grading and drainage may be needed to both preserve the installation and ensure the proper functioning of your backyard.

• Installing Standalone Drainage: For major drainage needs, you may need a dedicated drainage solution such as a French drain or rain garden.
• Drainage in Retaining Walls: Retaining walls are a great option for many backyards with slopes, but proper drainage is needed to avoid major flooding issues.
• Using Permeable Hardscapes: For larger areas of hardscapes, such as driveways, think about investing in permeable concrete pavers over traditional asphalt or concrete.

Proper grading and drainage for your landscape means less flooding during storms and frost damage during the winter, but not all landscaping companies have the same attention to detail when it comes to landscaping projects. At Dolan Landscaping, we pride ourselves on attention to detail when it comes to landscape construction, from the initial design to setting the last stone. Contact us today to get started.