Drainage solutions are essential in landscape design to prevent water damage, soil erosion, and flooding. Whether dealing with excess rainfall or managing runoff from hard surfaces like roofs, patios and driveways, proper drainage ensures that water is not causing you problems. Here are some common drainage solutions for landscaping:

1. French Drains

A French drain is an excavated trench that is lined with a filter fabric sediment barrier and filled with clean drainage aggregate… The gravel filled trench often contains a perforated pipe that helps move standing water being collected into the trench, away from the problem area. The water filters through the fabric from above and from the saturated earth on both sides, into the gravel trench, fills the drain up and enters the pipe, and is carried to a designated outlet

  • Best For: Large areas with poor drainage ie standing water that does not escape via runoff

2. Catch Basins

Catch basins are in-ground containers that collect surface water through a grate and funnel it into underground pipes. Surface drains can be placed in specific areas that tend to collect standing water directing it to a drain system.

  • Best For: Specific low spot or point of entry that water is rushing through or to
  • Installation Considerations: Placement is crucial to make sure the catch basin captures the water.

3. Downspout Extensions

PVC Downspout extensions are added to the ends of roof gutters to direct water further away from the foundation of your home. Your roof sheds a large surface area of water and fast. Downspout extensions move that large volume of water a safe distance away and in the process help prevent erosion, flooding, etc.

  • Best For: Any property without downspout water management.

4. Grading and Sloping

Proper grading ensures that water flows away from the foundation and other critical areas of your property. Sloping the ground at a gentle incline away from buildings helps prevent water from pooling near the foundation and infiltrating basements or crawl spaces.

  • Best For: Any property, especially those experiencing foundation drainage issues or areas where water accumulates near buildings.

5. Channel Drains

Channel drains, are long, narrow drains that are typically installed across driveways & patios. They collect water and direct it to an underground drainage system similar to a catch basin.

  • Best For: Capturing water from sloped driveways, patios, or pool decks.