Drainage & Grading
Drainage is one of the most overlooked landscape concerns. Until the persistent puddles and declining plants make it necessary to do something about it, we often ignore the need for good drainage.
Drainage problems can be caused by seasonal high water tables, ponding of surface water, poor soil permeability or a combination of these conditions. At some home sites, the high water table may exist for long periods - this will require good subsurface drains around the outside foundation walls to keep the house dry.
Site grading is a very important issue to discuss and include with your professional landscaping plan. Not only should the existing drainage patterns of the proposed site be recognized, but also drainage problems that may exist or result from ground plane alterations during proposed development and construction should be solved. The design of site grading should be conscious to existing landscape while providing appropriate transition of architectural elements to grade. It also must provide for and guide the flow of surface runoff to retention basins that are designed creatively to blend with the surrounding landscape.
Other uses for site grading, besides creating the proper flow of runoff, are to help aid in the visual quality of the landscaping site. It can be used to alter flat areas with no interesting contours; it can help soften hard lines of buildings or other architectural features and can screen undesirable views such as utility connections or nearby neighbor's homes. If used properly, site grading can become an attractive feature and not just a necessary operation.
Please call or contact us with your questions regarding the process of grading and how it can play an important role in your new landscaping project!