Concrete blocks provide many options and colors

Whenever you start the process of building a retaining wall, one of the big decisions that you face is how to choose the type of retaining wall material that is right for your project. Because of the variety of different materials available, you will need to take into consideration your total budget, the purpose of the wall and the overall look when deciding on which type of wall is best for you. In addition to considering these factors, having at least a basic understanding of how a retaining wall is constructed will help you make your final decision. This is important, regardless of whether you choose concrete blocks, wood timbers or natural stone.

Here are the pros and cons of some of the most common retaining wall materials that many homeowners use:

Concrete Blocks

Concrete blocks are very popular when it comes to building retaining walls. Concrete gives you a very diverse range of styles, shapes and comes in a uniform package that is relatively easy to install. One top reasons that this type of material is chosen is because it is relatively inexpensive and can be used to create curved walls. If you are looking to build a wall higher than 4 feet tall, however, you will need to consider a different type of material. Because concrete blocks lack footings, they do not have the strength to build a safe and secure wall that is any taller than that. In regards to drainage, concrete walls create an ideal drainage environment, as you can modify them in any way necessary.

Natural Stone

Natural stone retaining wall

Natural stone is by far the most natural choice for creating a retaining wall of any type. This type of wall creates a very rustic, colonial or country feel for your yard and garden. Though it is typically more expensive than a wall made up of concrete blocks, natural stone walls make up for this fact with their natural beauty. Some of the major issues that homeowners experience with a natural stone wall is drainage. Drainage must be very carefully managed or you run the risk of water accumulation wearing at the integrity of the wall.

Wood Timbers

A retaining wall made of wood timbers is desired for many of the same reasons as natural stone, Under the right settings, timber walls can blend perfectly into your landscape, giving your wall a less jarring look than some other materials. In addition to this natural look, timber walls have a fairly low cost and are very easy to construct. When installing a timber retaining wall, the main concern is water. Because it is made of wood, water should be drained very well to ensure that it does not accumulate. Furthermore, the timbers should be properly sealed to help prevent rot and damage. With the proper care and professional installation, a wood timber retaining wall can look great for many years to come.

Whether you choose one of the popular materials above, or decide to go with other options such as stone veneer, it is important to focus on drainage and the overall function of the wall itself. Combine this with a great look, and you can use retaining walls for a number of purposes around your landscaping to help enhance your home’s beauty and improve its function.

Proper drainage prolongs the life of a retaining wall

A retaining wall is commonly used in landscaping to either make better use of a slope or create a decorative statement. Regardless of the reason why a retaining wall is used, it is typically constructed of a material such as brick, concrete, stone or wood timbers. Depending on its purpose, a retaining wall can be very short or very tall. With proper retaining wall drainage and construction, it can bring a lot of character and function to your landscaping.

Although retaining walls are a seemingly simple enhancement to any landscaping project, nearly 80% of all residential retaining walls fail at one point or another because of poor drainage. Even though it is often passed over, proper retaining wall drainage is the most important aspect of its structure. If water and soil find their way into the structure of your retaining wall, it can very quickly create a disastrous outcome, potentially destroying all of your hard work. For this reason, you should consult a professional very thoroughly before starting on any retaining wall project.

What are some of the things that you can do to ensure that your retaining walls have adequate drainage?

Proper Retaining Wall Drainage Tips

• Use Backfill Properly – Whenever you hear the term “backfill”, it means the dirt that rests immediately behind your retaining wall. Rather than just filling in with garden soil, clay or any other material that you may have, it is very important that you use at least 12 inches of a granular material such as gravel as backfill. Beyond this point, it is completely ok to use compacted soil from the area that you are doing the project in. If you have plans to landscape behind the wall, use at least six inches of native soil over the gravel backfill.
• Lay Perforated Piping - In addition to the foot of backfill that is used behind your retaining wall, you should also make sure that perforated piping is laid at the bottom of the backfilled portion of the wall. This helps to create a hollow channel for water to go in the event of a heavy rain or watering. This piping can then be used to divert the water away from your retaining wall so that you do not have to worry about it collecting behind the wall, causing pressure and decay.
• Install Weep Holes – Another important aspect of your retaining wall drainage plan is to have properly installed weep holes. Work with your landscaping expert to ensure that these holes are appropriately placed and sized to ensure that any excess water can drain through the wall. This will essentially give any moisture an additional route away from your wall, which is your ultimate goal.

It goes without saying that you will want to do everything in your power to protect the substantial time and money that goes into creating a retaining wall on your property. Because of this, make sure that you’re not making one of the most common (and most destructive) mistakes that any homeowner can make: bypassing proper retaining wall drainage to save money. By spending a little bit of extra time and a few more dollars at the very beginning to ensure that your wall drains properly, you can be sure that it will remain in place for many years to come.

Drainage Tips for Homeowners

Two of the most common issues faced by homeowners when spring rains approach are landscape drainage and grading problems. Landscape drainage issues lead to situations where basements flood, plantings fail or lawns turn into a muddy mess. In order for your garden to be as successful as possible, proper landscape drainage is an absolute necessity.

Tip 1: Improve the soil quality

In order for plants to grow healthily, proper air exchange within the soil is required. Any time that soil becomes waterlogged, it can lead to a low oxygen supply, which causes root-rot and other potential health issues for your plants.

One mistake that many people make is to amend the soil within the planting pit or setting the plant too low in the planting area. This can cause excess water to collect, causing the roots to rot. Your best bet is to rototill the soil, add high quality compost and topsoil and raise the entire bed by four to six inches. This both improves the overall quality of your soil, while providing for ample drainage for your plantings.

Tip 2: Inspect your gutters

Providing a solution to a poor landscape drainage situation often requires an all-inclusive inspection of your home and landscaping. One of the first places to inspect is your gutters. If you don’t have gutters installed on your roof to route the water away from your home and landscaping, now may be the time to look into having them installed. If you already have gutters on your home, take some time to ensure that they are in good repair. If your gutters are bent, misaligned, corroded or otherwise damaged, it can lead to excess water collection all around your home.

Tip 3: Review landscape grading

Landscape drainage issues caused by poor grading around the house can lead to potentially destructive results. Whether your landscaping was graded poorly to begin with, or if it has settled around your foundation, it can cause water run-off to collect against the walls of your home. Over a period of time, this collected water can come in through the basement or other walls, which can lead to dangerous mold and mildew, which can be a serious allergen to many of us.

It is important to assess the soil level and grading around your home and gardens. Your gardens should provide proper drainage both down into the soil and away from your home. To accomplish this, your soil should be raised to create a 5% slope away from all walls and buildings. If this type of grade either does not do the trick, or does not fit in with your landscaping plans, consider additional drainage options such as French drains and other low-profile draining options. With the simple addition of an underground drain or two, you can safely route water from trouble spots and into the appropriate area of your home or property.

With the help of your landscaping professional, improved drainage can have a huge effect on your overall landscaping scheme. It helps to keep everything in place by preventing run off. Proper drainage also improves the health of your plants. The end result is a consistently beautiful arrangement with thriving plant life that requires less maintenance than a system that drains poorly.

Backyard Patio Design

One of the great things about having a back yard, whether it be large or small, is being able to enjoy a back patio. Although a simple patio design consisting of a slab of concrete and a couple chairs can give you a place to go sit and wind down, taking some time to plan a functional, relaxing and versatile backyard patio can greatly increase the time that you spend enjoying your new outdoor space. By using what you have, and making the proper additions, you can turn any boring backyard patio into a retreat.

Here are a few things to consider when designing your backyard patio:

Space Available

Your backyard patio design is dependent on the amount of space that you have available.  Although you may have grand plans and ideas for an incredible outdoor living space, you should work within the space that is available. In some cases, you can increase your possibilities by expanding an existing slab or deck. If not, you may find that you are able to do just about everything that you want to with what you have. If you have no real space constraints, then the only thing limiting the size of your patio is its actual location.

Location

If your yard is large enough, then you may have a number of different options when it comes to choosing a location for your patio. If this is the case, take some time to walk around and survey the different areas around your property. A few things that you will want to take into consideration are the proximity to your home, exposure to sun and shade and available views. Although you may have great views toward the back of your yard, do you really want to walk all the way out there? When it comes to sun and shade, think about the times of day that you will be using it the most, and where the sun will be during that time.

Purpose

In addition to space and location, think about what you will be using your patio the most for. In most cases, a backdoor patio can be used for a wide variety of things. If there is something in particular that you will be using it for, however, you will want to make sure that it is properly equipped. If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor dining and entertaining, for example, then you may want to look into including an outdoor kitchen in your patio design. This type of design utilizes features such as built-in grills, cabinet space and outdoor refrigeration. Other common features include built-in fire pits, hot tubs, and furniture that is designed for lounging, sunbathing and relaxing.

Backyard Patio Design – Planning Your Outdoor Oasis

Regardless of where you build your backyard patio, there are an endless number of things that you can do to make it an inviting and highly functional space. By adding simple accents, such as lighting, brick, stone and decorative furniture, you can create almost any look and feel that you want. To get some ideas, there is endless inspiration online. You can also browse through showrooms and home improvement stores to get an idea of what is readily available in your area.

Important considerations in retaining wall design include height and length, suitable foundation, backfill and proper drainage

Retaining walls are a very versatile and uniquely designed structure whose purpose is to hold soil on one side and be free standing on the other. This type of wall can help you work with uneven topography and changes of grade in a landscape. When properly designed and constructed, a retaining wall can help make usable space out of steep slopes, give you a place to plant and even create a level area for a driveway. On level ground, retaining walls can be used to create an elevated planting area that has improved drainage while creating a place for seating. With proper retaining wall design, you can build a long-lasting and functional structure that will add value to your home.

Although a retaining wall may seem like a fairly simple structure that anyone can put together in an afternoon, it is far from simple. A retaining wall that withstands the test of time takes someone with knowledge of lateral earth pressure, the pressure developed by backfill.

Key Retaining Wall Design Considerations

There are actually a variety of important considerations that go into the planning of a new retaining wall. You first have to decide the height, length and area that your wall will be placed. Your wall must be the proper height for where it is placed. It must also have properly compacted backfill, a suitable base and efficient drainage. If you leave out any of these important elements, then you may end up with a wall that fails, collects water or is unsafe.

• Suitable Base and Foundation – The base of your retaining wall sets the stage for the finished product. You should start with a suitable base material that is both solid and level. If possible, use soil that has not been used in a landscape environment before this project. This type of soil is sturdier and better suited to supporting a retaining wall. You should dig the base well below the grade and then add a solid and level foundation. By starting with a level foundation, you can avoid having to use shims and other incremental adjustments that take more time and can reduce the structural integrity of your wall.
• Properly Compacted Backfill – The backfill of your retaining wall is just as important as the wall itself. For this reason, you should take the steps necessary to ensure that the backfill is structurally sound and properly compacted. You should backfill your wall as you go, filling it in 8, 10 and 12 inch increments against the wall. Make sure to thoroughly compact each layer so that you do not end up with sunken areas after you are finished.
• Efficient Drainage – Without proper drainage, you could face some serious issues with your retaining wall. Because you are essentially using this structure to hold back several layers of new soil, anything that increases the load that the wall bears can be detrimental to its structure. When uncontrolled, water can weaken a wall by washing out the base material or collecting behind the wall. Using materials such as gravel under a layer of well-compacted top-soil, drainage channels and drain tiles can help control water, channeling it away from your newly built retaining wall.
• Proper Height – Height is an important aspect of your retaining wall, and not something that should be taken lightly. As a rule, you can build most retaining walls up to a height of 4 feet without having to add additional supports or tiebacks. If you are building anything taller than this, then additional elements will be required, and you may possibly need building permits.

Retaining Wall Design – Aesthetic Features

In addition to designing the fundamental structure of your retaining wall, you should also consider many of the additional design features that you may want to incorporate. While a wall creates a natural seating area, do you want to add any specialized seating? Your retaining wall makes a great place for bench seating, built-in lighting and planters that can further enhance the look and function of your landscaping. With the proper planning and a little bit of design savvy, you can create an incredible new atmosphere around your home and garden.

Creative Driveway Alternatives

One common misconception about our driveways is that we are bound to installing or replacing our driveway with the same asphalt driveway that you see everywhere you go. Although this is a very durable, uniform and well-suited option for a driveway, it is definitely not the most interesting way to go. In fact, many of the driveway alternatives are not only more creative, quirky and interesting, but also perform just as well or better than a standard asphalt drive. As a homeowner, you have the choice of a wide variety of creative driveway alternatives, including pavers, cobblestones, stained concrete, river rocks and pervious concrete.

Pavers

Paver driveways can be a beautiful addition to your landscape design. The wide variety of different colors and patterns available can give your driveway a unique, one of a kind look. Pavers are made of brick, stone or concrete, but require a properly graded and installed base to last. In the northeast, paver driveways are an option even with our varying seasons because their many edges allow for movement due to frost heaves. The one drawback is when it snows, shoveling paver driveways is more of a challenge and you must be cautious to not crack the paver by catching the edge. However, paver driveways are extremely durable and can handle de-icing products.

Stained Concrete

The standard gray concrete that is poured to make the majority of driveways out there is very easy to come by, relatively easy to install and very durable. One of the easiest ways to distinguish your drive from the rows of others in your area is by applying a simple stain to what you already have in place. Stains come in a variety of colors, and can even be applied in a number of different patterns and other designs to increase the overall aesthetics of your driveway.

Crushed Oyster Shells

Crushed oyster shells were traditionally used to help harden muddy paths during the spring and other rainy seasons. After the oysters were consumed, the shells would be crushed and turned into a very useful addition to many a muddy path. If you are looking to add a coastal appeal to your home, this is the way to do it. Oyster shells offer a great look, high level of durability and sturdy drive or walkway.

Rock

For a look that is more natural than concrete or stained concrete, river rock and granite chips offer a natural, rustic look with many advantages. Despite the fact that they are a bit bumpy to drive on, this type of driveway is long-lasting, great looking and provides optimal drainage. If you choose granite chips, keep in mind that this material does not stay in place as well as other types of rock and may require occasional replacement. Rock driveways of all types are very popular in conjunction with cabin-style or other more rustic types of homes.

Cobblestones

One of the largest complaints that homeowners have about their driveways is that they do not match the style of their home. Rather than settling for the standard, drab driveway, many are experimenting with cobblestone pavers when installing their drives. These pavers come in many different shapes, sizes, colors and designs that can give your driveway a rustic, warm feel that goes will with many homes, especially cottage-style architecture. In addition to their warm aesthetic, cobble stone driveways provide excellent drainage, allowing water to return to the soil rather than into the street.

Pervious Concrete

Pervious concrete is a very similar, yet much more environmentally friendly alternative to your standard concrete driveway. It has the same level of durability, but a look that is much closer to gravel than the concrete that you are familiar with. Because it is pervious, water will drain through it back into the soil, rather than running into the street and then into the drainage canals. Pervious concrete driveways are ideal for areas that have longer driveways and the need for large amounts of concrete.

With a little bit of research and a creative eye, you can replace your driveway with something that fits a little bit better with your style. Because alternative driveway styles are becoming more popular, the materials and professional installers are more readily available than ever. This means that a great-looking, unique driveway that is every bit as durable and functional as a standard concrete driveway can be installed by anyone, anywhere. If you’re thinking about either replacing your current driveway, or doing something different with a new construction project, don’t hesitate to branch out and be creative.

An elegant walkway design can add appeal to your landscape

Building a simple path in your yard is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add character, functionality and charm to your landscaping. Whether to help keep traffic off of your lawn, or just to change the look of your garden area, a walkway makes an excellent accent to any home or garden. When constructing your walkway, there are a variety of different variables to think about, including durability, look, feel and materials. A landscape construction expert can help you select the right walkway design for your needs, however it’s good to have a good grasp of what you need before you start talking about installation.

Location

The first step to a great-looking walkway is solid planning. Start with location, and go from there. Is there someplace that naturally lends itself to a walkway? Are you creating a whole new space to accent and enjoy? Choose a location, and then decide on the general look that you are going for. Knowing what you want will help you select the right walkway design for your location.

Materials

Deciding on the right materials for the job can be one of the most exciting, and most tedious steps in the construction of your walkway. With all of the both natural and man made options available, it can be hard to choose. Narrow down your selection by matching all potential materials with the style of your home, your budget and what is readily available in your area. Popular options include:

Stone

Stone has always been one of the most popular options for a garden walkway. It looks natural, is completely unique and gives you the walkway you need with a less structured look. Although it looks great, and has a large number of style options available, stone remains one of the more expensive options out there.

Gravel or Rock

A great looking, yet inexpensive alternative to stone is a walkway made of pebbles, crushed stone or gravel. This type of walkway is placed within a border that will help keep the small stones from being scattered all over your lawn. Although this type of path can be difficult to clear during snow, it offers great drainage and affordable good looks

Brick

Brick Walkway

Brick walkways are very similar to stone walkways, but slightly less expensive. They provide you with a rustic, natural looking aesthetic. Unlike a stone path, however, brick paths normally have a high level of uniformity, due to the standard sizing of bricks. That being said, there are unlimited options for arranging, organizing and creating patterns in a brick pathway. To ensure that your pathway is built to last, always use paving bricks, rather than wall bricks.

Grass

Grass is typically not the first material that comes to mind when considering the addition of a garden path. Under the right conditions, such as creating a winding path through a full garden, a grass path can give you a soft, appealing natural surface. In contrast with other types of walkways, a grass path does require frequent mowing, watering and fertilizing to keep its appeal.

Mulch

Similar to gravel pathways, mulch is very popular because it provides a natural look at a relatively low cost. Unlike other options, however, a mulch path will need to be renewed frequently because it will deteriorate, wear and break down as time goes on.

Accents

A great way to further enhance the look of your garden walkway is to add enhancements, such as benches, planters, lighting and other garden features. Additions such as strategic lighting can bring attention to certain features of your landscaping, your home or the path itself. Benches and other resting places can create unique places to relax and unwind, have a conversation or just enjoy a cup of coffee.

Although walkways are not given as much credit as they sometimes deserve, even the simplest walkway can make a dramatic impact on your landscape design. Your walkway can help you create an interesting detail in your otherwise “plain” landscaping, direct foot traffic in a certain direction, create a border or just prevent wear on a frequently taken path. Regardless of the purpose of your walkway, it is sure to stand out, enhance and beautify your outdoor space.

Landscape Grading & Surface Preparation

Landscape grading adds a gentle slope to your land to encourage proper drainage and add beauty using the contours of your property. Although landscape grading for adequate drainage is not the most visible portion of your lawn and garden, starting with these essentials is very important to the overall health and ultimately the look of your landscaping.

While it may be tempting to just dive in with some new dirt and start gardening, beginning with grading can help ensure that your garden not only looks great, but is built to last. If you wait until after you have already planted, then you may soon realize that the area that you have chosen does not drain well, resulting in excess erosion or water collection.

If your landscaping is improperly graded, it can lead to standing water that can be dangerous to your property for a variety of reasons. One of the main complaints that homeowners have about standing water is the effect it has on your plants and lawns. Whenever water collects around your house, it can cause your plants to become over watered, your yard to be damaged and a breeding ground for mosquitoes. If too close to your foundation or crawl space, standing water can cause structure damage that may or may not be readily apparent. Furthermore, standing water is an ideal place for insects and other undesirable pests to breed.

Rough Grading

Rough grading refers to the most basic grading of your lawn and landscaping. During the rough grading process, your lawn is very simply sculpted to bring it to the desired level and slope. In most cases, your landscaper will try to work as much with your existing land structure to keep the level of work and expense down in this step of the grading process.

In many cases, rough grading involves removing the relatively thin layer of topsoil in order to better sculpt the land to your desire. This results in a well-sculpted property that drains as efficiently as possible. Most lawns, whether you realize it or not, are very gently graded in order to allow water to drain efficiently.

Drainage

One of the main goals of landscape grading is to provide for the proper amount of drainage. Naturally, the amount of drainage that you desire depends largely on the area that you are grading. For your lawn, this typically means a gentle slope that will take any excess water away from your home. For gardens or more complex landscape structures, this may mean something a bit more involved. By allowing for an optimal level of drainage, you can very effectively make your entire landscaping design more self-sufficient and easy to take care of. When properly graded, landscapes ensure that plants get the water that they need without allowing excess water to accumulate.

Landscape Grading – Do It Right for Long Lasting Effect

Depending on the scope of your project, you may decide to tackle some of the grading yourself. If you are working with anything but a very small area, however, you should definitely consider hiring a professional. Proper landscape grading cannot typically be done by sight alone. It requires a variety of tools, and a lot of experience to ensure that everything is properly graded and ready for planting. For the best results when beginning a new construction project, building a garden or making other changes to your landscaping, work with a professional to ensure that everything is properly graded. This simple step can help you avoid future issues, and much headache.

Stone Walls add character and visual appeal to your landscape

Your landscaping sets the stage for the outside of your home. Whether you are accentuating and beautifying the front of your home, or creating a tranquil space out back, there are few ways better than high quality gardens and landscaping. One thing to consider when planning your landscaping is the use of stone walls. While stone walls were traditionally used as boundaries between fields, they have made their way back into our lives through our landscaping. These walls can add simple character to an otherwise plain garden.

Because you are no longer constrained to the traditional use of the wall as a boundary, you have almost unlimited options when it comes to using stone walls in your gardens and landscaping. As a result, stone walls have become more popular, and the different styles more plentiful. Here are a few ways that you can use them at your home:

As a Backdrop

Stone wall as a backdrop

Although it may defy the traditional usage of a stone wall, these structures make excellent backdrops that can really make the plants in front of them stand out. By building a stone wall in front of your existing plants, you can create a rustic looking backdrop that also functions as a ledge. This is a great place to grow vines, potted plants, as well as place lighting and any other accents that will make your garden that much more beautiful. If the location is right, a well-placed stone wall can also function as a place to sit, making it both beautiful and practical.

As a Divider

If you have a large yard, it may warrant a divider to help separate one area for another. Rather than using a picket fence, hedge or other type of division, you should consider building a stone wall. Stone walls not only add the separation that you desire, but are also beautiful on their own. Whether you leave the wall by itself, grow vines or plant a garden alongside it, you can be assured that it will be noted as one of the most beautiful aspects of your yard.

Retaining Walls and Edging

Stone walls used to retain the natural erosion of your yard

Stone walls come in a variety of shapes, heights, widths and styles and can be designed to fit into any area. One of the most beautiful ways to make use of stone walls in your garden is to build one as a retaining wall. Whether you need a retaining wall to stop natural erosion, or wish to build a raised garden, this is an incredibly practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. Raised gardens are particularly popular, due to the ability to use them as sitting spaces with trees, vines and other plants that cascade over the side of your new stone wall.

Regardless of the size, location or style of your gardens, adding a stone wall can turn an otherwise drab garden into a comfortable and great looking space. With options ranging from rustic, country stone walls to more modern looking stone arrangements, there is sure to be a wall that fits in perfectly for you. With a few custom touches, such as benches, fountains and a variety of beautiful plants, you can make any outdoor space look and feel amazing.

Yard a bit muddy after it rains?

Do you find yourself surrounded by puddles, a muddy lawn and raised bed full of water whenever it rains? Not only can this be incredibly annoying, poor landscape drainage can lead to damaged foundations, unhealthy plants and a muddy, damaged lawn.

If you are in this situation, you are not alone. Rather than sitting on the problem and complaining about how muddy your yard gets, talk to a local landscaping expert about improving your landscape drainage. This is one of the first things that most landscape designers will do when they start work on a new lawn or garden. If you are not aware of any drainage problems, inspect your lawn after the next heavy rain. You may find that you are collecting water that you had never noticed.

Proper Grading and Landscape Drainage Options

In many cases where homeowners have drainage issues, proper grading of their property will solve the problem. If you are unsure of the cause of your landscape drainage problems, seek the guidance of an expert that can assess your problem and advise you on the best solution. Most drainage problems require multiple solutions installed in a redundant fashion.

If you do need to install a drain, there are a variety of drainage solutions available to help draw excess water away from your landscaping. The majority of these are relatively easy to install and low profile, so you will barely notice them after they are installed.

• Area Drains – Many area drains consist of a simple drain that connects to an underground pipe. These drains are perfect for low areas in your yard or garden that constantly collect water when it rains. By moving the water away from your home and into the street, you not only save your garden and foundation from damage, but also prevent the growth of mosquitoes.
• Channel Drains – One of the best ways to save your lawn or garden from patio runoff is to install a channel drain. These drains are long channels that are installed into a concrete surface, such as the sidewalk. The water runs into pipes below the surface, which carry the water away from your home. Many landscapers recommend this type of drain to be installed around pools in order to protect your lawn from flooding.
• French Drains – French drains are a great solution for improving the drainage of your raised planters and other landscaping. This type of drain utilizes a drain wrapped in landscape fabric. The drain is then covered in rock. The combination of the rock and landscape fabric helps to keep roots and soil from clogging the drain.
• Foundation Drains – Foundation drains direct water away from a foundation to eliminate the moisture from entering your basement and potentially causing structural damage and cracks in the foundation. New construction requires foundation drains to be installed, but older homes may not have them in place. These drainage systems are installed outside the edge of foundations as well as systems that are installed under foundations.
• Gutters – Properly installed gutters are a great way to control the water runoff from your roof. Keep in mind that your goal is to divert the water away from your home, yard and landscaping. Rather than allowing a downspout to empty directly into your yard, extend the spout to divert it further away from your home. This will not only protect your yard, but also your foundation.

Whenever you are making your master landscaping plans, it is very easy to completely overlook the importance of maintaining good drainage throughout your entire property. Doing so, however, can ultimately lead to the sabotage of all of your hard work. Without proper drainage, you could find your entire landscaping undone at the hands of the next heavy rain. Because of this, make landscape drainage one of the cornerstones of your planning process. As always, work with a local landscape construction company to make sure that your lawn and garden stays beautiful, regardless of how much it rains.

How is the drainage on your property?