Correcting Drainage Problems with Beautiful Landscapes

Last year, I received a call from a potential client looking to correct some major drainage problems in their yard.  When I investigated the property, I found the walkout sitting in a bowl with dense clay subsurface soil, four down spouts draining water from the roof into the lower backyard and only one small drainage pit leading to nowhere. 

The homeowners hoped to finish their walkout basement, but had delayed for years because the basement flooded during heavy rain event.  The water would sit, several inches deep, on the surface for days.  Previous attempts to mitigate storm event flooding by contouring and use of swales beyond the "bowl" had failed.  More extensive steps were needed. 

After meeting with the homeowners and identifying their goals, I developed a plan to both eliminate the flooding and maximize use of the awkward space.  The area includes a large paver patio, segmental retaining and sitting walls (Wellington Wall by Belgard), and boulder retaining walls, Chilton outcropping steps, a rain garden in the lower area and extensive mixed gardens above.  We also added drip irrigation for area that receive minimal water, and a narrow sod path between the gardens and the patio.

The excavation crew removed approximately two feet of heavy clay soil over a three thousand square foot area within the bowl, sloped the grade away from the home and toward a large stone filled pit which, ultimately, included a sump pump that can pump the water out of the bowl and into a swale above the bowl.  The swale, which this year will be turned into a naturalistic dry stream bed, carries the water off into an open field away from the house. 


To Learn More About How I Can Help You Solve Your Challenging Landscape Problems, Call or Text Brent Now:
(616) 328-3258