Proper finish grading contributes to the ability of water to flow across your lawn. One area often overlooked in landscape projects is drainage issues. Whether it is from down spout run off to lawn run off, drainage issues play a role in landscapes. When working on a landscape project it is important to take drainage issues into consideration before starting your project. If you come up with drainage solutions before they become issues, you will save yourself time and money. Proper finish grading is a key part to your drainage solutions.
One of the most common issues we see in landscapes is improper down spout drainage. Lack of proper drainage can destroy your landscape or cause foundation problems to your home or business. When tackling a landscape project, it is important to get run off water as far away from the perimeter of the building as possible. This can be accomplished in several ways.
Proper Finish Grading
Proper finish grading your lawn is one of the most important factors that contributes to the longevity and success of your project. Before you install sod or seed, make sure that you have adequate drop from the foundation of your building. Drop refers to the elevation of the soil at the foundation. Proper drop should have a higher elevation at the foundation of the building and gradually diminish as the distance away from the building becomes greater. The best way to check the drop from your building is to use a laser transit. If you do not have a laser transit, you can spray water on the foundation of the building and the water should flow away from the foundation. If your water pools or flows towards the foundation of the building, then your grade is not correct. Pooling can cause multiple long term problems with your property. It can erode structures and kill grass areas. Standing water can lead to increased insect populations. Standing water may also cause your plants to die if it is left sitting for a long period of time.