Landscaping
Grading & Drainage
Water always wins unless you give it somewhere to go. We fix the grade and move the water away from your home and off your lawn.
Puddles that sit for days, soggy lawns, ice on the driveway and water against the foundation all come back to grading. When the yard slopes the wrong way, or downspouts dump water beside the house, it ends up where you don't want it. Groundwork Landscaping finds where the water is coming from and where it can go, then builds the fix.
What's included
- A drainage assessment of slopes, low spots, downspouts and where water sits.
- Regrading so soil slopes away from the foundation.
- Swales, shallow grassed channels that carry surface water across the yard.
- French drains, perforated pipe in clear stone for wet areas.
- Catch basins to collect water from low spots and patios.
- Downspout solutions, extensions or buried lines that carry roof water away.
How drainage work runs
- Watch the water. We look at the property, ideally after rain, and take levels.
- Plan the route. Water goes to the street, a swale or a suitable outlet, not to a neighbour.
- Locate and build. Utilities marked through Ontario One Call, then the work is done.
- Restore. Soil, seed or sod goes back over the finished work.
Know the rules
Subdivision lots often have approved grading plans, and you can't direct water onto a neighbouring property. Some work near rivers, lakes and flood-prone areas needs approval. We check before we dig. Drainage is also the first step before new patios or retaining walls.
What affects the cost of grading & drainage
Drainage costs depend on the size of the problem and the fix it needs. Regrading a strip along the foundation costs much less than a French drain across the yard. The length of pipe and trench, catch basins, access for equipment, soil removal or fill, and restoring the lawn afterward all affect the price.
Grading & Drainage questions
Why does water pool in my yard?
Usually low spots, soil that slopes toward the house, compacted clay that won't absorb water, or downspouts emptying in the wrong place.
Will a French drain work in clay soil?
Yes, if the pipe has somewhere to drain to. In heavy clay, water won't soak in quickly, so the drain must carry it to an outlet.
Can I send my water to the neighbour's yard?
No. Water should be managed on your property or sent to an approved outlet. We plan the route so it doesn't cause problems next door.
Will this fix my wet basement?
Fixing grading and downspouts often helps a lot, but foundation cracks and plumbing issues need a foundation or plumbing specialist.
Do I need a permit for drainage work?
Many small yard drainage jobs don't, but some changes to lot grading or work near water do. We check with the municipality and conservation authority when needed.
How much should my yard slope away from the house?
A common target is a drop of about 15 cm over the first 3 metres from the foundation, then a gentler slope toward a swale or outlet.
Can you connect my downspouts underground?
Yes, to an approved outlet like a swale, the street side or a dry well where the soil allows. Some municipalities have rules about where downspouts can go.
Where we offer grading & drainage
We provide grading & drainage for homes and businesses in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Let's build something.
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