Common Drainage Issues to Watch For: 

• Stunted plant growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting limbs 
• Dry, compacted soil that lacks moisture 
• Excessive moss growth 
• Unwanted pests or fungal growth 
• Structural damage to your property’s foundation 

If you are noticing any of these signs, it is crucial to consult a professional for a thorough assessment. Since drainage problems can be diverse and complex, but McDowell Landscapes has the experience and expertise to handle both common and more unusual issues caused by improper water drainage. Moreover, we will perform a detailed site inspection and work with you to create a customized plan that will restore optimal drainage to your property. 

Catch Basin Installation 

Catch basins are a crucial component of an effective water management system. In particular, they serve as inlets, allowing water to flow in and redirecting it underground. Additionally, these basins can be seamlessly integrated with most other drainage solutions, ensuring optimal performance in any system. 

Draintile Installation 

Installing a drain tube system is a simple and cost-effective solution for addressing drainage issues near your home. To begin, the process involved digging a trench to lay the tube, placing a catch basin near the house, and installing an outlet spout at the end to direct water away. Moreover, additional components such as channel drains for driveways and patios or dry wells, can also be added to enhance the system’s efficiency, further improving water flow management. 

Slope Corrections 

Slope corrections are often the quickest and least invasive solutions for resolving water drainage issues. For example, water pooling in low areas can typically be addresses by either filling the depression or regrading the surrounding area to redirect the flow. In many cases, during construction, the ground a hose is disturbed and over time, certain areas may settle, causing the water to pool. Although this is a common occurrence that usually doesn’t lead to major issues, if settling happens near the foundation, it can result in water problems in finished basements, which potentially leading to costly repairs in the thousands.

Dry Creek Beds 

Dry creek beds utilize a combination of large and small rocks to fill swales or low areas where water naturally flows during storms. By doing so, strategically placing rocks in these areas, they prevent erosion caused by flowing water and create a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance similar to a creek bed found in nature. In addition, this method requires little or no trenching, making it a popular choice for homeowners who appreciate its visual appeal and functionality. 

Moreover, these beds are also ideal for covering areas that remain wet or for addressing spots where erosion has previously occurred. Not only do they enhance the natural flow of water, but they also provide a more attractive solution than soggy grass. 

Furthermore, dry creek beds serve as an excellent alternative to traditional splash blocks. Splash blocks help direct water away from the house when dealing with short downspouts, preventing soil erosion and mulch washout. We use rocks larger than 2″ in size, typically a mixture of 2-6″ river rock, to achieve the desired dry creek bed effect.

French Drain Installation 

A French drain is an essential tool for any outdoor drainage company, specifically designed to control, direct, and redistribute water. Primarily, its primary function is to prevent ground and surface water from entering and damaging building foundations. Additionally, another common use is to manage water flow in a way that prevents surface erosion, puddling, or the formation of soggy spots in the lawn. 

French drains are known by various names, including weeping tiles, blind drain, rubble drain, rock drain, drain tile, perimeter drain, and French ditch. However, regardless of the name, the basic design remains the same: a trench or channel filled with gravel or rock, featuring a perforated pipe at the center to redirect water away from sensitive areas.