At Tilson Outdoors, we see landscape drainage problems every day—often in yards that otherwise look healthy and well cared for. From soggy lawns to erosion and foundation concerns, poor drainage can quietly cause serious damage over time. The good news is that most issues can be corrected once the root cause is identified. If you’re dealing with drainage concerns and want professional guidance, we invite you to call us at 336-757-0371 to schedule a consultation and talk through your options.
What Causes Landscape Drainage Problems?
Most drainage issues come down to how water moves—or doesn’t move—across your property. Common causes include improper grading, compacted or clay-heavy soil, roof runoff that’s discharged too close to the house, and hardscapes that redirect water into areas it shouldn’t go. These factors often work together, creating ongoing yard drainage issues that worsen with each heavy rain.
Below are the most common drainage problems in landscaping that we encounter, along with proven ways to address them.
The 7 Most Common Landscape Drainage Problems
While every property is different, many drainage issues fall into a few predictable patterns. Understanding which problem you’re dealing with is the first step toward choosing the right solution.
1. Standing Water After Rain
If you notice standing water in yard areas that lingers for hours or days after rainfall, it’s a sign that water has nowhere to go. This often happens in low spots or areas with compacted soil.
How we fix it:
Solutions may include regrading the area, installing surface drains, or creating subtle slopes that encourage water to move away naturally.
2. Erosion Around Landscape Beds, Walkways, or Patios
Fast-moving runoff can wash away soil, expose roots, and undermine hardscapes. Erosion is both a functional and aesthetic problem.
How we fix it:
We slow and redirect water using swales, reinforced landscape edges, groundcover plantings, or retaining features designed to stabilize soil.
3. Water Pooling Around the Foundation
Water pooling around house foundations is one of the most serious drainage issues we see. Over time, it can lead to foundation damage, basement moisture, and crawl space problems.
How we fix it:
French drains, downspout extensions, and proper grading are often used together to move water safely away from the home.
4. Soggy or Dead Lawn Areas
Lawns that never fully dry out—or develop bare, dying patches—often suffer from poor subsurface drainage.
How we fix it:
Depending on conditions, we may recommend aeration, drainage trenches, or integrated systems that improve how water moves below the surface.
5. Improper Yard Slope or Grade
Even a slight grading issue can cause water to flow toward your home or collect in the wrong areas.
How we fix it:
Professional grading corrections ensure water flows away from structures and toward designated drainage paths.
6. Clogged or Poorly Positioned Downspouts
Roof runoff is a major contributor to drainage problems. When downspouts empty too close to the home—or clog easily—they overload surrounding soil.
How we fix it:
We reroute downspouts, install underground drain lines, and connect them to systems designed to handle heavy rainfall.
7. Runoff from Patios, Driveways, and Other Hardscapes
Impermeable surfaces push water into nearby lawn and planting areas, often causing pooling or erosion.
How we fix it:
Channel drains, permeable materials, and thoughtful hardscape design are effective poor yard drainage solutions that balance function and appearance.
Is Tilson Outdoors the Right Fit for Your Yard?
We’re a family-owned outdoor design and landscape company serving the Winston-Salem area and surrounding communities. Our approach is hands-on and highly personalized—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all fixes. Instead, we take time to understand your property, your concerns, and how you use your outdoor space.
From the initial consultation through design and installation, we guide you through a clear, proven process focused on long-term results. Our drainage work is never an afterthought. In fact, it’s integrated into the overall landscape plan so your yard functions properly and looks great. If you’re looking for thoughtful, long-lasting residential landscape drainage solutions, our team is ready to assist you.
When to DIY vs. When to Call a Professional
Minor issues like cleaning downspouts or extending a discharge line can sometimes be handled by homeowners. However, recurring problems, foundation concerns, or widespread soggy areas usually require a professional evaluation. Knowing how to fix drainage problems in yard situations starts with understanding what’s happening below the surface—something experience makes a big difference with.
Ready to Solve Your Drainage Issues for Good?
Landscape drainage problems rarely resolve on their own, and ignoring them can lead to costly damage over time. Addressing issues early protects your landscape, your home, and your investment in your outdoor space.
If you’re noticing signs of poor drainage and want a solution designed to last, call Tilson Outdoors at 336-757-0371. We’d be happy to evaluate your property and help you move forward with confidence.
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