Given the dense clay soil in our region, drainage issues are a common problem our clients ask us to solve, both to deal with standing water and flowing water. Standing water in your yard is not only undesirable, it can cause foundation issues in your home if left undealt with. If you have water in your yard where you don’t want it, we can help. At Merrifield Garden Center our team of landscape designers and construction managers has worked with drainage issues at all scales, implementing solutions such as grading, installing a French drain or drainage box, building a retaining wall or adding a river jack stream bed or rain garden.
When it comes to a drainage or grading project, our team puts a lot of emphasis on the information gathering stage, making sure they understand the problem areas before formulating a solution. With drainage issues, it’s not a one size fits all approach. We approach drainage challenges incrementally, adding solutions one at a time to make sure we strike the optimum balance of solutions for the space. With the backing of our horticultural staff, Merrifield Garden Center is well poised to implement a drainage solution that is both effective and beautiful.
Solutions:
1.Discuss – At your scheduled appointment, one of our skilled landscape designers will meet with you to understand your project goals, drainage issue, design preferences and vision. The designer will collect measurements and photos of the space and take stock of all related aspects, including available space and any structural or planting considerations.
2.Design – After gaining a thorough understanding of the issue and your vision, your designer will dream up a direction to accomplish your goals. Then, your designer will share a recommended approach and proposal for the project. A formal landscape design drawing can be provided for an additional fee.
3.Construct – Once the proposal is approved and a deposit is in place, we will schedule the job. Your designer will work hand in hand with our construction manager or horticultural team to source the appropriate materials to bring the project to life. Your designer will remain with you throughout this process, and your team will come to work every day from the moment we break ground until the project is complete (barring any extreme weather scenarios).
Q: How can I tell if my property has poor drainage?
A: It’s normal to see some water in your yard a few hours after a heavy rainstorm. As time passes, that should dissipate, run off and soak into the soil. If you notice standing water long after the rain has ceased, you likely have a drainage issue. Not all drainage issues will present themselves with standing water. In some cases, you may have a very wet area that remains soggy and hard to walk through. In other instances, you may notice that your sump pump is running constantly, or you have water coming into the basement. In all these cases we recommend making a drainage appointment immediately to fix the problem before it gets worse.
Q: How do I know if I need a drainage solution or something fixed with the foundation of my home?
A: In general, if the grade of your yard is pitched away from your house, but you are having issues with water inside your house, you have an issue with the foundation of your
home. If you see standing water long after the rain has passed or have an area of your yard that remains wet and soggy, then you have a drainage issue and need a solution from
a landscaper like Merrifield Garden Center.
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