Drainage & Erosion Control
Protect your property from water damage with professional drainage solutions and erosion control systems.
Why Proper Drainage Matters
Poor drainage destroys landscapes and damages foundations. When water pools in your yard or flows toward your home, it creates serious problems that get worse over time. Standing water kills grass and plants, breeds mosquitoes, and turns your yard into a muddy mess. Water that reaches your foundation causes cracks, basement flooding, and structural issues that cost thousands to repair. Effective drainage systems move water away from vulnerable areas and protect your investment.
Erosion is another major concern, especially on slopes and around new construction. Heavy rain washes away topsoil, exposes plant roots, and creates ugly gullies in your landscape. Lost soil takes nutrients and organic matter with it, leaving behind compacted clay that nothing grows in. Erosion also sends sediment into storm drains and waterways, contributing to pollution. Controlling erosion preserves your landscape and prevents environmental damage.
Professional drainage solutions fix these problems permanently. We evaluate your property's grading, soil type, and water flow patterns to design systems that work with nature instead of fighting it. Whether you need simple grading corrections or complex underground drainage networks, we create custom solutions for your Portsmouth property. Proper drainage lets you enjoy your yard in all weather conditions and protects your home from costly water damage.
Drainage Solutions We Install
Different drainage problems require different solutions. We use proven techniques that address the root cause of your water issues. Sometimes simple grading adjustments solve the problem. Other situations need more sophisticated systems like French drains or catch basins. We assess your property and recommend the most effective and cost-efficient approach.
Common Drainage Systems
- French drains collect and redirect groundwater through perforated pipes buried in gravel trenches
- Surface drains and catch basins capture standing water and channel it to drainage pipes
- Channel drains intercept water flow across driveways, patios, and walkways
- Dry creek beds provide attractive natural drainage while preventing erosion
- Downspout extensions move roof water away from foundations and prevent pooling
- Grading and resloping correct improper slopes that direct water toward structures
- Retaining walls stabilize slopes and control erosion on steep terrain
French drains are our most popular solution for yard drainage. These underground systems collect water through perforated pipes surrounded by gravel. Water flows into the pipe through small holes and gets carried away from problem areas. We install French drains around foundations, across low spots, and along property lines to intercept water before it causes damage. The system works invisibly underground with minimal impact on your landscape.
For properties with multiple drainage issues, we often combine several techniques into an integrated system. We might use surface drains to capture water, French drains to move it underground, and proper grading to prevent future problems. If you're planning hardscaping projects, we coordinate drainage installation to ensure water doesn't pool on or around your new patio or walkway.
Erosion Control Techniques That Work
Controlling erosion requires understanding what causes it and using the right techniques to stop soil movement. On gentle slopes, establishing thick grass cover often provides enough protection. The grass roots hold soil in place while the blades slow water flow and reduce impact. We can install sod for instant erosion control or seed for more gradual coverage depending on your situation and urgency.
Steeper slopes need more aggressive solutions. Retaining walls hold soil in place while creating level planting areas. We build walls from various materials including natural stone, concrete blocks, and treated timber. The choice depends on wall height, soil conditions, and your aesthetic preferences. Properly engineered retaining walls include drainage behind the wall to prevent water pressure from pushing them over.
Additional Erosion Control Methods
Terracing breaks steep slopes into a series of level steps supported by retaining walls or earth berms. This dramatically reduces water velocity and gives plants a better chance to establish. Terraces also create interesting landscape features and usable planting areas where none existed before. We design terraces that balance function with appearance, turning problem slopes into attractive landscape assets.
Erosion control fabric and mulch provide temporary protection while plants establish permanent coverage. We use these materials on new construction sites and freshly graded areas to prevent soil loss during the critical establishment period. Proper plant selection also matters. We choose species with aggressive root systems that stabilize soil while thriving in your site conditions. Deep-rooted shrubs and ornamental grasses work particularly well for erosion control on slopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't let water damage ruin your property. Contact us today for a free drainage and erosion control assessment.