When designing a beautiful landscape in the Chicago suburbs, many homeowners and landscapers focus on aesthetics—lush lawns, vibrant flowers, and elegant hardscapes. However, there’s one often-overlooked factor that plays a crucial role in the health and longevity of your landscape: grading and drainage. Now is a great time to address it. Proper grading and drainage systems can protect your property, enhance plant growth, and prevent long-term damage to your yard and home in Illinois.
WHAT IS GRADING:
Grading refers to leveling or sloping the ground to ensure proper water flow. When landscaping in this region, the ground must be shaped to encourage water to move away from structures like your home, driveway, and sidewalks. Ideally, the landscape should slope away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling near your home’s walls or basement. Proper grading not only directs water flow but also contributes to a uniform and attractive look for your outdoor space.
WHY GRADING IS IMPORTANT:
Addressing drainage and grading issues alleviates water in areas it shouldn’t be. This protects your foundation, prevents erosion, and overall improves aesthetics. In reducing standing water, we can help plants and turf thrive, reduce mosquito populations, and prevent flooding.
HOW TO USE DRAINAGE:
Drainage is the system or process by which excess water is directed away from a property or garden space. This can be accomplished by using:
- Swales: Redirection of water through changes in topography, typically in the form of a depression in the turf or soil to guide water flow and prevent flooding.
- French Drains: A trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe designed to redirect excess water away from specific areas, protecting foundations, yards, and basements from water damage.
- Downspout Extensions: Attachments connecting to the gutter downspout, either above ground with a flexible pipe or underground with PVC pipe, to direct water away from foundations, driveways, and walkways.
- Permeable Pavers: These allow water to pass through them and into the ground, helping with water runoff and flow. They can reduce soil erosion, ice, and puddling, and typically last longer than asphalt.
- Rain Gardens: Landscaped areas designed to capture and manage stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. Typically planted with native plants that tolerate both wet and dry conditions, they help absorb rainwater, reducing flooding and water pollution risks.
These services and solutions are available at Milieu Landscaping. Consider a consultation to learn about the best options for your property in the Chicago suburbs, and let us help take your water woes away.
