San Angelo does not get much rain, but when it comes it comes fast, and hard caliche soil does not soak it up. Water runs off roofs and driveways, collects against foundations, cuts trenches under downspouts and drowns grass in low spots.
Good drainage is also the foundation of every lawn and bed we install. New sod laid on a low spot or a rock bed with nowhere for water to go will not last, so we look at grade and runoff on every job.
French drains
A gravel trench with perforated pipe collects water underground and carries it to a safe outlet. French drains work well along foundations, fences and the low side of a yard.
Dry creek beds
A channel of river rock and boulders carries storm runoff and looks like a natural feature the rest of the year. Dry creek beds pair perfectly with xeriscape and cost nothing to water.
Downspout rock beds and extensions
Downspouts that drop water in one spot erode soil, splash the foundation and flood beds. We bury extensions, add pop-up emitters, or build river rock beds that spread the water and protect the wall, like the commercial job shown on this page.
Grading and swales
Soil should slope away from the house. We regrade problem areas and shape gentle swales that steer water around patios and toward the street or a drain.
Signs you need drainage work
- Puddles that last a day or more after rain
- Water against the foundation or slab
- Mulch or rock washing onto walks
- Eroded trenches under downspouts
- Soggy, dying patches of grass
- Musty smells or moisture inside
Recent work
Common questions
How do I know if my yard has a drainage problem?
Standing water a day after rain, soggy spots that never dry, water against the foundation, eroded beds, mulch or rock washing onto the sidewalk and downspouts that dump water in one spot are all signs that water needs a better path.
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that collects water underground and carries it to a safe outlet, away from your home, patio or problem area.
What is a dry creek bed?
A dry creek bed is a shallow channel lined with river rock and boulders that carries runoff during storms and looks like a natural landscape feature the rest of the time. It fits right into a xeriscape design.
What can I do about downspouts flooding my beds?
We can extend or bury downspout lines, add pop-up emitters, or build a river rock bed below the downspout so water spreads out and soaks in instead of cutting a trench.
Can regrading fix water running toward my house?
Often, yes. Grading the soil so it slopes away from the foundation is one of the most important drainage fixes, and we check grade on every sod and landscape install.