Articles

Working With Yard Drainage Systems

Is your client’s yard & landscape ready for rainy weather?

As the ground thaws and landscaping projects ramp up, now’s the time to make sure your customers’ properties are protected from drainage issues that can derail even the best-designed outdoor spaces. Before your crews start planting, grading, or installing hardscapes, it’s crucial to address any water management problems that could turn fresh landscaping into a muddy mess.

Standing water: more than just an eyesore

Poor drainage is one of the most common challenges in residential and commercial landscaping. Standing water doesn’t just look bad—it kills grass, drowns plants, attracts mosquitoes, and creates long-term property issues. If left unchecked, water can:

  • Pool near the home’s foundation, threatening structural integrity
  • Seep into basements, causing moisture damage and mold
  • Undermine sidewalks, patios, and driveways
  • Lead to erosion and stormwater damage

Why yard drainage fails

Improper grading, natural terrain, and aging infrastructure are often to blame. Even a level yard needs a drainage solution to prevent saturation and promote healthy soil. Cracks in foundations, concrete slabs, or walkways provide easy access for water—especially problematic in freeze/thaw climates where expansion can worsen the damage quickly.

Surface or subsurface yard drainage?

There are two primary drainage approaches: surface and subsurface.

Surface Drainage Systems redirect water across the top layer of soil using grates, channels, and slopes. They’re cost-effective and easy to maintain—but they don’t solve water retention within the soil.

Subsurface Drainage Systems tackle moisture where it starts: underground. The French drain is a popular option, but it’s prone to clogging over time.

The upgraded yard drainage system: hydraway

At Intech Anchoring Systems, we recommend the Hydraway Drainage System—a clog-resistant geotextile solution that moves water 70% faster than traditional methods. Unlike standard French drains, Hydraway’s design prevents debris from entering the system, protecting foundations and relieving hydrostatic pressure.

It’s quick to install, minimally invasive, and built to last—ideal for landscapers and land management teams looking to offer long-term solutions to their clients.

Don’t let drainage issues undo your landscaping results. Offer your clients a professional, permanent solution—and keep their yards (and your reputation) in top shape.