Essential FAQs on Yard Drainage

If your yard doesn’t drain naturally away from your home, you may notice standing pools in the yard after a storm. The build-up of water looks harmless enough, but it can cause several issues, including damaging your home’s foundation.

The experienced team at Ware Landscaping helps homeowners and businesses in Naperville and throughout Chicagoland with drainage. Our guiding mission is not just to help take the burden of lawn care off of your hands, but to help make an impact on your life and your family’s life.

POPULAR TOPICS 

Why is standing water a problem in my yard? 

Stagnant water in your yard can be a prime environment for mosquitoes to breed, which can cause an annoying and potentially dangerous problem. Mosquitoes are known to spread viruses and other diseases.

How do I know if I have a drainage problem in my yard?

If you’re seeing any of the following in your yard, it may be a sign of a drainage issue: soggy soil, pooling water, foundation cracks, floods, basement mold, and damage to plants.

How do you establish proper drainage in a lawn?

For the best results, it’s best to consult with a professional yard drainage expert. Ware Landscaping has the necessary tools, crew, and expertise to properly assess underlying issues, create a tailored solution, re-grade the lawn, install the system, and monitor its effectiveness. DIY solutions may also provide proper lawn drainage, but an expert will ensure your lawn is both attractive and healthy.

How do you drain a swampy lawn?

A swampy lawn can be drained by excavating the affected areas and adding drainage tiles or French drains to redirect water away from the area. Alternatively, adding sand or topsoil can help absorb excess moisture, while aeration and overseeding with grass seed can promote a healthier lawn.

What causes poor yard drainage?

Poor yard drainage is typically caused by factors such as inadequate grading, clogged gutters and downspouts, hard surfaces that do not allow for water absorption, and a failing septic system. All of these issues can prevent proper drainage from the area, resulting in puddles and standing water. 

Who installs drainage around houses?

Professional landscapers or contractors typically install drainage systems around houses. It is often best to hire a professional with the necessary experience and technical skills to ensure drainage is installed properly. At Ware Landscaping, we are proud to have 175 positive reviews, and we have been honored to serve the Chicago suburbs for over a decade.

Can I fix the yard drainage problem myself?

Drainage problems in your basement can be hard to solve without professional help. Attempting to do it yourself may not be sufficient, as you may lack the skills and experience necessary to accurately identify all of the sources of the problem, find an ideal solution that is cost-effective, and correctly install a large drainage system.

At Ware Landscaping, we offer a free initial consultation so that you can understand the issue thoroughly before committing to our services. 

Why is drainage important for landscaping?

Installing drainage around your home is essential for landscaping for a variety of reasons. It can protect plants and soil from damage caused by excess moisture, prevent flooding, reduce the number of pests in your yard, improve the look of your property, and protect your home’s foundation.

Does my lawn need to be regraded? 

Regrading your yard may be necessary if the lawn is waterlogged. A drainage expert can assess the situation and determine if this is the best solution. If so, they will adjust the slope of your property to allow excess water to flow away from your house and out to an appropriate drain or remote area.

I already have a drainage system but my lawn still floods. What can I do?

The experts at Ware can help you with water flow problems, even if a drainage system has already been installed. There may be issues due to broken pipes, changes in the environment or region, or installation mistakes. 

A professional drainage expert will assess the situation to determine if repair or replacement is needed to resolve the problem and ensure your lawn stays dry.

Will a French drain eliminate the standing water in my basement? 

Most likely, yes. A French drain may be an effective solution for standing water in a basement. A professional drainage expert should assess the situation and determine if this type of drain is the best option, as some other solutions may be more suitable based on the specific circumstances.

What is a water table?

The water table is the upper level of an underground surface, where soil and rocks are saturated by water. Landscapers and property owners must be aware of their area’s water table level; high levels may require a drainage system to be installed. 

Water table levels can fluctuate due to environmental or human development, so regular upkeep from drainage solutions experts is recommended for long term results.

Do I Need A French Drain?

Installing a French drain is an effective and affordable solution that takes care of drainage issues quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Once installed, the problem will be permanently eliminated so you won’t have to worry about it ever again. Our team can determine if this is the best lawn drainage solution for you. 

What is the best time of year to install a drainage system? 

Summer or fall is the best time of year to install a drainage system. Chicagoland is known for harsh winters, so taking proactive steps to prevent damage to your home’s foundation from a build-up of water due to excessive rain and the additional winter snowmelt makes sense. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT WARE DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS

What types of drainage solutions are provided by Ware?

• French drain: A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from a problematic area.
• Channel drain: A linear trench drain that collects water from a surface and directs it to a discharge point.
• Dry wells: Underground structures that collect excess water and allow it to drain back into the soil gradually.
• Sump pumps: Used to pump water out of a basement or crawl space to prevent water damage.
• Retaining walls: Used to hold back soil and create flat, usable space while directing water flow.
• Surface grading: The process of adjusting the slope of a lawn or garden to ensure water flows away from structures and into designated drain areas.

Is my Ware yard drainage service guaranteed? 

We offer a 10 year, no questions asked yard drainage guarantee. This means we promise that you will never have to worry about sitting water in your home again. If you encounter this issue again in the future, we will fix it free of charge.

How long does it take to improve yard drainage?

The duration of yard drainage improvements varies based on the complexity of the problem and the necessary solution. Installing a French drain can take several days, while simpler fixes like gutters and downspouts may only require a few hours to complete. 

How much do yard drainage services cost? 

We do not employ a risky one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the health and quality of your landscape. Our specialized drainage solutions team offers a free initial assessment to analyze the causes of your drainage problem and determine the best possible solution. Additionally, we tailor each of our drainage installation and repair projects to your property’s specific needs. 

What areas do you serve? 

We serve Naperville and the surrounding cities and villages, including Lisle, Mount Prospect, Hinsdale, Oswego, Aurora, Glen Ellyn, Oak Brook, Palatine, St. Charles, Westmont, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Barrington Lake, Batavia, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Crystal Lake, Downers Grove, Geneva, Wheaton, and more.