A good landscape designer will implement a landscaping plan which includes prevention of unwanted water pooling on your property. Good drainage in the landscape is as important as proper irrigation. Too much water in landscaped areas can result in numerous plant diseases and can even kill sensitive plants like expensive evergreens. In addition, drainage around buildings is important to prevent leaks and moisture intrusion into building foundations and walls.
Drainage systems can use a variety of techniques to remove unwanted water from an area, whether on a residential or commercial. Our experienced landscape designers will work with you to customize a drainage system that meets your needs and protects your investment! There are two basic types of drainage systems, surface and subsurface.
Surface drainage systems aim to collect excess surface water from hardscaping, planter beds, window wells, and specific turf areas where water tends to collect. Water enters a surface drainage system through catch basins, which have a sump area that collects debris to prevent clogging of the piping.
Catch basins and the drainage grates that go on top of them are available in a variety of sizes and styles depending upon the application.
Round drainage grates are used in turf areas.
Square drainage grates are used for hardscaped areas; walkways, driveways, parking lots, around swimming pools, etc.
Atrium drainage grates have a raised “domelike” design to prevent debris from building on top of the grate openings. These are used in window wells, planter areas, and other applications where bark mulch, stone, or landscape debris would tend to cover drain openings.
Another form of the surface drainage system is the channel drain. Channel drains are frequently used in paved areas to collect water. They are essentially an extended trough or catch basin covered by a long grate. Typical channel drains can be 10’ long and 4″ wide. Channel drains are also connected together with solid piping.
French Drains are the most frequently used form of sub-surface drainage. It is an underground collection drain which is not visible to the home or business owner. This drain system collects underground water from saturated soils into a collection system and carries it to a desired destination. Sub-surface drains help carry water away from low spots and can protect drainage sensitive plant material.