Landscape Drainage Solutions

Guide the Flow - Protect Your Yard from Water Woes!

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We Can Help You Fix Pooling Water On Your Lawn Or Landscape

We install and repair landscape drainage systems

Drainage System Installations And Repairs
We install and repair landscape drainage systems

One of the keys to keeping your landscaping (and property) in good shape is ensuring you have proper drainage in place.  Drainage issues can cause premature erosion, property damage, damage to buildings and foundations, and they can be very expensive to repair.  Our area of North Carolina receives on average 46 inches of rainfall annually.  Wet conditions like this will bring your drainage problems to the forefront quickly.

In our area of North Carolina, drainage problems can be compounded by our soil.  This soil type can range from heavy clay to very sandy and coarse textures.  Clay is fairly stable, it's the sandy, course, material that is very prone to erosion.  Without a proper drainage system in place soil erosion, water damage to your landscape, and potentially water damage to your home, will be an on-going risk.

Rodrigo’s Landscaping is a landscaping contractor based out of Clayton, North Carolina and serving Wake County and the surrounding areas.  We provide our drainage solutions to clients in Clayton, Apex, Cary, Clayton, Garner, Knightdale, Raleigh, and Rolesville.  We specialize in installing landscape drainage systems including drainage swales, french drains, dry creek beds, and more.  We offer real drainage solutions for properties with a constant drainage or standing water problem. 

What Type Of Drainage Problem Do You Have?

  • Is there water pooling up on your property?
  • Does your property have soil erosion due to heavy rain?
  • Do you have soft spots in your lawns or gardens?
  • Do you have standing water around your foundation?
  • Is your driveway or parking area a wet mess when it rains?

Without proper drainage in place your landscaping and lawn areas can be prone to flooding, it can drown out your expensive plants, erode away expensive hardscaping, and even cause damage to your structures and their foundations.

Many of our clients properties suffer from poor drainage or have drainage systems that just weren’t implemented correctly from the start which has led to significant erosion problems, water pooling, soft spots, and flooding in their lawns, gardens and landscapes.  We can help solve these problems by developing a solid drainage plan for your property.

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Drainage Solutions We Provide

We incorporate expert drainage solutions in every landscape we design and build.  We can incorporate proper drainage systems into an already existing landscape.

French Drains

What Is A French Drain?

A French drain might sound intricate, but it's actually a simple yet effective solution for many homeowners facing drainage issues. Essentially, a French drain is a slightly sloped trench filled with gravel or rock, containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from specific areas. It's an ingeniously simple concept that has been used for centuries to combat excess water.

Functionality of a French Drain

The core idea behind a French drain is its ability to capture and divert water. When water enters the trench, it quickly seeps through the gravel and into the perforated pipe. This pipe then channels the water away from your property, often to a more suitable drainage area like a street, a ditch, drainage swale, or a storm drain.

Common French Drain Applications Around Residential Properties

Preventing Water Accumulation Around Foundations: One of the most popular uses of a French drain is to prevent water from pooling around a house's foundation. Water near the foundation can lead to serious issues like structural damage or basement flooding. By installing a French drain, this water is efficiently rerouted, safeguarding your home's integrity.

Managing Water in Soggy Yards: For yards that tend to get soggy or have standing water after rain, a French drain can be a game-changer. It helps in quickly moving the water away, keeping your yard dry and usable.

Facilitating Drainage in Hardscaped Areas: In areas where hardscaping like patios or walkways prevents natural absorption of water, French drains can provide an alternative path for water, preventing pooling and potential damage or slipping hazards.

Garden and Landscape Protection: Gardens and landscaped areas can suffer from too much water. A strategically placed French drain can help regulate the moisture level in these areas, ensuring that plants don't get waterlogged.

Resolving Slope-Related Drainage Issues: If your property is on a slope, managing runoff can be challenging. French drains can be part of a comprehensive solution to control and direct the flow of water, preventing erosion and landscape damage.

Drainage Swales

What Is A Drainage Swale?

A drainage swale is a shallow channel or depression that is designed to carry and manage stormwater runoff. It is typically found in landscaped areas, such as along the side of a road or where a culvert outflow is located.  Swales are used to intercept and convey excess water from storms or other sources to a drainage outlet, such as a storm drain or a natural waterway.

Drainage swales are often used as an alternative to traditional stormwater management systems, such as underground pipes, because they can be more visually appealing and have a variety of additional benefits, such as providing habitat for wildlife and helping to reduce erosion. Drainage swales are typically lined with river rock or with vegetation, such as grasses or native plants, which helps to filter pollutants and sediment from the water as it flows through the channel.

Understanding the Swale's Function

The primary purpose of a drainage swale is to control water flow. During heavy rains or snow melts, water can accumulate and move rapidly, causing erosion and potential damage to your landscape. A swale acts as a natural conduit, controlling the speed and direction of water flow. It's a subtle yet effective way to manage excess water without the need for complex plumbing or electrical systems.

Common Applications Around Residential Properties

Preventing Water Accumulation: Swales are particularly useful in preventing water from pooling in low-lying areas of your yard. By directing water away, they help in maintaining a drier, healthier lawn and garden.

Safeguarding Foundations: Much like French drains, swales can be used to divert water away from your home's foundation, protecting it from potential water damage.

Landscaping and Garden Protection: Strategically placed swales can enhance the drainage around gardens and landscaped areas, ensuring that plants are not overwhelmed by excess water.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: While primarily functional, swales can also be integrated into your landscape design. With the addition of grass or other vegetation, they can add a natural, visually appealing element to your yard.

Erosion Control on Sloped Properties: For properties situated on a slope, swales can be crucial in minimizing soil erosion. By slowing down the speed of water runoff, they help in preserving the integrity of your landscape.

Eco-Friendly Water Management: Swales are an environmentally friendly solution for water management. They can facilitate the replenishment of groundwater and reduce the burden on stormwater systems.

A Natural Solution for Your Landscape

Drainage swales represent a harmony between functionality and nature. They provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution to several common drainage problems faced by homeowners. By incorporating a drainage swale into your landscape, you can protect your property from water damage in an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Dry Creek Beds

What is a Dry Creek Bed?

In the world of landscaping and drainage solutions, a dry creek bed stands out as a blend of functionality and natural beauty. A dry creek bed is essentially a man-made channel or gully, often lined with stones and rocks, designed to mimic the look of a natural dry stream. The key purpose of this feature is to provide an effective and aesthetic way to manage and direct the flow of water across your property.

The Aesthetic and Functional Blend

A dry creek bed is more than just a practical drainage solution; it's a landscaping feature that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Carefully selected stones and thoughtful placement create a natural-looking waterway that blends seamlessly with your garden and yard.

Common Applications Around Residential Properties

Erosion Control: For properties with sloped terrain where water runoff causes erosion, a dry creek bed can be a savior. It channels the water flow, reducing erosion and preserving the integrity of your landscape.

Rainwater Diversion: During heavy rainfall, dry creek beds effectively divert excess rainwater away from sensitive areas like foundations, gardens, or lawns, directing it to a more appropriate drainage area.

Addressing Soggy Areas: In yards where water tends to collect and create soggy patches, a dry creek bed can provide an escape route for this water, keeping your yard drier and healthier.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Beyond its functional role, a dry creek bed can be a striking landscape feature, adding a unique and natural charm to your outdoor space. It can be a focal point or a subtle addition, depending on your preference.

Wildlife Attraction: Interestingly, dry creek beds can attract wildlife, providing a habitat for birds and beneficial insects. The varying sizes of rocks and the layout can create microhabitats that are appealing to small wildlife.

Integrating with Your Landscape

The beauty of a dry creek bed lies in its versatility and adaptability. It can be designed to suit any landscape style, from a rustic, woodland look to a more modern, minimalist approach. With the right design and placement, a dry creek bed not only solves drainage issues but also elevates the overall aesthetics of your property.

A Sustainable Approach to Drainage

Embracing the concept of a dry creek bed is not just about solving water runoff issues; it's about doing it in a way that respects and enhances the natural environment. This eco-friendly solution is a testament to how functional landscaping can be both effective and beautiful.

Drainage Solutions Can Also Include

There is no one-size-fits-all drainage solution for every single property.  Often, it takes a few different solutions working together to solve your drainage problems.

Drainage System Repairs: Maintenance and repair services for existing drainage systems, including clearing blockages, fixing leaks, and ensuring optimal functionality.

Drain Box and Catch Basin Installation: Placement of catch basins and drain boxes at low points to collect surface water, effectively preventing pooling and directing water into drainage systems.

Downspout Drainage Systems: Integration of downspouts with the landscape drainage system to efficiently channel roof runoff away from the building foundation, reducing soil erosion and water damage.

Drainage Problem Correction: Diagnostic and corrective measures to address and resolve issues with existing drainage systems, ensuring they effectively manage water runoff and protect landscape integrity.

Grated Trench Drains: Installation of linear drains with grates, ideal for capturing runoff on hard surfaces like driveways and sidewalks, and directing it to safer discharge areas.

Rain Garden Construction: Design and creation of rain gardens that use native plants and soil amendments to capture, filter, and slowly absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and improving water quality.

Permeable Paving Solutions: Implementation of permeable paving materials that allow water to percolate through the surface, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater.

Roof Runoff Management Systems: Systems designed to capture, store, and repurpose rainwater from roofs, incorporating rain barrels or cisterns for landscape irrigation or other uses.

Erosion Control Measures: Strategies and installations like vegetation, mulches, and terracing to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing areas prone to runoff damage.

Retaining Wall Systems with Built-in Drainage: Construction of retaining walls that incorporate drainage features to manage water pressure and prevent moisture buildup behind the wall.

Channel Drains: Shallow channels that capture surface water over larger areas, such as pool decks and patios, efficiently directing it to drainage outlets.

Bio-retention Cells: Engineered systems that use vegetation and soil to capture and treat stormwater onsite, promoting infiltration and reducing pollutants.

Estimate

Does Your Property Have Water Drainage Problems?

Drainage issues should be addressed during the landscape design process and before your actual landscape is installed.  Because every property we work on is different a good landscape designer will take the time to understand how water may flow from your property, what type of soil conditions you have, and they will also know and understand the rainfall in your area and/or how high the static water table might be.  Knowing all of these factors can help us plan out an effective drainage solution for your specific property.

It’s often during sustained and heavy rainfall when a drainage problem will surface.  After a few days of rain, a property with poor drainage will become obvious.  You’ll visibly see water pooling in low spots, your lawn or gardens will be muddy, you may see erosion taking place, and a host of other problems.  If the water table (sub-surface water) is high in your area, then rainfall only makes the problem that much worse.

Drainage Problems We Can Help Solve

High Water Tables

A high water table can pose a challenge for any landscape. The water table is water that lies close to the soil surface.  It can vary depending on where you are located.  If you have a high water table then the low lying areas of your landscape can often have pooling water.  Often the best solution for a high water table is to plant appropriate trees, shrubs, and other plants that are capable of handling these wet, boggy, conditions.  These are often plantings that natively grow in riparian areas.

Another option to solve a high water table drainage problem is to raise the lawn areas or planting and garden bed areas up.  You can do this by mounding up areas with additional soil and appropriate plantings to keep it held together or you can even used raised garden beds.

Excess Water Pooling On The Surface

If your property has clay-based soil then you may have problems with surface water pooling up.  Clay is a very dense material and doesn’t allow for good drainage.  Surface water issues can often be solved by properly grading the property away from the home and into a swale or french drain that can channel the water away from your property and into an existing storm drain or drainage ditch of some type.

One of the most popular and effective drainage systems to install for a surface water problem is the French drain.  This is a time-tested drainage solution that gathers water and channels it to a place underground (usually a trench filled with gravel and perforated pipe) where the water can take its time percolating down through the soil.

More Ideas For Solving Your Drainage Problems

Careful Construction Practices – Often drainage problems surface after extensive construction or site-work has been completed on a property.  Activities such as removing and placing fill, property grading, and digging of foundations or footings can alter the drainage on a property.  When construction occurs on your property care must be taken to avoid compaction of the soil and also to make sure that your property is graded to channel water away from low-lying areas and your home or buildings foundation.

Regulate Your Irrigation System – Many irrigation systems are setup to deliver water to a lawn, garden, or landscape over a set period of time rather than on the needs of those specific plants.  It’s a good idea to set your irrigation to meet the needs of your specific landscape rather than set it on a timed schedule.  For example, if you’re irrigation system runs for an hour in the evening, but the plantings are sufficiently watered within 15 minutes, that extra 45 minutes of watering doesn’t make much sense and likely contributes to the poor drainage issues.

Check For Broken Plumbing Or Sewer Lines – In some cases, poor drainage, or pooling, standing water can be the symptoms of a broken, clogged, or corroded sewer or drain line.  If your drainage issues are accompanied by a foul sewage smell, then this could be part of your problem. We also see pooling water caused by broken municipal water pipes or sprinkler pipes.  The broken piping causes the excess water to pool near the surface.

Adapt Plantings To Site Conditions – If your property is continually suffering from drainage problems due to a high water table then it’s a good idea to make sure your plantings are “drinkers” you want to carefully select plants, trees, and shrubs that require lots of water or that thrive in excess moisture.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss your drainage system or to correct drainage issues you might be experiencing with your property we’d be happy to meet with you.  Please call (984) 777-0324 or fill out our online form and we’ll get right back to you.

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Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

Heather King
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Heather King
February 18, 2024

In a world of where contractor woes are a common complaint, it's a relief to find someone like Rodrigo. He is hard working, organized, a good listener, and attentive to detail. Beyond that, he has a great eye and can visualize a landscape that looks amazing and then make it happen. His team members have the same skills, and are able to help you see the how the technical aspects of the work come together with your plan. Our garden patio update and sod look perfect with our mid-century modernist house. Clean lines and a modern but natural look.

Jon Alley
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Jon Alley
November 15, 2023

I emailed the company from the website asking for an estimate. I was quickly contacted to discuss the project. Rodrigo was able to provide a rough estimate based on measurements and a sketch of what I was wanting. He then setup a time to come to the site to verify/confirm the project. The estimate provided over the phone was very close to the “real” estimate…no hidden fees or charges. If you’re looking for a professional that is prompt, responsive, and provides a great product, make sure you give Rodrigo’s a call.

Mauricio Garcia
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Mauricio Garcia
October 29, 2023

Beautiful work done on my new pathway to my backyard! Will be repeating customer for other projects !

Sriram Srinivasan
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Sriram Srinivasan
October 5, 2023

I had happened to reach out to Rodrigo for a free estimate and scope of work for a job in my backyard. Rodrigo was very punctual, responsive, and always followed up. He had got the scope of work and proposal on time. He is the guy you could trust. I couldn't do a project with him due to unavoidable reasons at the last minute but came here to leave a review about his professionalism!!!!

Edyta C
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Edyta C
June 17, 2023

Highly recommend Rodrigo’s Landscaping to anybody who is looking to get a professional work done. They did an amazing job making a concrete retaining wall for us. They worked very fast and finished the job in just 2 days. Very happy with the results. Also, they followed the contract and executed everything in the way we asked them to. Would use them again in the future.

Mahesh Muppavarapu
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Mahesh Muppavarapu
April 28, 2023

For the past 2 years, I have been searching for a good hardscaping company which can help transform my backyard / frontyard. Many contractors would come and take a look and would either not send the quote or never understood what I was looking for from landscaping design standpoint. I contacted Rodrigo through FB and he came the next day(I believe Sunday) to take a look and gave me a quote in couple of days. Rodrigo is thorough and easy to work with. He will make sure you are satisfied with the design and outcome of the project. He is there at every stage of the project, continuously monitoring the progress and answer any questions I had at each stage. His team works really well and does a thorough job. At times, I raised concerns that the work is not as expected and his team took the inputs/feedback and made corrections and completed the work to satisfaction. All in all, Rodrigo’s Landscaping team did a fantastic job with my backyard / frontyard. I would highly recommend them for any major project you want to get done. You will not be disappointed.

Lori Kittle
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Lori Kittle
March 15, 2023

We used Rodrigo’s Landscaping for pavers around our pool area. They were very knowledgeable, professional and responsive to our many questions. The pavers we had completed came out beautifully and we will use this company again for future landscaping needs.

Justin Hyde
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Justin Hyde
March 4, 2023

This is the second project that Rodrigo and his crew did for us. There’s a reason that we are a repeat customer and will continue to go to this business for any landscaping needs. Rodrigo himself is very professional, personable, and most importantly a trustworthy individual. He is super responsive and very accommodating to our schedule. His crew does a fantastic job with no corners cut. I highly recommend working with Rodrigo.

mike spriggs
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mike spriggs
November 1, 2022

Rodrigo’s Landscaping really is the best landscape company to work with. Rodrigo, does a fine job communicating during each phase of the project. Rodrigo , showed exceptional communication, and his TEAM! WOW watch his crew work for a day and you will see they're extremely skilled at what they do. I highly recommend Rodrigos landscaping !

Valerie Willis
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Valerie Willis
October 30, 2022

I've used Rodrigo Landscaping for three major projects at my residence; Cedar Mulch and tree & leaf removal that accumulated for 15yrs. I was impress with his professionalism i hired him again to install three 9ft green giant trees and cut down a few trees to allow the new trees to fully grown. The 3rd project was aerate and reseeding my one acre yard. He had an interesting service I had not had for the 20yrs I've owned my home. It was called removal of the dirt buds left by the aeration machine. In summary, he has always kept to his commitment of our landscape contracts and I respect and appreciate his style of running a landscape business. He's a rare gem and I plan to use him again!

Maureen Anoba
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Maureen Anoba
July 22, 2022

Absolutely did a fantastic job on landscaping our backyard- price was fair and work done as scheduled and on time! Highly recommend!

Paul Ingham
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Paul Ingham
June 5, 2022

Rodrigo and his crew did a marvelous job. First of all Rodrigo responded to our request for a Landscape design and quote the same day. He was on time, very professional and created a landscape design by the next day at a very competitive price. He explained exactly what they would be doing and how long it would take to complete the job. One week later his crew showed up and completed the project that day. They left the site in perfect condition and Rodrigo came by to make sure we were satisfied with the work. I would recommend Rodrigo's Landscaping to anyone. He honest, creative, professional, knowledgeable, reasonable and on time.

Hunter Shepherd
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Hunter Shepherd
December 1, 2021

We recently hired Rodrigo to regrade our front and back yard, install zoysia sod, create mulch beds with steel borders, add a french drain, and lay stone paths. Rodrigo was professional and delivered on our vision. His team completed the work within a couple of days of starting. We couldn’t be happier with our choice! If you want a job well done I would highly recommend Rodrigo’s Landscaping. The pictures speak for themselves

Sagesse09
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Sagesse09
October 13, 2021

Rodrigo did such a great job with my yard! I was so frustrated at the way my yard was being kept so I hired Rodrigo's Landscaping. My yard looks great now! Here is a before and after of one of the areas they worked on for me.

Heidi Connell
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Heidi Connell
July 22, 2021

Rodrigo went above and beyond any expectations and visions we had for our yard. Very hard working, detail oriented and professional. He most definitely has our business from here on out. We’ve received many compliments from neighbors and friends. We recommend him to anyone with a project on their hands! You will not be disappointed with any aspect of working with him!

Tracy Hudson
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Tracy Hudson
April 23, 2021

Rodrigo unexpectedly stopped by and offered to spread a pile of mulch we had sitting in our driveway. We ended up hiring him to weed our landscaping and spread the mulch. He was fast, priced fairly, and detail oriented! We plan to use him for lawn maintenance throughout the upcoming summer.

A Jones
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A Jones
April 19, 2021

Rodrigo was professionally sound throughout and did a great job!!

Sharae Smith
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Sharae Smith
March 7, 2021

Very professional, thorough and knowledgeable. I was more than pleased with his services.

Mike
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Mike
February 25, 2021

Amazing customer service worked alone today and still completed a job for 3 people by himself great customer service takes pride In his work 5 stars for sure will recommend to everyone i know

Kelly Irons
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Kelly Irons
February 24, 2021

Great experience from website to work completion. Definitely recommend contacting for any work you need done.

Cheryl Copeland
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Cheryl Copeland
February 18, 2021

I was very pleased with the work that Rodrigo provided on such short notice. He is a very polite and hardworking and makes sure that every detail of the work requested was done correctly. I was very satisfied with the appearance of the yard after completion.

Robert Lacey
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Robert Lacey
February 13, 2021

Excellent customer service this guy is the best

Sabirah Fleming
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Sabirah Fleming
January 30, 2021

Great service, Great Price & Definitely recommend; You will not be disappointed 👌🏽

Jenifer Castellano
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Jenifer Castellano
January 15, 2021

By far one of the best landscaping services in Raleigh!

Joseph Upshaw
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Joseph Upshaw
January 15, 2021

Excellent customer service!!! Very kind, knowledgeable, honest, and extremely hard working, will use again and will recommend to others

Sara Rios
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Sara Rios
January 14, 2021

This was absolutely the best service I’ve ever had, kind, patient and paid close attention to detail, not to mention you can’t beat the price! highly recommend.

Alan Segura
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Alan Segura
January 14, 2021

Very professional and very educated. Best prices you’ll find in a 100 mile radius for sure!! Rodrigo did a lot of work for me this past week and I am so happy it turned out even better than expected. give this man a call & you’ll save a ton of money and headaches!!

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