Drainage and grading that protects your home

Most yard problems start with water.

Standing water in the lawn, soggy ground by the foundation, a sump that never stops running, a patio that floods after every storm, erosion that gets worse each spring. These are grading and drainage problems, and they tend to get worse the longer they wait. Riverside diagnoses where the water is coming from and where it needs to go, then builds the fix: the right grade, the right swale, the right drain, installed the right way.

Signs you have a drainage problem

• Water pooling in the yard 24+ hours after rain
• Wet or musty basement or crawl space
• Soil washing out along the foundation, driveway or walkway
• Soggy ground that won't grow grass
• Water running toward the house instead of away from it
• Erosion gullies on slopes or around downspouts
• Neighbors' water running onto your property

Seeing one of these? Call 443-333-3136 or request an evaluation.

Solutions

French drains

Perforated pipe in a stone-filled, fabric-lined trench that collects and moves subsurface water to a safe outlet.

From a recent job: a French drain trench

One of our crew members kneels beside a fabric-lined trench filled with stone.

Regrading

Reshaping the yard so water flows away from foundations and structures.

Swales

Shallow, shaped channels that guide surface water, often planted or mulched so they look intentional.

Culvert and pipe drainage

Culvert, catch-basin and drain installation where water crosses drives and low points.

A recent Davidsonville job: driveway culvert replacement

We replaced a failing driveway culvert pipe on this Davidsonville property with new galvanized corrugated pipe, rebedded and backfilled it, and set stone at the outlet. The first row shows the cut and marked driveway asphalt at the start of the job, and the finished pipe with stone at the outlet. The second row shows the new galvanized pipe during the job. The last row shows the finished pipe end after backfilling, and water flowing through the new pipe over the stone. See more of our work: Landscaping in Davidsonville, MD

A recent Edgewater job: decorative fieldstone culvert wall

At an Edgewater home, we built a decorative dry-stacked fieldstone wall, mortared where needed, around a driveway culvert pipe outlet, with a river-rock dry creek bed running out from the culvert to help rainwater flow. Read the full project: Decorative Fieldstone Culvert Wall & Dry Creek Bed in Edgewater, MD.

Downspout and surface water management

Directing roof and surface water to appropriate discharge.

Site clearing and grading

Clearing overgrown areas and shaping the site for the next phase of work.

Diagnose first. Build second.

Evaluate

On-site walk-through: slopes, roof lines, soil, outlets and where the water actually travels.

Plan

A clear written proposal that explains the cause, the fix, and what's included.

Build

Proper trenching, grade and materials; clean jobsite and clean-up of spoils.

Restore

Finish grading, sod, seed or mulch so the repair disappears into the landscape.

Timing: Drainage timelines depend on scope; smaller fixes take less time than full drainage systems, and your estimate includes a timeline for your project.

Why Anne Arundel yards struggle with water

• Heavy clay and layered soils: many yards in the county sit on dense subsoil that sheds water instead of absorbing it, so water sits at the surface or travels along the clay layer.
• Waterfront and low-lying lots: near the Severn, South and Magothy rivers and the creeks that feed them, water tables are high and storm surge/tidal flooding matters.
• Slopes and bluffs: fast runoff and erosion that need grade control and walls. — Retaining Walls
• Neighborhood stormwater and septic systems: water leaving or entering a lot, and drain fields that must stay protected, shape what can be built.
• Environmental rules: work near tidal waters and wetlands can fall under Chesapeake Bay Critical Area and county stormwater review. We'll tell you at the estimate what applies.

What our clients say

Rated 5.0 on Google by our customers. Read our reviews, or leave us a review.

Frequently asked questions

What is a French drain and when do I need one?

A French drain is a trench holding a perforated pipe surrounded by stone and lined with filter fabric. It collects water that is sitting in or moving through the soil and carries it to a safe outlet. It's the right fix for soggy yards, wet spots and water collecting near a foundation or retaining wall. We'll tell you at the estimate whether you need a French drain, regrading, a swale, or a combination.

Can you fix standing water in my yard?

Yes. Our drainage and grading work covers French drains, regrading, swales and yard water-management solutions, all designed to direct water safely away from your property.

How long does a drainage project take?

Drainage timelines depend on scope, weather and site conditions. Smaller fixes take less time than full drainage systems. You'll get a clear timeline with your estimate, before work begins.

Will the yard be restored after drainage work?

Restoring the yard is part of the job. We discuss finish work such as sod, seed or mulch in your proposal so you know what's included.

Do drainage projects come with a warranty?

We warranty most of our project-based work; ask about the specific warranty for your project.

Do you offer free drainage estimates?

Yes. We provide free on-site assessments for all drainage projects, evaluate your property and give you a clear written proposal.

Related services: Hardscaping & Patios · Landscape Design & Installation · Sod & Lawn

Riverside Landscaping is licensed, bonded and insured in Maryland (MHIC #160581).

Stop fighting the water.

We'll find where it's coming from and show you how to fix it. Call 443-333-3136 or request a free on-site evaluation. Get a Free Estimate.