When it comes to creating a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor space in Houston, proper grading and drainage isn’t just important—it’s essential. Every year, the Houston area receives an average of 50–55 inches of rainfall, and that much water can cause serious issues if it’s not managed correctly.
At Purposed Landscaping, we’ve seen firsthand how poor grading can turn a backyard dream into a maintenance nightmare—especially in older homes or builder-grade yards.
What We See Every Day
1. Settling and Erosion in Older Homes
As homes age, we often see how tree roots, shifting soil, and erosion begin to alter the flow of water. Areas that once drained properly now pool water, especially near patios, garden beds, and walkways. Over time, this can damage foundations, ruin landscaping, and create a breeding ground for mosquitoes and mold.
2. Builder-Grade Grading Issues
A common grading technique used by builders is to slope the yard toward the center of your yard, away from the home. While this looks good on paper, in practice, the center of the yard becomes a soggy mess—exactly where kids play, pets run, or where you'd hope to install a fire pit, patio, or turf.
Why Fixing Grading First Is Critical
Before you invest in patios, decks, or outdoor kitchens, it’s critical to assess the flow of water on your property. Failing to do so can lead to:
- Sinking patios or uneven pavers
- Muddy lawns and unusable turf
- Rotting fences or foundation damage
- Waterlogged plant beds and root rot
How We Solve It
At Purpose Landscaping and Outdoor Living, we take a holistic approach to every project. We:
- Evaluate the existing grading and water flow patterns
- Use enriched topsoil and proper regrading techniques
- Install French drains, surface drains, or dry creek beds when needed
- Design landscapes that work with, not against, Houston’s water patterns
Invest Smart: Fix Drainage First
If your yard holds water after a rain or your grass stays soggy for days, that’s a red flag. We highly recommend correcting grading and drainage issues before spending thousands on hardscape, turf, or garden installations. It's one of the most important long-term investments you can make in your outdoor space.
Ready to fix your grading and drainage issues? Give us a call at (281) 819-5225 today!