Grading and yard drainage are crucial elements of any healthy landscape. Poor grading can lead to sudden flooding, waterlogged areas, and various problems like erosion, plant growth issues, and the proliferation of weeds. If you’re looking for the right land grading services in South Hills, consider enlisting the help of professionals who can get your yard back on track.

Signs Your Property Has Poor Drainage

The first step to determining if your property needs grading is to look for signs of poor drainage. Here are some common indicators of a water drainage issue: 

• Standing water in certain areas after it rains or floods quickly in heavy rainstorms
• An abundance of mud and dirt around the foundation of your home
• Low spots that retain and pool water for long periods
• Plants that aren’t growing well or suffer from disease, fungus, and mold
• Foundation cracks, buckling doors and windowsills, and other interior damage caused by water seeping into the home. 

How Can I Assess the Drainage of My Property?

To diagnose the drainage issue and determine if land grading is necessary, it’s important to thoroughly evaluate your property. Typically, your land should have a 2% slope away from the home to ensure the water runoff flows away rather than into your home's foundation. If there is too steep of a slope or the land doesn't slope away, it will lead to drainage issues. 

A long straight edge or even a laser level can help you check for the slope of your property. Once you've checked the slope of your yard, you will need to look at any yard drainage systems you have in place and see if they are working. Check that they are free of debris, blockages, or damage affecting their performance. 

What Is Land Grading? 

Land grading shapes and contours the land by reducing or increasing its elevation. This can be done manually or with excavation equipment. When done correctly, it can create more usable space in your backyard, provide better drainage during heavy rainstorms and help prevent flooding in vulnerable areas of your property. 

Why Should I Grade My Land? 

Grading your land will help improve your property's water drainage, reduce flooding, and create a solid foundation for landscaping projects. It can also increase the beauty of your landscape by creating better drainage ways and giving you more usable outdoor space. 

Furthermore, a properly graded yard has been shown to add value to properties when it comes time to sell. 

What Is the Best Way to Grade My Land? 

If you’re looking for land grading services in South Hills, hiring a professional like J Bird's Landscaping is best. We have the knowledge and equipment to create grade points that will direct water away from your home and onto areas of your yard with better drainage. Our experienced team can also evaluate any existing drainage issues and develop a mitigation plan. 

Grading your land can be a big undertaking, but it’s well worth the effort in the end. It will help protect your home and add value to your property if done correctly. So why wait? Book our professional land grading services in South Hills today, and start improving your landscape.