Drainage & Grading Solutions
Professional site drainage and grading solutions for residential properties across the Seattle Eastside.
Drainage and grading issues are rarely isolated problems. Standing water, erosion, soggy lawns, and foundation concerns are typically symptoms of how water moves across an entire site. When water is redirected without a comprehensive plan, it often resurfaces downslope or undermines adjacent areas over time. Our drainage and grading solutions focus on diagnosing root causes before proposing fixes. We evaluate how water enters, moves through, and exits the property, then design systems that manage it responsibly and predictably under Pacific Northwest conditions.
What We Do
Drainage and grading establish the physical foundation of a landscape. They determine how water behaves during heavy rain, how soil remains stable, and how other landscape elements perform over time.
Our drainage and grading services typically include:
- Site-wide drainage assessment and water flow analysis
- Grading design to manage slopes and surface runoff
- Subsurface drainage systems where required
- Swales, catch basins, and infiltration solutions
- Coordination with hardscaping, planting, and structures
Rather than pushing water away from one area, we design systems that account for the entire property and its surroundings. This approach is intended to reduce recurring failures caused by partial or reactive solutions.
Why Drainage and Grading Require a Site Plan
One of the most common Eastside failure patterns occurs when water is redirected away from a structure without considering where it will go next. This can lead to pooling, erosion, or undermining of adjacent hardscape and planting areas.
Effective drainage and grading address:
- How water behaves during peak rainfall events
- How slopes influence runoff velocity and erosion
- How soil composition affects absorption and movement
- How drainage solutions interact with neighboring properties
By resolving these factors during design, drainage systems perform reliably instead of requiring repeated intervention.
Relationship to Landscape Architecture and Construction
Drainage and grading should be coordinated with landscape architecture and construction from the outset. Retrofitting drainage after patios, walls, or planting are installed is often disruptive and costly.
Our process integrates drainage and grading design with site planning and construction sequencing. This helps water management support the long-term performance of hardscaping, planting, and outdoor living spaces.
Related: Landscape Architecture, Hardscaping, Design-Build, Outdoor Living, and Our Process.
Ready to Discuss Your Project?
If your property experiences standing water, erosion, or recurring drainage issues, addressing them early can reduce the risk of more extensive repairs later. Request a consultation to assess your site, understand how water is behaving, and determine the right approach for durable drainage and grading solutions.
