Comprehensive Drainage and Grading Improvement Project in Arlington Heights, IL

This project in Arlington Heights, IL focused on improving drainage around the entire property through a combination of grading corrections, underground drainage, downspout management, retaining structures, and lawn restoration. The system was designed to move water away from the home’s foundation, reduce soil saturation, and improve long-term drainage performance while preserving the property’s landscape.

Project Goals

• Improve drainage around the home’s perimeter.
• Direct roof runoff away from the foundation.
• Correct grading issues contributing to water accumulation.
• Stabilize soil with retaining structures.
• Restore disturbed lawn areas.
• Provide a long-term drainage solution backed by a two-year workmanship warranty.
• West Side Drainage Improvements

The existing sidewalk along the west side of the home was removed to allow for grading and drainage improvements while carefully preserving the existing front stoop.

Treated timber retaining structures were installed to support the new grading, and additional soil was brought in to establish positive drainage away from the home’s foundation.

Existing plant material was temporarily relocated during construction and reinstalled once the drainage work was complete.

Underground Drainage System

The west-side downspouts were connected to a new underground solid PVC drainage system designed to transport roof runoff safely to designated discharge areas in the front yard.

Leaf guards were installed on the downspouts, and drainage runs were finished with accessible tee discharge assemblies featuring protective grates and gravel bases for easier maintenance and improved water dispersion.

East Side Grading Improvements

The lawn along the east side of the home was removed and the existing soil was roto-tilled before grading improvements began.

New timber retaining boxes were constructed around the existing window wells to improve soil retention and protect the surrounding grading.

Additional soil was installed along the foundation to establish positive drainage, followed by starter fertilizer and new Kentucky bluegrass sod to restore the lawn.

North Side Drainage Restoration

The north side of the property also received grading improvements to help direct water away from the home.

A timber retaining structure was installed around the existing window well, additional soil was placed along the foundation, and the lawn was restored with fresh sod to complete the drainage improvements.

Landscape Restoration

Existing common buckthorn was removed to allow for proper grading and improve drainage throughout the property.

All disturbed lawn areas were restored with new sod to create a finished landscape that complements the improved drainage system.

Why Complete Drainage Systems Matter

Effective drainage requires more than underground piping alone.

Proper grading, retaining structures, downspout management, lawn restoration, and surface water control all work together to protect the home’s foundation and improve long-term property performance.

By combining multiple drainage solutions into one coordinated system, this project helps reduce standing water, improve water movement, and preserve the surrounding landscape.

Project Highlights

• Complete property drainage improvements.
• Sidewalk removal for drainage installation.
• Underground solid PVC drainage system.
• Downspout drainage connections.
• Timber retaining wall installation.
• Window well retaining structures.
• Positive grading around the foundation.
• Leaf guard installation.
• Surface-access drainage outlets.
• Common buckthorn removal.
• Kentucky bluegrass sod installation.
• Lawn restoration and grading improvements.
• Two-year drainage workmanship warranty.

As you browse through the photos, you will see the excavation, grading work, underground drainage installation, retaining structures, sod installation, and the completed drainage system as the project came together.

The result is a property in Arlington Heights, IL featuring improved grading, underground drainage, restored landscaping, and a comprehensive water management system designed to provide reliable long-term performance.

 

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.