Drainage and Grading Improvements Project in Highland Park

Water can affect a property in many different ways. Sometimes it collects near the foundation, sometimes it follows natural low spots in the yard, and sometimes it concentrates around downspouts. The goal of this project in Highland Park, IL was to address multiple drainage concerns and improve how water moved across the property as a whole.

Project Goals

• Improve surface water drainage throughout the property.
• Correct grading issues around the foundation.
• Manage roof runoff more effectively.
• Create cleaner, lower-maintenance landscape areas.
• Restore lawn areas disturbed during construction.

Swale Installation and Grading Improvements

Along the north side of the home, a new drainage swale approximately 60 feet long and 4 feet wide was constructed to help direct surface water toward the front sidewalk.

Soil from the excavation was reused to fill low areas near the foundation, improving grades around the home and creating more positive drainage.

Once grading was complete, the area was restored with Kentucky Bluegrass sod, fertilizer, and final grading to establish a healthy lawn.

Backyard Drainage and Landscape Improvements

Drainage improvements in the backyard focused on the area surrounding the addition and air conditioning equipment.

A timber retaining border was installed to define the space and help manage grades. Landscape fabric and river rock were added to create a clean, durable, and low-maintenance drainage area designed to improve water movement around the structures.

Downspout Drainage Improvements

The project also included improvements to two backyard downspouts.

Angled debris filters were installed and each downspout was connected to approximately 20 feet of solid PVC pipe designed to move roof water farther away from the home before discharge.

Disturbed lawn areas were restored with seed and compost after installation.

Why Multiple Drainage Improvements Matter

• Successful drainage projects often rely on several components working together.
• Swales help direct surface water.
• Proper grading helps protect the foundation.
• Downspout extensions help manage roof runoff.
• Drainage-focused landscape areas help reduce maintenance while improving water management.
• When combined, these improvements help create a property that drains more effectively and remains easier to maintain.

Project Highlights

• Drainage swale installation.
• Foundation grading corrections.
• Kentucky Bluegrass sod installation.
• Timber retaining border installation.
• River rock drainage area construction.
• Landscape fabric installation.
• Downspout debris filters.
• Approximately 40 feet of solid PVC drainage pipe installation.
• Seed and compost lawn restoration.
• Improved water management around the home.

As you go through the photos, you will see the swale construction, grading improvements, backyard drainage work, downspout extensions, and final lawn restoration as the project came together.

The result is a property in Highland Park, IL designed to move water away from the home more effectively while creating cleaner, more functional, and easier-to-maintain outdoor spaces.

---

Please call 847.698.6868 or Contact Us

Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.