Drainage System and Side Yard Grading Project in Harwood Heights, IL

This project in Harwood Heights, IL focused on improving drainage along the west side of the home through a combination of underground PVC drainage, grading improvements, a drainage swale, and landscape restoration. The new system was designed to capture roof runoff, direct surface water away from the foundation, and reduce pooling while creating a cleaner, more stable side yard.

Project Goals

• Improve roof runoff management.
• Eliminate standing water along the side yard.
• Establish positive grading away from the foundation.
• Reduce soil saturation and erosion.
• Improve long-term drainage performance.
• Refresh the surrounding landscape.
• Underground Drainage Installation

The affected downspouts were connected to a new underground solid PVC drainage system to move roof runoff safely away from the home.

Approximately 60 linear feet of 4-inch solid PVC piping was installed below grade, directing water to designated discharge locations equipped with gravel beds and grated outlets for controlled water release and easy maintenance.

Side Yard Grading Improvements

Existing weeds were removed from the west side of the property to prepare the area for drainage improvements.

The soil was roto-tilled, rough graded, and reshaped to establish a gradual swale that encourages surface water to flow toward the rear yard instead of collecting near the home’s foundation.

Additional soil was placed along the northeast portion of the foundation to improve grading and create positive drainage away from the structure.

Landscape Restoration

Landscape fabric was installed to stabilize the newly graded area and help control future weed growth.

Approximately three cubic yards of pea gravel were spread throughout the drainage swale to improve water movement, reduce erosion, and create a clean, finished appearance.

An ornamental grass near the front walkway was also removed to complete the landscape improvements.

Why Proper Drainage Matters

A successful drainage system combines underground piping with proper grading and surface water management.

By directing roof runoff into underground PVC piping while using swales and gravel to manage surface water, the property is better protected from standing water, erosion, and excessive moisture around the foundation.

Project Highlights

• Underground solid PVC drainage installation.
• Downspout drainage connections.
• Approximately 60 linear feet of drainage piping.
• Surface discharge outlets with grates.
• Side yard grading improvements.
• Drainage swale construction.
• Landscape fabric installation.
• Pea gravel drainage installation.
• Foundation grading improvements.
• Ornamental grass removal.
• Landscape restoration.
• Long-term drainage solution.

As you browse through the photos, you will see the excavation, underground drainage installation, grading work, pea gravel placement, and the completed drainage improvements as the project came together.

The result is a property in Harwood Heights, IL with improved drainage, better foundation protection, and a low-maintenance side yard designed for reliable long-term water management.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.