Grading, Drainage & Lawn Restoration Project with Catch Basin in Winnetka

This Winnetka, IL project focused on improving grading, drainage, and lawn conditions throughout the property. The work included regrading areas around the home, improving sump and downspout water management, adding topsoil, installing new sod, and preparing a backyard area for an additional catch basin connection.

Project Goals

• Improve drainage away from the home’s foundation.
• Redirect sump pump and roof runoff.
• Eliminate low spots and improve overall grading.
• Restore disturbed lawn areas with new sod.
• Improve surface water management throughout the property.

Patio Area Grading & Drainage

Existing lawn surrounding the patio was removed to prepare the area for grading and drainage improvements. Approximately 7.5 cubic yards of topsoil were added around the patio to establish improved elevations and positive drainage away from the foundation.

A section of concrete near the rear stoop was removed to install an air-gap connection for the sump discharge system. Approximately 25 linear feet of solid PVC piping was installed to carry sump discharge away from the home toward the designated backyard discharge area.

The southwest and northwest downspouts were also connected to solid PVC drainage extensions to help direct roof runoff away from the foundation.

Southeast & Front Entry Grading

Existing lawn near the southeast corner of the home was removed, followed by roto-tilling, regrading, and the addition of approximately 1 cubic yard of soil. The area around the front entry was also regraded to improve drainage and reduce water accumulation near the home.

West Side Grading & Lawn Restoration

The existing lawn along the west side of the home was removed and the soil was roto-tilled and regraded to establish improved drainage away from the foundation. Approximately 4 cubic yards of topsoil were added to improve low areas before the disturbed sections were fine graded and restored with approximately 25 rolls of sod.

Backyard Catch Basin

As an additional drainage improvement, approximately 6 by 35 feet of lawn was removed from the south side of the backyard. The soil was tilled where possible, and a high spot near the cable box was removed.

A 12-inch catch basin was installed and connected to the existing storm sewer to provide an additional collection point for surface water.

Lawn Restoration

Following the grading improvements, disturbed areas were fine graded and prepared for new sod. Starter fertilizer was applied and approximately 65 rolls of sod were installed around the patio area, with the sod rolled to promote proper soil contact and establishment.

Why Proper Grading & Drainage Matter

Proper grading helps direct surface water away from the foundation while coordinated sump and downspout drainage systems provide controlled paths for water to leave the property. Together, these improvements can reduce low spots, improve lawn conditions, and support better overall water management.

Drainage improvements are designed to significantly improve water management, although complete elimination of water under every weather condition is not always possible. The objective is to provide an appropriate long-term solution based on the property’s existing conditions.

Project Highlights

• Regraded multiple areas around the home.
• Added approximately 7.5 cubic yards of topsoil around the patio.
• Installed approximately 25 linear feet of solid PVC for sump discharge.
• Connected southwest and northwest downspouts to drainage extensions.
• Added approximately 1 cubic yard of soil near the southeast corner.
• Added approximately 4 cubic yards of topsoil along the west side.
• Installed approximately 65 rolls of sod around the patio area.
• Installed approximately 25 additional rolls of sod along the west side.
• Added a 12-inch catch basin connected to the existing storm sewer.
• Improved drainage conditions near the patio, front entry, backyard, and foundation.

As you browse through the photos, you can see the various stages of excavation, grading, drainage installation, soil placement, and lawn restoration. The completed work provides coordinated improvements to drainage and grading throughout the property while restoring the affected lawn areas.

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.