Drainage & Erosion Control

Why Drainage Matters

Poor drainage causes serious problems that go far beyond puddles in your yard. Standing water kills grass and plants, attracts mosquitoes, and creates muddy areas that are unusable for weeks after rain. More critically, water that does not drain properly can undermine foundations, flood basements, damage hardscapes, and create expensive structural problems. Addressing drainage issues early prevents costly repairs down the road.

In Daly City, CA, our winter rainfall and heavy clay soils make drainage especially important. Clay does not absorb water quickly, so rain sits on the surface or runs downhill instead of soaking in. If your property slopes toward your house or has low spots where water collects, you need drainage solutions to redirect that water safely away from buildings and usable outdoor spaces.

Erosion is another consequence of poor drainage. When water flows across bare soil or steep slopes, it carries away topsoil and creates ruts and gullies. This not only damages your landscape but can also affect neighboring properties. Erosion exposes plant roots, destabilizes slopes, and washes sediment into storm drains. Proper drainage and erosion control keep soil where it belongs and protect the integrity of your landscape.

Drainage Solutions We Provide

Surface Drainage Systems

Surface drainage directs water across the top of your landscape using grading, swales, and channels. We reshape problem areas to create gentle slopes that guide water toward appropriate discharge points. French drains and catch basins collect surface water and move it underground through perforated pipes surrounded by gravel. This allows water to filter into the pipe while keeping soil and debris out.

Channel drains work well in driveways, patios, and other hardscaped areas where you need to capture water quickly. These linear drains sit flush with the surface and collect water along their entire length, then direct it to underground pipes or appropriate drainage areas. We can integrate drainage systems with your existing hardscape features so they are functional yet barely noticeable.

Subsurface and Underground Drainage

• Perforated drain pipes to collect groundwater and lower the water table
• Dry wells and infiltration basins for dispersing water into the soil
• Sump pump systems for removing water from low areas or basements
• Downspout extensions to move roof runoff away from foundations
• Retaining walls with drainage backfill to prevent water buildup behind structures
• Grading adjustments to correct slopes and eliminate low spots

Underground drainage handles water you cannot see but causes just as many problems. High groundwater levels saturate soil and prevent grass roots from getting oxygen. Water that collects behind retaining walls creates pressure that can cause them to fail. We design subsurface systems to intercept and redirect this water before it causes damage. These systems work quietly underground, keeping your landscape healthy and stable year-round.

Erosion Control Methods

Stabilizing Slopes and Banks

Steep slopes are vulnerable to erosion, especially during heavy rain. We stabilize slopes using a combination of techniques tailored to your specific site conditions. Ground covers and deep-rooted plants hold soil in place while adding visual interest. Erosion control blankets made from biodegradable materials protect bare soil until plants establish. For severe slopes, we may recommend terracing with retaining walls to break the slope into manageable sections.

Riprap and stone placement work well in areas with concentrated water flow. We use appropriately sized rock to slow water velocity and prevent scouring. This technique is effective at the base of downspouts, in drainage channels, and along stream banks. The rock provides immediate protection while we establish plantings that will eventually take over as the primary erosion control.

Long-Term Erosion Prevention

The best erosion control is a healthy, well-maintained landscape. Dense vegetation intercepts raindrops before they hit bare soil, reducing the impact that causes erosion. Root systems hold soil particles together and improve soil structure. We design planting plans that establish quickly and provide year-round coverage, even during winter when erosion risks are highest in our area.

Mulch also plays an important role in erosion prevention. A layer of organic mulch protects soil from rain impact, slows water runoff, and improves water infiltration. We apply mulch in garden beds, around trees, and on bare slopes to provide immediate protection while plantings establish. Combined with proper drainage and grading, these techniques create a comprehensive erosion control strategy that protects your property for years to come. We often coordinate these solutions with landscape design projects for integrated results.

Frequently Asked Questions