Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It depends on project size and local regulations. Larger structural installations may require one for permitting.

Easements can restrict permanent structures and limit where drainage lines or hardscape features may be installed.

If the work impacts property lines, elevation changes, or structural elements, a survey may be necessary depending on municipal requirements.

A survey identifies property lines, setbacks, and easements that may affect grading, drainage, walls, or hardscape placement.

Over time, soil settles, sediment accumulates, roots intrude, and new landscaping can redirect water into areas the original system wasn’t designed to handle.

If pipes are too flat, water stalls and sediment builds up. If improperly pitched, soil erosion and structural undermining can occur. Correct slope is essential for long-term performance.

Signs include recurring puddles, standing water in catch basins, sinking areas in the lawn, or hardscape settling. If pooling returns after storms, the system may not be functioning properly.

Water resurfaces when pipes are undersized, improperly sloped, clogged, or lack a proper outlet. If water cannot exit quickly, it will return to the surface.

A drainage system should account for roof runoff, surface runoff, and soil saturation during heavy storms. It should move water efficiently off the property without allowing it to resurface.

Yes. Water can cause soil movement, settlement, and pressure against foundation walls without visible basement flooding. Exterior damage often appears first.

When it comes to keeping water away from your house, the best thing you can do is to redirect it away. The overall goal is to create a way for the water to continuously flow away from the house. This creates positive drainage where your home needs it most, close to the house.

Sometimes grading alone will not work, so our team of professionals at Tommy Pollina Landscape has extensive experience installing drainage systems. Drainage systems also factor in when grading alone will not solve the problems caused by water retention. You may have to consider installing drainage systems like:

• Surface Drains
• Underground Drain Tile
• French Drains
• Connections To Municipal Drainage Systems (where allowable)
• Sump Pump Discharge

The short yet obvious answer is to reroute the water away from your house, but it may not be that simple. If the slope of your yard is wrong you may have yard drainage problems caused by improper grading. After a hard rain or even watering, you may notice pools of standing water that are not readily absorbed into the ground. It’s not uncommon to have basement seepage and flooding or foundation problems caused by poor grading that allows the water to flow toward your building’s foundation. In these cases, Tommy Pollina’s crews will alter your yard’s grade in such a way to alleviate these problems.

Most French drains fail because they lack proper slope, sufficient collection points, or a reliable discharge location. In clay soils common in Chicagoland, a French drain alone may not move water fast enough without additional catch basins or solid piping.

Pooling is usually caused by improper grading toward the house, short or clogged downspouts, compacted soil, or hardscape that traps runoff. Water must be directed away from the foundation and properly collected.

Repairs often require demolition, excavation, regrading, rebuilding the base, and reinstalling the surface materials.

Water enters joints or base materials, freezes and expands, then thaws repeatedly. This movement weakens the structure and causes shifting or cracking.

Water intrusion, soil movement, poor compaction, and inadequate base materials can all lead to structural failure from below.

Yes, but it often requires partial removal, cutting, or lifting sections to install proper collection and piping beneath the surface.

Yes. Drainage is part of the structural integrity of patios, driveways, and walls. Without it, surfaces can shift, settle, or heave.

Water pressure behind the wall and poor base preparation are the most common causes. Without proper drainage, hydrostatic pressure builds and pushes the wall forward.

Yes. Hard surfaces can block natural drainage patterns or redirect water toward the home if slope and collection were not properly planned.

Sinking usually results from inadequate excavation, poor compaction, incorrect base materials, or water undermining the base beneath the surface.

Hardscaping with brick and stone involves using these materials to create durable and functional outdoor features such as patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, and edging.

Brick and stone are popular choices for hardscaping due to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, resist weathering and erosion, and offer a timeless and elegant look to outdoor spaces.

• Durability: Brick and stone are long-lasting materials that can withstand the elements and heavy use.
  Aesthetic appeal: Brick and stone offer a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing for creative design possibilities.
• Low maintenance: Once installed, brick and stone hardscapes require minimal maintenance compared to other materials.
• Sustainability: Brick and stone are natural materials that are eco-friendly and can be recycled or repurposed.

Brick and stone can be used to create various hardscape features, including:

• Patios
• Walkways and pathways
• Retaining walls
• Garden borders and edging
• Driveways
• Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
• Steps and stairways
• Columns and pillars

The choice between brick and stone depends on factors such as personal preference, desired aesthetic, budget, and the intended use of the hardscape feature. Brick offers a uniform and structured look, while stone provides a more natural and rustic appearance. Consider the architectural style of your home and the surrounding landscape when making your selection.

Mix materials: Combine different types of brick or stone, or mix brick with stone, to add visual interest and texture.
Consider patterns: Experiment with various laying patterns, such as herringbone, basket weave, or running bond, to create unique designs.
Incorporate borders: Use contrasting colors or materials to create borders or decorative accents that frame hardscape features.
Create focal points: Use brick or stone to create focal points or focal walls that draw attention and add visual appeal to outdoor spaces.

Water problems often develop later, leading to plant decline, erosion, patio settling, and foundation pooling.

Sometimes. If water is caused by surface flow, regrading may resolve it. If soil saturation or poor drainage exists below the surface, additional drainage may be required.

Grading and drainage should be planned together. Typically, rough grading establishes flow, drainage is installed at correct elevations, and final grading completes the system.

Yes. Incorrect slope can direct runoff toward the home instead of away from it.

If water flows toward your home, puddles remain for more than 24–48 hours, or erosion channels appear, grading may be incorrect.

If water flows toward your home, puddles remain for more than 24–48 hours, or erosion channels appear, grading may be incorrect.

The best variety depends on space, desired height, and site conditions. Proper spacing and soil preparation are critical for long-term performance.

A survey identifies property lines, setbacks, and easements that may affect grading, drainage, walls, or hardscape placement.

Landscape design is the art and practice of arranging outdoor spaces for aesthetic, functional, and environmental purposes. It involves planning and arranging elements such as plants, hardscape features, water features, and outdoor structures to create a cohesive and harmonious outdoor environment.

Landscape design plays a crucial role in enhancing the beauty, functionality, and sustainability of outdoor spaces. Well-designed landscapes can improve property value, provide recreational areas, promote environmental conservation, and enhance overall quality of life.

Begin by assessing your site’s characteristics, including topography, soil type, climate, sun exposure, and existing vegetation. Consider your needs, preferences, and budget for the project. It’s helpful to create a wish list of desired features and to work with a professional landscape designer to develop a comprehensive design plan.

Landscape design encompasses various elements, including plants, hardscape features (such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls), water features (such as ponds or fountains), outdoor structures (such as pergolas or gazebos), lighting, irrigation systems, and drainage solutions.

Plant selection depends on factors such as climate, soil conditions, sun exposure, water availability, maintenance requirements, and desired aesthetic. Consider incorporating a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals to create visual interest and provide habitat for wildlife.

Sustainable landscape design aims to minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote biodiversity. Strategies may include using native plants, selecting drought-tolerant species, incorporating permeable paving materials, harvesting rainwater, and implementing efficient irrigation systems.

Yes. If water collects or soil remains saturated, sod may struggle to establish roots.

Yes. Roots require oxygen. Saturated soil can suffocate new sod.

Yes. Consistently wet soil can damage roots and lead to gradual failure.

Ask how grading and drainage will be evaluated, how water will be managed, what excavation and compaction standards are used, and how long-term stability will be ensured.

Start with proper grading, drainage planning, soil preparation, and structural base installation before adding surface finishes.

Flat lots, clay soils, heavy roof runoff, and tight property conditions can require coordinated drainage design to prevent recurring water issues.

Grading directs surface water, while drainage systems collect and convey excess water away from critical areas.

Repairs often require removing and rebuilding underlying systems before reinstalling surface materials.

Structural elements such as grading, drainage, and base preparation should provide long-term stability when built correctly.

Comprehensive installation includes grading, drainage planning, excavation standards, and structural base preparation.

Yes. New beds, patios, and lawn changes can alter water flow patterns.

Failures often stem from poor water management, improper grading, weak base preparation, or soil compaction issues.

Standing water typically prevents long-term survival and may require grading or drainage correction.

Proper grading, debris removal, soil conditioning, and drainage correction are essential before installation.

Watering cannot correct poor grading, compacted soil, or standing water conditions.

Spacing depends on the mature width of the variety chosen and the desired density of the hedge.

Arborvitae roots are sensitive to prolonged saturation. Poor drainage can cause root stress and decline.

Chronic soil saturation and lack of oxygen are the primary causes of root rot.

Yes. Compacted soil limits oxygen and root expansion, which can lead to decline or instability.

Distance depends on mature size and root behavior. Proper spacing prevents future structural or pavement conflicts.

Tree selection depends on soil conditions, drainage, and exposure. In many cases, improving soil structure and drainage expands planting options.

Yes. Planting too deep, compacted soil, or poor drainage can cause long-term stress that becomes visible years after installation.

The duration of landscape installation varies depending on the size and complexity of the project. Simple installations may take a few days to complete, while larger projects with extensive hardscape and planting components could take several weeks or even months.

In many cases, irrigation is essential, especially for maintaining healthy plants during dry periods. An irrigation system can be customized to meet the specific needs of your landscape, ensuring proper watering while conserving water and reducing runoff.

Landscape installation involves the process of transforming outdoor spaces by adding various elements such as plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, hardscape features (like patios, walkways, and retaining walls), irrigation systems, and lighting.

Landscape installation can enhance the beauty, functionality, and value of your property. It provides aesthetic appeal, creates usable outdoor living spaces, improves property drainage, reduces erosion, and contributes to environmental conservation.

Start by assessing your outdoor space and determining your needs, preferences, and budget. Consider factors such as site conditions, sun exposure, soil type, and desired maintenance level. It’s helpful to work with a professional landscape designer or contractor to develop a comprehensive plan.

The choice of plants depends on various factors, including climate, soil conditions, sun exposure, and desired aesthetic. Native plants are often recommended for their adaptability and low maintenance requirements. Consider a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals to create visual interest and provide habitat for wildlife.

Landscape maintenance involves the ongoing care and upkeep of outdoor spaces to ensure their health, beauty, and functionality. It includes tasks such as mowing, watering, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, and pest control.

Regular landscape maintenance helps preserve the beauty and value of outdoor spaces, promotes healthy plant growth, prevents weed and pest infestations, and ensures safety for property occupants and visitors.

Essential landscape maintenance tasks include:

• Mowing grass to an appropriate height
• Watering plants and lawn as needed
• Pruning trees, shrubs, and flowers to maintain shape and promote growth
• Removing weeds from planting beds and other areas
• Fertilizing plants to provide essential nutrients
• Mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Inspecting for pests and diseases and applying control measures as necessary
• Cleaning up leaves, debris, and litter
• Monitoring irrigation systems for leaks or malfunctions
• Seasonal tasks such as aerating, overseeding, and winterizing plants

Lawn mowing frequency depends on factors such as grass type, growth rate, and weather conditions. In general, most lawns benefit from mowing once per week during the growing season. Adjust mowing frequency based on grass height and growth rate to maintain an optimal height for healthy turf.

Watering requirements vary depending on factors such as plant type, soil type, weather conditions, and local climate. Water plants and lawn early in the morning to minimize water loss due to evaporation and ensure proper absorption by plants’ roots. Monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering frequency and duration as needed.

Weed prevention strategies include:

• Applying pre-emergent herbicides to prevent weed seeds from germinating
• Mulching planting beds to suppress weed growth and retain moisture
• Hand-pulling weeds as soon as they appear
• Maintaining healthy turf through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization to outcompete weeds
• Using landscape fabric or weed barriers under mulch to prevent weed growth