Complete Backyard Drainage and Grading Improvement Project in Evanston

 

Drainage concerns on this property existed around the deck, near the garage, throughout portions of the backyard, and along the alley. Rather than addressing each wet area individually, the goal was to create a coordinated drainage system capable of collecting, moving, and discharging water efficiently throughout the property.

Project Goals

• Improve water movement throughout the backyard.
• Reduce standing water and saturated areas.
• Create effective drainage paths toward a proper discharge point.
• Improve grading around the deck, garage, and lawn areas.
• Restore the landscape after drainage construction.

Sump Discharge and Underground Drainage Improvements

• To improve water management, the existing sump discharge system was extended using solid PVC piping equipped with a leaf guard and pop-up emitter.
• A catch basin was installed near the deck stairs to collect surface water before it could accumulate in low areas.
• Perforated drainage piping was also installed below grade to intercept groundwater and tie into the existing drainage network, creating a more complete water management system.

Grading and Swale Construction

• Significant grading improvements were completed throughout the backyard to help direct water away from problem areas and toward the alley.
• Multiple swales were constructed to improve surface drainage and establish better water flow patterns.
• Grades around the garage and lawn areas were adjusted to eliminate low spots and create new drainage paths that did not previously exist.
• Excess soil was removed where necessary to establish proper elevations and improve overall yard performance.

Garage Area and Paver Restoration

• Existing pavers near the garage were carefully removed and reinstalled as part of the grading improvements.
• Transitions between the lawn and garage were reworked to improve drainage flow while preserving the appearance and functionality of the surrounding hardscape.

Why Complete Drainage Systems Matter

• Successful drainage projects rely on multiple components working together.
• Downspouts collect roof water.
• Catch basins collect surface water.
• Perforated drainage intercepts groundwater.
• Swales direct surface runoff.
• Solid PVC piping moves water to its discharge point.

The system performs best when every component works together as part of a larger plan rather than as individual repairs.

Lawn Restoration and Final Improvements

After the drainage work was completed, disturbed areas were restored with new soil, Kentucky Bluegrass sod, fertilizer applications, and the replanting of existing ornamental grasses that had been temporarily removed during construction.

These improvements helped restore the appearance of the property while creating healthier lawn areas and improved usability.

Project Highlights

• Sump discharge extension with solid PVC piping.
• Leaf guard and pop-up emitter installation.
• Catch basin installation near the deck stairs.
• Perforated drainage system installation.
• Backyard grading improvements.
• Multiple swale construction.
• Garage area drainage corrections.
• Paver removal and reinstallation.
• Kentucky Bluegrass sod installation.
• Ornamental grass replanting.

As you go through the photos, you will see the sump discharge improvements, catch basin installation, grading work, swale construction, paver restoration, and final lawn restoration as the project came together.

The result is a property in Evanston, IL designed to collect, move, and discharge water more effectively while improving the overall function and usability of the outdoor space for years to come.

 

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Tommy Pollina Landscape Company – serving Chicagoland since 1982.