How to Grade Yard for Drainage
Learn how to grade yard for drainage with our detailed step-by-step guide. Follow our easy instructions to get it done right.
Your Progress
0 of 6 steps completedStep-by-Step Instructions
1 Step 1: Identify Drainage Problem Areas
Step 1: Identify Drainage Problem Areas
Mark spots where water pools after rain, check foundation for standing water.
Landscape Marking Flags
Flags for marking problem drainage areas (100-pack)
2 Step 2: Plan Slope Direction
Step 2: Plan Slope Direction
Grade should slope 6 inches over 10 feet away from house and toward drainage area.
Laser Level
Self-leveling laser for checking yard grade slope
Builder String Level
String level for establishing grade lines
3 Step 3: Strip Sod from Low Areas
Step 3: Strip Sod from Low Areas
Remove grass and topsoil from areas that need to be raised or re-graded.
Sod Cutter
Manual tool for cutting and removing sod sections
4 Step 4: Add and Compact Fill Dirt
Step 4: Add and Compact Fill Dirt
Bring in fill dirt for low spots, spread and compact in 2-inch layers.
Fill Dirt
Clean fill for raising low areas (per cubic yard)
Plate Compactor Rental
Compactor for packing fill dirt (per day)
5 Step 5: Shape Final Grade
Step 5: Shape Final Grade
Use rake and leveling tools to smooth grade with proper slope away from structures.
Landscape Rake
Wide rake for final grading and smoothing
6 Step 6: Add Topsoil and Seed
Step 6: Add Topsoil and Seed
Spread 2-4 inches topsoil over graded area, seed or lay sod for new lawn.
Topsoil
Quality topsoil for lawn seeding (per cubic yard)
Grass Seed
Grass seed for re-establishing lawn (5-lb bag)