1. Ignoring the Natural Slope of the Yard

The Mistake:

Many homeowners assume a flat yard is ideal, but that’s one of the biggest misconceptions in landscaping. Without the right slope, water has nowhere to go — and it will eventually find the path of least resistance, which is usually toward your home.

Improper grading can lead to:

• Water pooling near your foundation or patio

• Dead patches of grass

• Muddy footprints and erosion

• Standing water attracting mosquitoes

The Fix:

The first step to a healthy drainage system is a proper grade. Your yard should slope away from your foundation at a rate of about 2% (that’s 2 feet of drop for every 100 feet of yard).

At Brooks Landscaping, we use laser-level technology and professional grading equipment to ensure precision. In some cases, we combine regrading with dry creek beds, swales, or French drains to redirect excess water — keeping your property functional and beautiful.

💡 Pro Tip: If you notice puddles after every storm, you don’t need a new yard — you need a new slope.

2. Assuming Gutters Alone Will Handle It

The Mistake:

Downspouts and gutter extensions do a decent job of moving water off your roof, but that’s only half the battle. When all that water dumps into one small area, it can quickly overwhelm your landscape — washing out mulch, flooding flowerbeds, and eroding soil.

You may notice:

• Washed-out areas beneath downspouts

• Erosion near the corners of your home

• Overflowing gutters even after cleaning

The Fix:

Your gutter system should be part of a larger underground drainage solution. We install downspout extensions that connect to PVC piping, which then leads to a designated discharge area — such as a dry well, pop-up emitter, or decorative river rock outlet.

This method keeps your home’s exterior safe, prevents standing water, and keeps the design clean and natural.

3. Using the Wrong Fill or Gravel

The Mistake:

One of the most common DIY errors we see is homeowners trying to fix drainage problems with cheap fill dirt or pea gravel. Unfortunately, these materials either compact too tightly or don’t drain efficiently — creating more issues than they solve.

Poor material choices can cause:

• Drain pipes clogging with sediment

• Water backing up into low areas

• Grass dying from root suffocation

The Fix:

The key to long-term success is using the right combination of materials.
At Brooks Landscaping, we rely on 1–2 inch decorative gravel layered with erosion control fabric. This allows water to pass through while filtering out soil and debris.

We also use premium screened fill dirt for regrading, ensuring proper compaction without cutting off oxygen flow to the soil. The result? A system that drains effectively and looks great doing it.

4. Forgetting About Drainage Maintenance

The Mistake:

Even the best drainage systems can fail if they’re neglected. Leaves, pine straw, and sediment can slowly block pipes, fill gravel channels, and restrict flow. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget that drainage systems are like any other home feature — they need upkeep.

The Fix:

We recommend inspecting your drainage lines at least twice a year, especially after the rainy season.

• Clear debris from pop-up emitters and outlet pipes.

• Check gravel beds for compaction.

• Look for signs of erosion or exposed pipes.

At Brooks Landscaping, we also offer annual yard checkups through our Dirt Doctor® Maintenance Program. This service ensures your system stays in top shape — so you can enjoy your lawn without worrying about what’s happening beneath the surface.

5. Treating Drainage as an Afterthought

The Mistake:

Many homeowners spend thousands on sod, patios, or retaining walls before ever addressing their drainage issues. Then, when heavy rain hits, everything they invested in starts to wash away.

Water problems should always come first, not last.

The Fix:

At Brooks Landscaping, every project begins with diagnosis — not design. We analyze slope, soil type, and runoff patterns before we ever move a shovel.

From there, we create a functional landscape plan that solves water problems and enhances curb appeal. Whether it’s a complete grading overhaul, a retaining wall system with built-in drainage, or a decorative gravel creek bed, our goal is to build it right the first time.

🌧️ You can’t stop the rain — but you can control where it goes.

Bonus Tip: Watch for the Early Signs

Early detection saves homeowners thousands. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to call The Dirt Doctor®:

• Grass that stays soggy for days after a storm

• Erosion or soil loss along driveways and walkways

• Foundation cracks or musty smells inside

• Sinkholes forming near your downspouts

• New sod dying despite proper watering

Our team specializes in diagnosing these problems quickly and building solutions that last. We don’t cover up drainage problems — we cure them.

🌱 Serving Paulding County and Surrounding Areas

We’re proud to serve Dallas, Hiram, Kennesaw, Acworth, and surrounding Georgia communities, helping homeowners create landscapes that not only look beautiful but function flawlessly.

When you hire Brooks Landscaping, you’re not just getting a landscaper — you’re getting a local expert who understands Georgia’s unique clay soil, storm patterns, and grading challenges.

Because at the end of the day, we don’t just build landscapes — we make dirt look good™.

📞 Ready for a Yard Checkup?

Your landscape deserves a professional diagnosis.
Call The Dirt Doctor® today for a custom evaluation and a plan designed to fix your yard’s drainage for good.

📞 Call or Text: 678-200-6087
💻 Visit: www.QuoteMyLandscape.com
💬 We Make Dirt Look Good™ — The Dirt Doctor®