Expert Yard Drainage Solutions in Houston, Texas

Is water pooling in your lawn or landscape beds? Are you losing mulch and topsoil to erosion after every rainfall? These are clear signs of yard drainage issues—and Houston Landscape Pros is here to help.

We are trusted yard drainage contractors in the Houston area, offering tailored drainage solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re dealing with surface water runoff, poor grading, or soggy landscaping, we design and install effective yard drainage systems that solve the problem the right way.

Six pictures that show different parts of an effective drainage system.

Yard Drainage Installation & Custom Drainage Systems

Stop excess water before it damages your property. We design and install a variety of yard drainage systems that move water away from your home, garden, or building foundation.

💧 Water always flows downhill. If your yard has no proper drainage path, water will collect in low spots and flood your lawn. That’s where we come in.

Our team builds efficient systems that use gravity, grading, and piping to prevent water pooling, erosion, and foundation problems. Common drainage solutions in Houston include:

Need a Licensed Landscape Drainage Contractor?
Call us: (713) 396-3320

French Drain Installation

French Drain: We Install It!

French drains are one of the most effective yard drainage solutions available. They consist of a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that redirects subsurface water away from foundations and saturated soil.

Why French Drains Work:

  • Excellent for clay soils common in Houston
  • Ideal for areas with frequent water retention
  • Built with 4″ perforated pipe, 8″ wide trench, typically 18″ deep
  • Long-lasting solution for landscape drainage and erosion control

Proper installation is crucial for performance—our licensed team ensures the job is done right the first time.

An artificial grass backyard with a french drain system installed in Houston.
Six images showing different parts of a catch basin drainage system.

Catch Basin Drain Installation

Catch basins are designed to capture and redirect surface water from problem areas like downspouts, lawns, or patios. They work well in combination with French drains or trench drains.

  • Made with durable plastic and PVC piping
  • Installed at low points where water pools
  • Ideal for driveways, gutters, and areas with high runoff

Catch basins prevent water buildup and protect your yard and home from potential water damage.

Sump Pump Drain Installation

If you’re experiencing abnormal flooding, especially in basements or low areas, a sump pump system may be your best option. Unlike passive drainage systems, sump pumps are electric-powered and actively move water out of trouble spots.

  • Ideal for heavy rain events
  • Certified sump pump installers
  • Common in areas with frequent yard flooding

A sump pump provides extra protection where gravity-based drains aren’t enough.

A diagram showing different parts of a sump pump drain.
A landscape drainage pop-up emitter installed in the ground of a Houston home.

Landscape Drainage Pop-Up Emitters

Pop-up emitters provide a clean and efficient way to discharge water from underground drainage systems.

  • Activated by water pressure
  • Remain closed when not in use
  • Perfect for areas without curb cuts
  • Commonly used with downspout systems

These devices improve water flow while keeping your yard looking neat and hazard-free.

How It Works: Landscape Drainage Pop-Up Emitters

With over 25 years of landscape drainage experience, Houston Landscape Pros installs pop-up emitters with precision. These emitters are placed at the end of the drain system and open only when water flows through, ensuring proper discharge without backflow.

Want to learn more? Request your FREE drainage quote today!

Landscape Drainage Pop-up Emitter Video
Parts of downspout drainage diverters installed on a Houston home.

Downspout Drainage & Diverters

Downspouts and gutters are often the primary source of excessive water around the home. If improperly routed, this runoff can:

  • Cause foundation issues
  • Erode landscaping and mulch
  • Lead to standing water in flower beds

Our team evaluates and installs diverters and extensions to properly channel water away from your home. It’s a simple fix that can prevent big problems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yard Drainage

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions section! Here you’ll find comprehensive answers to your queries about landscape drainage, helping you understand and solve your outdoor water management needs.

In the world of landscaping, choosing the best landscaping materials for drainage is crucial to preserving the health and aesthetic of your outdoor space. When it comes to choosing materials for these systems, PVC pipes are a popular choice due to their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Among the various PVC pipe types, two that are commonly used for drainage systems are SDR 35 and Schedule 40. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision for your landscape drainage needs.

  • SDR 35, short for Standard Dimension Ratio 35, is a type of PVC pipe that is often employed in gravity-flow sanitary sewers. One of the primary advantages of SDR 35 PVC pipe is its thin yet sturdy walls, which make it lightweight and easy to handle. This type of pipe is designed for durability, withstanding earth loads and surface pressure, and its smooth interior walls facilitate efficient flow of waste and drainage water.
  • On the other hand, Schedule 40 PVC pipe is renowned for its exceptional strength and thickness. Schedule 40 pipes are predominantly used in areas requiring high-pressure tolerance, such as water supply lines or in commercial settings. Due to their thickness, these pipes are well-equipped to handle more substantial pressure but may be overkill for many residential landscape drainage systems.

When considering which pipe to use for your landscape drainage, it’s essential to understand the nature and needs of your system. If your landscape drainage is a low-pressure environment (as is the case for most residential settings), SDR 35 would be a suitable choice. Its design perfectly caters to gravity-flow systems, effectively channeling the water away from your landscape without unnecessary bulk or cost. On the other hand, if your landscape drainage system is part of a larger, commercial-grade project, or if it needs to withstand significant pressure or handle larger water volumes, Schedule 40 could be a more appropriate choice.

Drainage systems in backyards are crucial to prevent water accumulation that could cause flooding, damage property, lead to soil erosion, and create breeding grounds for pests. The best choice of a drainage system often depends on the specific issue that requires addressing, as well as the landscape and soil type in your backyard. Here are some common types of drainage systems for backyards:

  1. French Drainage: This type of drain is often used when there’s a specific area of your yard that accumulates water. A French drain is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from your home. The water filters down through the gravel and into the pipe, which then carries it away from the problem area. This is particularly helpful for homes on a slope or for regions with a lot of rainfall.
  2. Channel Drain: Channel drains are also known as trench drains. These are often used for patios, driveways, or other flat surfaces that may accumulate water. They’re designed like a channel, with a grate on top to catch water. This water is then carried through a system of underground pipes away from the area. This type of drainage system is ideal for surface water problems.
  3. Downspout and Gutter Systems: These drainage systems work by collecting rainwater from the roof and directing it away from the house foundation. If this water is not properly diverted, it can damage the foundation, potentially leading to serious structural issues.
  4. Sump Pump Drain: A sump pump is usually installed in the lowest part of a house like a basement or a crawl space to prevent water flooding. If your backyard’s issue is related to basement flooding, then a sump pump is a good solution.

Remember, each of these systems addresses a specific type of water drainage issue, and the best solution will depend on your specific situation, your home’s location, and local regulations. It’s also recommended to consult with a landscape architect or a landscape drainage expert to get the most effective solution. Soil type (like clay or sandy soil) also plays a part in deciding the type of drainage system, as different soils have different water absorption capacities.

A French Drain and a Catch Basin are two different types of drainage systems, each designed to solve specific water-related issues. They can be used separately or together, depending on the water problem you’re facing.

  1. French Drain: A French drain is designed to collect and redirect subsurface water or water that seeps down through the soil. It is essentially a trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe. The trench is designed to direct water away from an area, such as your home’s foundation. Water drains into the trench, filters through the gravel, and enters the perforated pipe. The pipe then carries the water away from the area.
  2. Catch Basin: A catch basin is a surface water drainage system. It’s designed to collect and divert water that flows along the ground surface. Catch basins are typically installed in low spots in a yard or under downspouts to collect runoff water. They consist of a box with a grate on top and a drain pipe that slopes away from the basin. The water enters the catch basin through the grate, and then flows into the drainage pipe, which carries the water away.

In essence, the main difference is that a French drain is designed to handle water that seeps into the ground (subsurface water), while a catch basin is meant to handle water runoff on the surface. It is also worth noting that you can connect a catch basin to a French drain. In this configuration, the catch basin collects surface water, which then drains into the French drain system. This combination can be particularly effective in areas where you have issues with both surface and subsurface water. As always, it’s best to consult with a drainage expert to determine the most effective solution for your specific situation.

The size of the piping for your landscape drainage system depends on a number of factors such as the size of your property, the amount of rainfall you receive, and the grade of your landscape. However, there are general guidelines that can help you make a decision.

  1. Downspouts and Gutters: For most residential applications, a downspout size of 2 x 3 inches is sufficient for roofs up to 600 square feet per downspout. For roofs between 600 and 1200 square feet, a 3 x 4 inch downspout is typically used.
  2. French Drains: For French drains, 4-inch diameter pipe is the most commonly used, although larger diameters like 6 inches may be used for areas with larger volumes of water.
  3. Dry Wells: The size of the piping will depend on the volume of water being directed into the well, but typically a 4-inch diameter pipe is used.
  4. Sump Pump Discharge Pipes: Usually, a 1.5 to 2-inch diameter pipe is used for the discharge pipe. The pipe should be large enough to handle the maximum amount of water your pump can move, but not so large that the water moves too slowly.
  5. Channel Drains: In most residential applications, a 2 to 4-inch diameter pipe is typically used. The pipe should be large enough to handle the volume of water being directed into it.

Catch basin drains are used to collect surface water and prevent pooling in your yard or flooding in your home. They’re most effective when placed in strategic locations, which largely depend on the layout and characteristics of your landscape. Here are some optimal locations to consider:

  • Low Points: Water naturally flows to the lowest point due to gravity. Therefore, any areas in your yard that tend to collect water, like a depression or a valley, are good locations for catch basins. After a rainfall, note the spots where water pools and consider placing a catch basin there.
  • Downspouts: If you notice that water tends to collect near your downspouts, it’s a good idea to install a catch basin there to capture and redirect the water away from the foundation of your home. This can help prevent potential water damage to your property.
  • Driveways and Walkways: Areas near driveways, patios, or walkways that are prone to flooding during heavy rain are other good locations for catch basins. They will capture the water before it floods these areas and channel it away.
  • Gardens and Landscape Beds: Installing catch basins around these areas can help to prevent overwatering and waterlogging, which can harm your plants. It will ensure that excess water drains away quickly.

Over 800+ Drainage Projects Completed

Since 2010, Houston Landscape Pros has completed more than 800 yard drainage installations across the Houston area. Whether it’s a residential backyard or a large commercial lawn, we’ve helped property owners move water efficiently and protect their investments.
Check out our landscape galleryand read real reviews from happy customers.

“ Highly Recommend!!

Hire Houston Landscape Pros for our drainage landscape, front yard, backyard projects. From the beginning they was very professional and answered all of my questions thoroughly. Also, informed us a couple of days before the project began, and team showed up exactly when said they would (maybe I’ve had bad luck in the past, but this is extremely important to me). Project was finished faster than quoted and looks amazing. I highly recommend this company!!

-Philip W.

“ Professionally Done!

Houston Landscape Pros did a wonderful job installing our French drain at my property! It was affordable, professionally done and, so far, very effective. Would highly recommend them any in need of landscape drainage and all landscaping needs!

-Chris S.

“Excellent Job

Houston Landscape Pros crew did a lot of work: installing gravel, trenching a drainage pipe, removing old plants and planting new ones, and an “spring cleanup”. Roughly $6k worth of work. They did an excellent job, the crew worked hard and the proposal before work began went smoothly considering all the questions I had.

-Albert W.

Trusted Yard Drainage Contractors in Houston, TX

Our skilled team of yard drainage contractors is ready to solve your water problems. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses throughout Houston with professional, licensed drainage installations.

Please Note: We do not repair pre-existing drainage systems and cannot guarantee the performance of old or improperly installed systems.

📞 Call us at (713) 396-3320

A map of Houston depicting the service area for Houston Landscape Pros.