Top Yard Drainage & Grading in Somerville, Massachusetts Ranked

Effective yard drainage and grading are essential for protecting your Somerville property from water damage, preventing basement flooding, and managing stormwater runoff in our dense urban environment. Proper land shaping and water management systems direct rainfall away from foundations, prevent soil erosion, and can even enhance your landscape's health and beauty. This guide will help you understand the common solutions, local regulations, and process for addressing water issues on your property.

Pave Tech LLC

27 Wendell Rd, Newton, MA 02459

Pave Tech LLC is a licensed and insured contractor based in Boston, MA, specializing in asphalt paving, hardscaping, yard drainage, and grading services. With over 30 years of experience, they serve both commercial and residential clients throughout the Greater Boston area. Their services include driveway and parking lot paving, asphalt milling, excavation, drainage system installation, and snow removal. Pave Tech is equipped to handle demolition and hardscaping projects such as pavers and retaining walls, ensuring proper ground preparation and quality materials for lasting results.

4.9

142 Reviews

Conserva Irrigation of Southwest Boston

boston

Conserva Irrigation of Southwest Boston provides residential and commercial irrigation services in Boston, MA, and surrounding areas. They specialize in eco-friendly sprinkler system installation, repair, and maintenance, focusing on water conservation through smart irrigation technology and sustainable practices. Their services include system inspections, drip irrigation installation, grading for proper drainage, and seasonal maintenance to keep landscapes healthy year-round. Conserva Irrigation partners with leading brands like Toro and Hunter to offer advanced irrigation solutions and has built a reputation for knowledgeable and thorough service. They serve a wide range of nearby communities and emphasize water-saving technologies in their work.

4.9

73 Reviews

Land Solutions & Hardscapes, LLC

685 Main St, Wilmington, MA 01887

Land Solutions & Hardscapes, LLC is a full-service landscape and hardscape contractor based near Boston, MA. With over 20 years of experience, they provide design and installation services for residential and commercial outdoor living spaces. Their offerings include custom walkways, paver patios with fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and retaining walls. The company also specializes in grading and excavation services, ensuring a well-prepared site for any landscaping or hardscaping project.

4.9

72 Reviews

EP Landscape Demo & Services LLC - Boston

boston

EP Landscape Demo & Services LLC - Boston is a landscaping company serving Boston, MA, and surrounding communities. They offer a wide range of services including lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, landscape design, tree and stump removal, yard drainage, grading, land clearing, and brush removal. Their expertise covers residential, commercial, and industrial landscaping needs, with capabilities such as large-scale land clearing, site preparation, and storm damage cleanup. The company understands Boston's unique climate and terrain, adapting their services to local conditions including coastal weather and seasonal changes. They provide ongoing maintenance and specialized services like bi-weekly weeding and mulch installation to support healthy landscapes throughout the year.

4.9

70 Reviews

Omar Masonry And Painting LLC

39 Alpena Ave, Dedham, MA 02026

Omar Masonry And Painting LLC is a landscaping and hardscaping company based in Boston, MA. They offer a wide range of services including landscape design, yard drainage, grading, lawn care, and hardscaping such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. The company also provides masonry, painting, basement cleanouts, demolition, power washing, gutter repair, and carpentry services. Omar Masonry And Painting LLC serves both residential and commercial clients in the Boston area, focusing on enhancing outdoor spaces with durable and functional designs.

4.9

60 Reviews

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Why Proper Drainage is Critical in Somerville

Somerville's older housing stock, combined with its urban density and historical combined sewer system, makes managing stormwater a priority for both homeowners and the city. Ineffective drainage can lead to foundation cracks, mold growth in basements, ruined landscaping, and contribute to localized flooding. The city actively promotes solutions that reduce the burden on public infrastructure, making proper residential stormwater management a community responsibility as well as a personal safeguard ^{1 2}.

Common Residential Drainage and Grading Solutions

Homeowners in Somerville have a range of options, from traditional engineering to green infrastructure that benefits the environment.

Regrading and Land Shaping

This is the foundational step for most drainage projects. It involves reshaping the soil to create a slope that directs surface water away from your home's foundation. A standard guideline is a minimum slope of 1/2 inch per foot for at least 10 feet away from the foundation ³. Correcting the grade is often the first and most cost-effective step in solving surface water pooling issues.

French Drains and Subsurface Drainage

For water that collects underground or in low spots, a French drain is a common solution. This involves digging a trench, laying a perforated pipe wrapped in fabric, and filling it with gravel. The system collects subsurface water and safely redirects it to a storm drain, dry well, or other suitable discharge point ^{4 5}.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)

Somerville encourages GSI systems that use natural processes to manage runoff ^{1 6}. These attractive, eco-friendly options include:

• Rain Gardens: Shallow, planted depressions that collect runoff from roofs or driveways, allowing it to soak slowly into the ground while filtering pollutants ^{7 8}.
• Dry Wells: Underground structures that collect water from downspouts or drains and allow it to percolate deep into the soil ⁵.
• Permeable Pavement: Materials like porous pavers or gravel for walkways and patios that let water pass through, reducing runoff from hard surfaces ^{7 9}.

Complementary Tactics

Simple measures can significantly improve water flow:

• Downspout Extensions: Ensuring gutters discharge water at least six feet from the foundation is a critical and low-cost fix ⁴.
• Swales: Shallow, grassy channels that guide water across a property.
• Catch Basins: Grates connected to underground piping that collect surface water from driveways or low points.

Understanding Somerville's Regulations and Permits

Before starting any significant project, it's crucial to check local requirements. The City of Somerville requires permits for land disturbance activities that could impact stormwater flow or the city's drainage system ¹⁰. A site construction permit from the City Engineer is typically needed for projects involving major grading, excavation, or installing new drainage infrastructure ¹¹. Always contact the Somerville Engineering Division to determine if your planned work requires a permit.

The Professional Drainage Project Process

Engaging a professional ensures your system is designed and installed correctly for long-term effectiveness.

1. Site Assessment and Diagnosis: A specialist will identify the source of water, evaluate soil composition, locate utility lines, and determine the high and low points of your yard to diagnose the problem accurately ^{12 13}.
2. System Design and Planning: Based on the assessment, a plan is created that may combine several solutions (e.g., regrading with a French drain leading to a rain garden). This plan should account for Somerville's slope requirements and optimal discharge locations ¹⁴.
3. Permitting: Your contractor will often handle the application process for any required city permits, ensuring the project meets all local codes ¹⁰.
4. Excavation and Installation: This phase involves the physical work: moving earth for grading, digging trenches for pipes, and installing all drainage components ¹⁵.
5. Backfilling and Restoration: Once systems are in place, trenches are filled with gravel and soil, and the site is restored with topsoil, sod, or plantings to blend with your existing landscape ¹⁶.

Cost Considerations for Drainage Work in Somerville

Costs for yard drainage and grading in Somerville vary widely based on the property's size, slope, accessibility, and the complexity of the solution chosen. Below are general estimated ranges for residential projects ¹⁷:

• Minor Grading Corrections: Adjusting soil slope in a specific area may range from $500 to $2,000+, heavily dependent on the amount of fill dirt and labor required ¹⁸.
• French Drain Installation: As a common subsurface solution, costs are primarily driven by length and depth, often starting around $1,000 to $4,000+ for a typical residential application ¹⁹.
• Rain Garden Installation: This green solution cost is variable based on size and plants, but is often more affordable than extensive piping, potentially ranging from $500 to $3,000+ ²⁰.
• Comprehensive System Installation: A full professional design and installation that may combine regrading, multiple drains, and discharge solutions typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000+ for a complete yard drainage overhaul ^{21 22}.

Most reputable landscape and drainage contractors offer free initial consultations and bids, providing a clear cost estimate after assessing your specific situation.

Maintaining Your Drainage System

Property owners are responsible for maintaining private drainage systems ²³. Regular maintenance includes:

• Keeping catch basin grates clear of leaves and debris.
• Inspecting and cleaning gutter downspouts and extensions each fall and spring.
• Ensuring the exit points of French drains or outlet pipes are not blocked.
• Checking rain gardens for sediment buildup and maintaining healthy plants. Proper maintenance ensures your investment continues to protect your home for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

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