Water can be a welcome sight when it nourishes your landscape—but when it pools in the wrong places or lingers too long, it can quickly turn into an ongoing nuisance. Soggy lawns, muddy pathways, and water flowing toward your home’s foundation are more than just inconveniences; they can lead to costly long-term issues. The good news is that homeowners have practical, affordable options to deal with drainage problems without needing heavy equipment or major construction. With the right materials and a little planning, you can redirect water, protect your home, and improve the health of your yard.
Here are three simple and effective solutions—and how Hilton Landscape Supply can help you get the job done right.
1. Build a Gravel-Filled French Drain
1. Build a Gravel-Filled French DrainOne of the most reliable ways to deal with drainage problems is to install a French drain. This simple system collects excess water and channels it away from the areas where it causes damage.
A French drain typically consists of a perforated pipe laid in a trench and covered with drainage gravel. Water flows into the gravel, slips through the perforations, and reroutes safely downhill or into an area designed to absorb it. Homes with persistent puddles, saturated lawn areas, or water accumulating near the foundation often see immediate improvement after installing one.
A key to success is using the right aggregate. Hilton Landscape Supply carries a range of high-quality gravels—such as ¾” round rock and drain rock—ideal for filling trenches and promoting smooth water flow. Their knowledgeable team can help you estimate how much gravel you’ll need based on the size of your project and the slope of your yard.
If you’re looking for a DIY project with a significant payoff, a French drain is a smart and durable investment.
2. Use Soil, Sand, and Proper Grading to Redirect Water
Sometimes the simplest solution is also the most overlooked: improving your yard’s grading. Over time, soil settles, low spots form, and water naturally begins to collect. These depressions may cause water to drain toward your home instead of away from it, or allow puddles to sit on the lawn long after a storm has passed.
By adding soil or sand and reshaping the surface, you can create a gentle, consistent slope that guides water where you want it to go. This method works exceptionally well near patios, walkways, and foundations.
Hilton Landscape Supply offers high-quality topsoil blends and fill dirt that make re-grading manageable for homeowners. Their screened soil is easy to spread, compacts well, and creates a smooth surface for new sod, seed, or mulch once you’ve reshaped the landscape. If you’re unsure how much material to order, their team can help you calculate the correct volume so you can efficiently raise low areas and restore proper drainage.
Even a subtle grading adjustment can make a dramatic difference—especially in older yards or high-traffic areas where the ground has shifted.
3. Create a Decorative Dry Creek Bed
For homeowners who want both beauty and function, a dry creek bed is a creative way to deal with drainage problems while enhancing curb appeal. These shallow, rock-lined channels mimic natural streams and guide runoff intentionally across your yard.
Dry creek beds are ideal for properties with seasonal water flow or sloped areas where water naturally seeks a pathway. Instead of eroding soil, the runoff follows the rock-lined bed, dispersing safely into a designed drainage zone.
To create one, you’ll need a combination of materials such as river rock, boulders, and smaller gravel to line the base. Hilton Landscape Supply offers a range of options, allowing you to customize the look—from rustic to refined. Their decorative rock selection makes it easy to build a feature that blends seamlessly with your landscape while managing water in an eco-friendly way.
Beyond solving drainage challenges, dry creek beds also add structure and movement to your outdoor space, transforming a problem area into a focal point.
Hilton Landscape Supply Has the Materials to Help
Whether you’re battling standing water, soil erosion, or poorly draining lawn areas, you don’t have to handle the project alone. Hilton Landscape Supply provides the gravel, soil, sand, and decorative rock you need to tackle any drainage issue with confidence. Their local expertise ensures that you’ll get not only the right materials but also guidance on how to use them effectively.
When you’re ready to deal with drainage problems in your yard, make Hilton Landscape Supply your first stop. With the right materials and a straightforward plan, you can protect your property, enhance your landscaping, and enjoy a yard that drains the way it should—all year long.