A new home with stumps, loose fill and soil sloping the wrong way got precision grading, excess soil hauled off, and foundation drainage with a gravel swale and catch basin.
Same home: the rough lot before grading (left) and the finished grade with straw cover (right).
The problem: a finished house on an unfinished lot
This new home in Matthews was nearly complete, but the lot around it was not. Tree stumps, roots and loose fill sat against the foundation, the soil sloped the wrong way in spots, and there was no plan for where roof and surface water would go.
Left that way, water would collect against the foundation and wash the yard out.
How we did it
- Clear. We removed stumps, roots and debris from around the foundation.
- Haul off excess soil. An excavator loaded surplus dirt into dump trucks.
- Precision grading. We graded the soil so the ground slopes away from the house on every side.
- Drainage. A trench along the foundation with corrugated drain pipe and gravel, plus a gravel swale and catch basin to move water off the lot.
- Erosion cover. Straw over the finished grade to hold the soil while the lawn comes in.
Get the grading and drainage right before the lawn and landscaping go in. Get a free on-site estimate.
Why grading comes first
Grading decides where every drop of water goes. Ground that slopes toward a foundation sends water toward the crawlspace or basement; ground that slopes away carries it to a planned exit. It is far easier and cheaper to get right before sod, patios and plantings go in.
The finished grade
The lot now drains away from the house on every side, with a gravel swale and catch basin carrying water off the property and straw holding the new grade in place.
Want to see more? Browse before-and-after photos from all of our jobs in the CLT Pros project gallery.
Questions homeowners ask us
When should yard grading be done?
Ideally before any lawn, patio or landscaping goes in, and right after construction for new homes. Fixing grade later usually means tearing out what was built on top.
What is a drainage swale?
A swale is a shallow, sloped channel that carries surface water across the yard to a safe exit. Lining it with gravel helps it hold its shape and slow the water down.
Do you work with builders on new construction?
Yes. This project was a new-construction lot, and we handle clearing, grading and drainage before final landscaping.
Do you work in Matthews?
Yes. We work throughout Matthews, Mint Hill, Stallings, Indian Trail and the Charlotte metro.
Related services
Grading, swales and French drainsFrench drains →
Underground drainageMatthews, NC →
Our work in MatthewsCauses of a soggy backyard →
Why water collects
Get a free estimate for your grading project
Tell us a little about your project and we will set up a free on-site visit.
- We walk your property and talk through options
- Clear written quote, no pressure
- Owner-operated, fully insured, warranty-backed
Prefer to talk? Call (704) 778-6755
Serving Matthews, Mint Hill, Stallings, Indian Trail and the Charlotte metro.
