5 Must-Ask Questions About Resloping or Grading Your Property

When standing water pools around your home or erosion starts affecting your lawn, it’s time to consider grading or resloping your yard. Proper land grading isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a crucial step to prevent water damage, protect your home’s foundation, and improve overall drainage.

Whether your backyard needs a minor slope adjustment or a full regrade, hiring a landscaping professional with grading experience is essential. Here’s everything you should be prepared to discuss during your first call or consultation.

1. What Is the Purpose of Land Grading?

At its core, grading (also called yard sloping or resloping) is designed to move water away from your home’s foundation. Poor drainage can lead to serious structural damage, mold issues, and costly foundation repairs. While there are other ways to redirect water—like installing French drains or dry wells—grading is often the first and most effective solution.

If your yard currently slopes toward your house or has dips where water collects, it’s time to take action.

2. When Is the Best Time to Grade or Reslope Your Property?

Grading isn’t necessarily an emergency job, but delaying it can make existing water problems worse. Ideally, you’ll want to tackle the project in early spring or fall—before the ground freezes or heavy rain becomes a problem.

Winter grading can be far more expensive and difficult due to frozen soil and limited workability, so don’t wait until drainage issues become urgent.

3. What’s the Layout of Your Property?

Most grading jobs are straightforward—simply redirecting water away from the home. However, if your yard includes multiple buildings, retaining walls, or slopes near a neighbor’s property, things get more complex.

A licensed landscaper or grading contractor will need time to assess the site and develop a drainage plan that doesn’t accidentally create problems for adjacent properties. Be patient—a proper site survey is the first step toward a long-lasting fix.

4. Do You Have a Property Survey or Landscape Plans?

Before regrading begins, you may need to provide a property survey or landscape plan to your contractor. These documents help ensure the work complies with local codes and won’t interfere with utility lines or property boundaries.

Not sure if you have a survey on file? Contact your city or local building department—they often keep records from when the home was last sold or constructed. And don’t forget to check if you’ll need a permit for grading or drainage projects in your area.

5. Will Grading Improve Your Yard’s Drainage?

Not every homeowner knows whether grading or resloping is the best solution. That’s okay! A professional landscaper can assess your yard and determine whether a regrade is necessary or if other drainage options would work better.

Be sure to share any prior landscaping work, flooding history, or erosion issues so they can give an accurate recommendation—and estimate. Keep in mind, grading and leveling costs can vary widely, depending on your yard size, soil condition, and access to heavy machinery.

U.S. streets are wide, barren and paved to the max.

Landscaping and lane repurposing can make a huge difference and transform a neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/nY2tATiRlz

— Mark R. Brown, AICP (@CompletedStreet) January 27, 2025

Key Takeaways: Why Grading Matters for Your Home

• Protects your foundation by preventing water buildup
• Improves drainage to reduce flooding, erosion, and pooling
• Boosts curb appeal and preps your yard for further landscaping
• Can increase property value when done correctly

Thinking About Regrading? Get a Quote Before the Next Storm

Whether you’re dealing with water pooling near your foundation, planning a landscape renovation, or simply want to protect your investment, grading your yard is one of the smartest home improvement decisions you can make.

Looking to get started? Reach out to a local landscaping pro experienced in drainage and grading to schedule a site visit—and make sure your yard is ready for anything nature throws at it. A professional can assess your property’s current slope, identify any potential water runoff issues, and recommend solutions that protect your home’s foundation and enhance overall curb appeal. Whether you’re dealing with erosion, pooling water, or planning a new garden layout, the right expert will help you design a landscape that’s both functional and beautiful for years to come.