A lush, healthy yard can quickly turn into a muddy mess without proper drainage. In St. Louis County, MO, the humid summers and periodic downpours create the perfect storm for pooling water, soggy lawns, foundation damage, and even landscape erosion. At Sandy Creek Landscaping, we've seen it all—from DIY trenches that collapse after the first rainfall to improper French drains that only push the problem around. That's why we want to help local homeowners understand when a DIY fix might work and when it makes sense to call in the pros.

Common DIY Drainage Fixes (and Why They Fail)

1. Digging a Basic Trench

Many homeowners grab a shovel and dig a shallow channel hoping it will redirect water downhill. While this seems logical, it often results in:

• Shifting soil that collapses over time

• Unstable banks

• Water redirected to an area that creates a new problem

2. Cheap French Drain Kits from the Big Box Store

These kits rarely account for soil type, slope, or proper gravel bedding. When improperly installed, French drains:

• Get clogged with sediment

• Don't slope enough for effective flow

• Can freeze and break during winter months

3. Dumping Mulch or Rocks to "Soak It Up"

This approach may improve appearance temporarily, but without underlying grading or drainage design, it only masks the problem.

4. Extending Downspouts to the Middle of the Yard

Many DIYers use plastic extension tubes to push roof runoff away from the foundation. However, this just moves water into the lawn or garden beds, creating soggy patches.

What the Pros at Sandy Creek Landscaping Do Differently

We bring more than tools—we bring design, soil science, and installation expertise that makes drainage systems last.

1. Site Analysis & Grading Review

We inspect the slope of your entire yard, where water collects, and how it flows during heavy rains. Then we design a plan that works with your property’s natural topography.

2. Custom French Drains with Proper Components

We use perforated piping, filter fabric, clean gravel, and exact slope calculations. Our French drains don’t clog and remain effective for years.

3. Dry Wells, Swales, and Catch Basins

If your yard has low points, we design dry wells or swales to catch water and allow it to filter slowly into the ground or redirect it safely.

4. Gutter Tie-Ins & Subsurface Piping

Rather than dumping water above ground, we professionally connect gutter downspouts to underground pipe systems that route water far from the home or into drainage fields.

5. Soil Amending & Surface Repair

We address compacted or hydrophobic soils by amending them with compost, sand, or other materials so your lawn and plants recover.

Real Consequences of Poor Drainage

Here in St. Louis County, especially in areas like Oakville, Ballwin, Kirkwood, and Affton, we've repaired countless properties with serious issues caused by poor drainage:

• Foundation cracks and basement flooding

• Washed-out mulch beds and slope erosion

• Mold growth and standing mosquito-breeding water

• Dead turf from over-saturation

DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper

Homeowners often spend $500–$1,000 on DIY materials only to see them fail and call us 6 months later. That money could have gone toward a professional system that works from day one.

When to Call Sandy Creek Landscaping

If you notice any of the following, it's time to consult our team:

• Water pooling for more than 24 hours after rain

• Soggy lawn near foundation or patio

• Mulch or rock being washed away repeatedly

• Musty smells near basement walls or visible dampness

Book a Drainage Consultation Today

Sandy Creek Landscaping proudly serves homeowners throughout St. Louis County and surrounding cities like Oakville, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Mehlville, Affton, Manchester, and Lemay. We’ll evaluate your yard, explain your options, and give you a transparent quote—no pressure, just solutions.

Call us at (314) 698-1228 or visit our website to schedule your free estimate.

Don’t wait for the next storm. Drainage issues don’t fix themselves—but Sandy Creek Landscaping does.