Stormwater Solutions

Landscape Drainage & Stormwater Management

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We Can Help You Fix Pooling Water On Your Lawn Or Landscape

We install and repair landscape drainage systems

Drainage System Installations And Repairs
We install and repair landscape drainage systems

One of the keys to keeping your landscaping (and property) in good shape is ensuring you have proper drainage and stormwater management in place.  Drainage issues can cause premature erosion, property damage, damage to buildings and foundations, and they can be very expensive to repair.  Virginia receives over 45 inches of rainfall annually.  Wet conditions like this will bring your stormwater problems to the forefront quickly.

In our area of Virginia, drainage problems can be compounded with our clay rich soil.  This soil type can range from heavy clay to very sandy and coarse textures.  Clay is generally fairly stable, it's the sandy, course, material that is very prone to erosion.  Without a proper drainage system in place soil erosion, water damage to your landscape, and potentially water damage to your home, will be an on-going risk.

EverGreen EcoScapes is an eco-friendly landscaping contractor based out of Virginia Beach, Virginia and serving the Tidewater region.  We specialize in installing landscape drainage and stormwater management systems including drainage swales, bio-swales, rain gardens, dry creek beds, and more.  We offer real drainage solutions for properties with a constant drainage or standing water problem. 

What Type Of Drainage Problem Do You Have?

  • Is there water pooling up on your property?
  • Does your property have soil erosion due to heavy rain?
  • Do you have soft spots in your lawns or gardens?
  • Do you have standing water around your foundation?
  • Is your driveway or parking area a wet mess when it rains?

Without proper drainage in place your landscaping and lawn areas can be prone to flooding, it can drown out your expensive plants, erode away expensive hardscaping, and even cause damage to your structures and their foundations.

Many of our clients properties suffer from poor drainage or have drainage systems that just weren’t implemented correctly from the start which has led to significant erosion problems, water pooling, soft spots, and flooding in their lawns, gardens and landscapes.  We can help solve these problems by developing a solid drainage plan for your property.

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Drainage Solutions We Provide

We incorporate expert drainage solutions in every landscape we design and build.  We can incorporate proper drainage systems into an already existing landscape.

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are a beautiful and eco-friendly way to manage stormwater runoff while adding vibrant greenery to your landscape. Designed to collect and absorb rainwater from roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces, rain gardens filter water naturally, reducing the strain on drainage systems and improving water quality. They are an excellent solution for areas like Virginia Beach, where heavy rains can create water runoff issues.

When designing a rain garden, it's essential to choose plant species that can thrive in both wet and dry conditions. Native plants are particularly well-suited for rain gardens, as they are adapted to the local climate and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

Recommended Plants for Virginia Beach Rain Gardens:

  • Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – A beautiful native perennial that attracts pollinators like butterflies, swamp milkweed thrives in moist soil and adds vibrant pink blooms to your garden.

  • Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) – This striking plant is perfect for rain gardens with its ability to tolerate both wet and dry conditions, producing elegant blue-violet flowers in the spring.

  • Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) – A versatile shrub that performs well in rain gardens, offering fragrant white flowers in the spring and vibrant fall foliage, while tolerating seasonal flooding.

  • Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Known for its striking red stems in the winter, this shrub thrives in wet soils and adds visual interest to your rain garden year-round.

  • Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) – With bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds, cardinal flower is ideal for the wetter parts of a rain garden, adding vibrant color to your landscape.

  • Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) – A native ornamental grass that’s both drought-tolerant and able to handle wet conditions, switchgrass is great for stabilizing soil and managing stormwater runoff.

By incorporating these native species into your rain garden, you can create a low-maintenance, visually appealing landscape that supports local wildlife and effectively manages stormwater. Rain gardens not only enhance your property’s aesthetic but also provide an environmentally conscious solution to drainage challenges.

Bio Swales

What Is a Bio Swale?

A bio swale is a shallow, vegetated channel designed to manage stormwater runoff while also promoting environmental sustainability. Unlike traditional drainage systems, bio swales are engineered to not only transport excess water but also to naturally filter and purify it as it passes through. Typically found in landscaped areas such as garden beds or along roadsides, bio swales direct water from impervious surfaces like driveways and roofs to a designated outlet, such as a storm drain or natural waterway, while filtering pollutants through vegetation and soil layers.

The Benefits of Bio Swales

Bio swales are a sustainable alternative to conventional stormwater systems like underground pipes. They serve multiple purposes, including water management, erosion control, and pollution reduction, all while providing habitat for wildlife. Native plants or grasses are often used to line the swale, further enhancing its ability to filter pollutants and promote groundwater recharge. Bio swales not only manage stormwater but also contribute to the aesthetic and ecological health of your landscape by supporting local ecosystems.

Understanding the Bio Swale's Function

The primary function of a bio swale is to slow down and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of erosion and water damage. During heavy rainfall, water can flow rapidly across surfaces, causing erosion and stress on your landscape. A bio swale acts as a natural filtration and drainage system, guiding water through a vegetated channel that removes pollutants and sediment while controlling water flow. This eco-friendly solution reduces the need for complex drainage infrastructure and helps recharge groundwater.

Common Applications Around Residential Properties

  • Preventing Water Accumulation: Bio swales are effective at managing water runoff and preventing pooling in low-lying areas, helping to maintain a drier, healthier landscape.

  • Protecting Foundations: Like French drains, bio swales can divert water away from your home’s foundation, protecting it from water-related damage and erosion.

  • Promoting Garden Health: By directing water away from garden beds and landscaping, bio swales prevent plant roots from becoming oversaturated while providing essential irrigation during dry spells.

  • Enhancing Aesthetic and Ecological Appeal: Bio swales contribute to the natural beauty of your yard, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape while supporting wildlife and pollinators with native plantings.

  • Erosion Control on Sloped Properties: On sloped properties, bio swales play a vital role in slowing down water runoff, protecting soil integrity, and reducing erosion.

  • Sustainable Water Management: By promoting groundwater replenishment and naturally filtering stormwater, bio swales offer an environmentally conscious solution to managing excess water.

A Natural, Eco-Friendly Solution for Your Landscape

Bio swales represent the perfect balance between functionality and environmental sustainability. They offer a cost-effective, low-maintenance approach to managing stormwater while improving the health and beauty of your landscape. By integrating a bio swale into your property, you can protect your home from water damage while enhancing the local ecosystem in a visually appealing and sustainable manner.

Dry Creek Beds

What is a Dry Creek Bed?

In the world of landscaping and drainage solutions, a dry creek bed stands out as a blend of functionality and natural beauty. A dry creek bed is essentially a man-made channel or gully, often lined with stones and rocks, designed to mimic the look of a natural dry stream. The key purpose of this feature is to provide an effective and aesthetic way to manage and direct the flow of water across your property.

The Aesthetic and Functional Blend

A dry creek bed is more than just a practical drainage solution; it's a landscaping feature that can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor space. Carefully selected stones and thoughtful placement create a natural-looking waterway that blends seamlessly with your garden and yard.

Common Applications Around Residential Properties

Erosion Control: For properties with sloped terrain where water runoff causes erosion, a dry creek bed can be a savior. It channels the water flow, reducing erosion and preserving the integrity of your landscape.

Rainwater Diversion: During heavy rainfall, dry creek beds effectively divert excess rainwater away from sensitive areas like foundations, gardens, or lawns, directing it to a more appropriate drainage area.

Addressing Soggy Areas: In yards where water tends to collect and create soggy patches, a dry creek bed can provide an escape route for this water, keeping your yard drier and healthier.

Aesthetic Enhancement: Beyond its functional role, a dry creek bed can be a striking landscape feature, adding a unique and natural charm to your outdoor space. It can be a focal point or a subtle addition, depending on your preference.

Wildlife Attraction: Interestingly, dry creek beds can attract wildlife, providing a habitat for birds and beneficial insects. The varying sizes of rocks and the layout can create microhabitats that are appealing to small wildlife.

Integrating with Your Landscape

The beauty of a dry creek bed lies in its versatility and adaptability. It can be designed to suit any landscape style, from a rustic, woodland look to a more modern, minimalist approach. With the right design and placement, a dry creek bed not only solves drainage issues but also elevates the overall aesthetics of your property.

A Sustainable Approach to Drainage

Embracing the concept of a dry creek bed is not just about solving water runoff issues; it's about doing it in a way that respects and enhances the natural environment. This eco-friendly solution is a testament to how functional landscaping can be both effective and beautiful.

Drainage Solutions Can Also Include

There is no one-size-fits-all drainage solution for every single property.  Often, it takes a few different solutions working together to solve your drainage problems.

Drainage System Repairs: Maintenance and repair services for existing drainage systems, including clearing blockages, fixing leaks, and ensuring optimal functionality.

Drain Box and Catch Basin Installation: Placement of catch basins and drain boxes at low points to collect surface water, effectively preventing pooling and directing water into drainage systems.

Downspout Drainage Systems: Integration of downspouts with the landscape drainage system to efficiently channel roof runoff away from the building foundation, reducing soil erosion and water damage.

Drainage Problem Correction: Diagnostic and corrective measures to address and resolve issues with existing drainage systems, ensuring they effectively manage water runoff and protect landscape integrity.

Rain Garden Construction: Design and creation of rain gardens that use native plants and soil amendments to capture, filter, and slowly absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and improving water quality.

Roof Runoff Management Systems: Systems designed to capture, store, and repurpose rainwater from roofs, incorporating rain barrels or cisterns for landscape irrigation or other uses.

Erosion Control Measures: Strategies and installations like vegetation, mulches, and terracing to prevent soil erosion by stabilizing areas prone to runoff damage.

Retaining Wall Systems with Built-in Drainage: Construction of retaining walls that incorporate drainage features to manage water pressure and prevent moisture buildup behind the wall.

Channel Drains: Shallow channels that capture surface water over larger areas, such as pool decks and patios, efficiently directing it to drainage outlets.

Bio-retention Cells: Engineered systems that use vegetation and soil to capture and treat stormwater onsite, promoting infiltration and reducing pollutants.

Estimate

Does Your Property Have Water Drainage Problems?

Drainage issues should be addressed during the landscape design process and before your actual landscape is installed.  Because every property we work on is different a good landscape designer will take the time to understand how water may flow from your property, what type of soil conditions you have, and they will also know and understand the rainfall in your area and/or how high the static water table might be.  Knowing all of these factors can help us plan out an effective drainage solution for your specific property.

It’s often during sustained and heavy rainfall when a drainage problem will surface.  After a few days of rain, a property with poor drainage will become obvious.  You’ll visibly see water pooling in low spots, your lawn or gardens will be muddy, you may see erosion taking place, and a host of other problems.  If the water table (sub-surface water) is high in your area, then rainfall only makes the problem that much worse.

Drainage Problems We Can Help Solve

High Water Tables

A high water table can pose a challenge for any landscape. The water table is water that lies close to the soil surface.  It can vary depending on where you are located.  If you have a high water table then the low lying areas of your landscape can often have pooling water.  Often the best solution for a high water table is to plant appropriate trees, shrubs, and other plants that are capable of handling these wet, boggy, conditions.  These are often plantings that natively grow in riparian areas.

Another option to solve a high water table drainage problem is to raise the lawn areas or planting and garden bed areas up.  You can do this by mounding up areas with additional soil and appropriate plantings to keep it held together or you can even used raised garden beds.

Excess Water Pooling On The Surface

If your property has clay-based soil then you may have problems with surface water pooling up.  Clay is a very dense material and doesn’t allow for good drainage.  Surface water issues can often be solved by properly grading the property away from the home and into a swale or french drain that can channel the water away from your property and into an existing storm drain or drainage ditch of some type.

One of the most popular and effective drainage systems to install for a surface water problem is the French drain.  This is a time-tested drainage solution that gathers water and channels it to a place underground (usually a trench filled with gravel and perforated pipe) where the water can take its time percolating down through the soil.

More Ideas For Solving Your Drainage Problems

Careful Construction Practices – Often drainage problems surface after extensive construction or site-work has been completed on a property.  Activities such as removing and placing fill, property grading, and digging of foundations or footings can alter the drainage on a property.  When construction occurs on your property care must be taken to avoid compaction of the soil and also to make sure that your property is graded to channel water away from low-lying areas and your home or buildings foundation.

Regulate Your Irrigation System – Many irrigation systems are setup to deliver water to a lawn, garden, or landscape over a set period of time rather than on the needs of those specific plants.  It’s a good idea to set your irrigation to meet the needs of your specific landscape rather than set it on a timed schedule.  For example, if you’re irrigation system runs for an hour in the evening, but the plantings are sufficiently watered within 15 minutes, that extra 45 minutes of watering doesn’t make much sense and likely contributes to the poor drainage issues.

Check For Broken Plumbing Or Sewer Lines – In some cases, poor drainage, or pooling, standing water can be the symptoms of a broken, clogged, or corroded sewer or drain line.  If your drainage issues are accompanied by a foul sewage smell, then this could be part of your problem. We also see pooling water caused by broken municipal water pipes or sprinkler pipes.  The broken piping causes the excess water to pool near the surface.

Adapt Plantings To Site Conditions – If your property is continually suffering from drainage problems due to a high water table then it’s a good idea to make sure your plantings are “drinkers” you want to carefully select plants, trees, and shrubs that require lots of water or that thrive in excess moisture.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation to discuss your drainage system or to correct drainage issues you might be experiencing with your property we’d be happy to meet with you.  Please call (757) 752-7250 or fill out our online form and we’ll get right back to you.

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Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

Jamie Dize
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Jamie Dize

I am so happy with the job done! They listened to all I wanted and made it a reality!! Very professional and responsive! I will be using them for my backyard as well.

Veterinary Hospital of Virginia Beach
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Veterinary Hospital of Virginia Beach

We are so happy with their service. The creative design has brought so many bees and birds to our yard, planting native species to our yard. We look forward to years of enjoyment of our gardens.

Tammy Cobb
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Tammy Cobb

I feel incredibly fortunate to have randomly met Vanessa from EverGreen EcoScapes at a plant sale. After speaking for a few minutes, I could tell she shared the same plant philosophies but was much more knowledgeable than I am. It was a pleasure working with the team from the initial consultation through the completion of my project to replace part of my lawn with native plants. Vanessa took my scattered ideas and turned them into a beautiful garden. They went above what was required and made sure everything was handled. I appreciate Vanessa's attention to detail, knowledge, communication and willingness to educate.  I look forward to working with EverGreen EcoScapes again.

Keith Blackshear
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Keith Blackshear

I called Evergreen to get a quote for the two flower beds in front of my home. They came out right on schedule and immediately proved themselves to be friendly, knowledgeable and professional. They asked me questions to get an idea of what i was looking for. I felt certain right away that I wanted them to take care of my landscaping. They're estimate was able what I expected. After we set a date, they arrived when ejected and did AMAZING work. They did such a great job that my wife asked them to do some more with in our backyard, which was also incredible. I was so fortunate to have found them n and I cannot recommend them enough. You will not be disappointed.

Paula Markham
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Paula Markham

Love love love these landscapers. I’ve learned so much about landscaping with native plants that support bird and wildlife. Did u know 1 pair of breeding chickadees requires 6,000 - 9,000 caterpillar larvae to raise 1 clutch of eggs? Neither did I!! Now I’m all into native plants. Finally, I feel like I can make a tangible contribution to saving and enhancing habitat for our non-human relatives with whom we share this planet. AND it can be beautiful. Evergreen Ecoscapes helped me accomplish both! and they’re still helping me 2 months since completion. I can still ask questions and get a professional’s advice. So there’s no sense of abandonment or being on my own with the care of all these new plants in my garden/s. See that Japanese red maple in the garden by the shed? Yeah, it’s taking over our forests and nudging out the native trees that support our native creatures, so it’s gonna be gone next week and Evergreen Ecoscapes will help me choose a native alternative like an elderberry or fringe tree. Can’t wait!

Tianna Skohn
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Tianna Skohn

I have been wanting to landscape my front yard (separate garden beds) for several years. So many companies call themselves "landscapers" but seek to sell lawn maintenance packages. Vanessa and her partner, Justin, were the perfect solution to my needs. They listened to my ideas and created charming pollinator gardens beyond anything I expected. So much thought and consideration regarding the soil, sun, shade, and even the position of the water spout -- details that I would have clearly missed on my own! They are very knowledgeable about this region's native plants, as well as the wildlife. Vanessa made every effort to remain in budget by checking various resources to find the best deal. She always sought approval before purchase. My backyard could use some TLC, and I look forward to contacting EverGreen EcoScapes again.

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