Sheet flow crosses a yard, walkway, patio, or planting area
Property Drainage • Northern Virginia
Drainage Swales & Berms
Shaped landscape features that slow, redirect, or contain surface runoff while working with the surrounding grade.
When homeowners consider this service
Start with the condition you can see.
Runoff from an uphill area needs a defined shallow route
A low-profile raised feature could help redirect water around a protected area
What the project may include
A scope shaped around the property.
A swale is a shallow conveyance channel; a berm is a raised landform that redirects or contains flow. They must lead water to a safe destination rather than simply moving the wet spot.
Lay out the swale or berm around existing grades and fixed elevations
Shape a stable cross-section with a continuous flow path
Coordinate inlets, outlets, hardscape crossings, and property limits
Stabilize the finished soil against erosion
What to expect
A clear construction sequence.
- 01
Assess
Review the problem, source, access, and connected conditions.
- 02
Define
Document the recommended scope, inclusions, and project assumptions.
- 03
Build
Complete the work in the right sequence with required coordination.
- 04
Walk through
Review the completed work, care guidance, and written warranty terms.
Related services
Connected work worth considering.
French Drain Installation
Subsurface drainage designed to intercept and redirect water through a properly sloped stone-and-pipe system.
Learn moreCatch Basins & Channel Drains
Point and linear surface drains for driveways, patios, walks, entries, and other runoff collection areas.
Learn moreDownspout Extensions & Buried Drainage
Roof-water routing that carries downspout discharge away from foundations, beds, and high-traffic areas.
Learn moreProperty Drainage
Review the complete property drainage scope and all available services.
View the service hubQuestions
Helpful answers before an estimate.
Does a drainage swale have to look like a ditch?
No. Many residential swales are broad and shallow, but they still need enough grade and cross-section to function.
Can a berm hold water back?
A berm can redirect or temporarily contain runoff, but overflow, soil stability, neighboring properties, and the final drainage path must be considered.
Can a swale connect to a catch basin?
Yes. A combined design can use grading to guide water toward a collection point when site conditions support it.
Free estimates • Warrantied work
Let’s look at the project.
Serving Northern Virginia and select projects across the greater DMV. Residential work is our primary focus.