Hi Gina,
In situations where there won't be any plants, I would suggest a clay like soil. This type is very dense and makes it difficult for water to seep down. Actually this can be a problem if used for planted areas as the plants get little water and it can just pool.
However, if the land is sloped, clay is good. If you use a good soil, a sandy soil, rocks etc., the water will seep into the ground instead of flowing along the slope.
It's not too important in areas away from the house, but at foundations you want the water to grade away to make sure you don't have water problems in your house.
Susan
Jul 04, 2009 Rating
Additional details by: Gina
Thanks so much for the advice.
No, I'm not planning any plantings. On one side is the property line and I will have to put a swale or ditch there to direct the water away (but that's okay, the land slopes that way anyway).
On the other side is the driveway so no foundation plantings there either.
The front already has some pavers over a rubber liner as there had been problems there in the past.
At the back is where the garden will be and I will use some good soil there but what could I use elsewhere?
Thanks again!
Jul 04, 2009 Rating
Grading at House Foundation by: Susan
Hi Gina,
If you want to add plantings, you will want to use a good soil mixture.
As mentioned above, the land must be graded away at a minimum of 1/4 inch per foot. It can be as steep as you like.
Let's assume there is no slope at all and the area is flat. You can do either of two things:
1. Go out about five feet and lower that area.
2. Raise the grade at the foundation. This is easier if you are adding soil against a concrete foundation. If it will be against any siding, you may have to either remove it or waterproof it.
In both scenarios, it should be sloped for a minimum of five feet (at least). Now, once it gets to the bottom of the newly created slope, where does the water go? Is it flat and will it just sit there? Here is where you have to address the drainage in this area too.
If you like, you can let me know what your situation is (is it flat, does it slope in any particular direction?) and I can give you some ideas.
Susan
Jul 04, 2009 Rating
Grading problem plagues my place too by: Gina
I have the same kind of problem and I want to re-grade the land next to the foundation, but I'm not sure how to do this.
Do I just buy a load of soil and shovel it next to the house until it slopes away enough? Some people say I should use gravel or fill instead and just a few inches of topsoil on top.
