Frequently Asked Questions

French drains work best for dispersed groundwater and foundation perimeter drainage, while storm drains handle concentrated surface runoff from downspouts and hardscapes. Properties with standing water across lawn areas typically need French drains, whereas patio and driveway runoff requires storm drain collection points.

Clay soil common in Tyler and surrounding areas absorbs water slowly and holds moisture longer than sandy soil, creating pooling after heavy rain. This poor percolation causes standing water that damages turf roots and creates foundation pressure. Drainage solutions need to account for clay's expansion and contraction cycles.

System checks cover sprinkler head coverage and alignment, controller programming accuracy, valve operation, visible leaks, water pressure at zones, and identification of dry or overwatered areas. This inspection identifies coverage gaps, broken components, and efficiency issues before they waste water or damage landscaping.

Up lighting fixtures mounted at ground level illuminate trees, architectural features, and walls from below to create dramatic shadows and height emphasis. Down lighting mounts in trees or structures to cast light downward, mimicking moonlight for pathways and seating areas while providing functional visibility.

Schedule an assessment if you notice standing water lasting more than 24 hours after rain, soil erosion channels forming near foundations or slopes, soggy areas where grass won't grow, or water staining on foundation walls. These signs indicate water isn't moving away from structures properly.

Preparation includes removing existing vegetation and debris, grading to ensure proper drainage slope away from structures, addressing soil compaction, and incorporating amendments if needed. Proper grading prevents water from pooling under new sod, which causes root rot and patchy establishment.

Organic mulch decomposes over time, breaking down into soil while losing color and volume within 12 to 18 months depending on climate exposure. Decorative rock remains stable indefinitely but requires occasional cleaning. Mulch offers continuous soil enrichment as it degrades, while rock provides permanent low-maintenance coverage.

Coverage gaps result from incorrect sprinkler head spacing during initial installation, heads sinking below grade over time, spray pattern blockage from grass overgrowth, or pressure imbalances between zones. System design must account for head-to-head coverage overlap to prevent dry strips between watered areas.

Grading creates slope that directs surface water away from the foundation before it saturates surrounding soil. Water accumulation against foundations increases hydrostatic pressure, causes basement seepage, and leads to settling or cracking. A minimum 2% slope in the first 10 feet prevents most foundation water intrusion.

Biweekly maintenance covers mowing, edging, trimming around obstacles, blowing clippings from hardscapes, and basic bed tidying during each visit. Seasonal tasks like flower bed cleanups, leaf removal, and bush trimming are scheduled separately based on plant growth cycles and debris accumulation rather than fixed intervals.

Walkways, steps, and entry paths become clearly visible after dark without glare, reducing trip hazards and improving navigation for guests. Path lighting creates defined traffic flow through outdoor spaces and eliminates the need for harsh flood lights that create security blind spots between bright and dark zones.

Weekly service suits high-visibility retail centers, office complexes, and properties where consistent curb appeal directly affects business activity or tenant satisfaction. Biweekly maintenance works for lower-traffic commercial sites where moderate growth between visits doesn't compromise professional appearance. Growing season intensity also affects frequency needs.