Yard Drainage Solutions in Montreal — Fix Your Soggy Lawn for Good
Standing water in your yard isn’t just an eyesore — it damages your lawn, attracts mosquitoes, and can eventually threaten your foundation. Nael Construction provides professional yard drainage solutions across Montreal, Laval, and the West Island. Get a free assessment.
Common Yard Drainage Problems in Montreal
- Clay soil: Montreal’s marine clay drains poorly — water sits on the surface instead of percolating down
- Poor grading: Your yard slopes toward your house instead of away from it
- Compacted soil: Construction equipment or years of foot traffic have compressed the soil
- High water table: In some Montreal neighbourhoods, groundwater is close to the surface
- Downspout issues: Gutters dumping water right next to your foundation
- Neighbour runoff: Water from adjacent properties flowing onto your yard
Our Yard Drainage Solutions
- French drains: Perforated pipes in gravel trenches that collect and redirect groundwater. Ideal for: persistent wet spots, water near foundation. Cost: $50–$100 per linear foot.
- Swales: Shallow, gently sloped channels that direct surface water away. Can be landscaped as dry creek beds. Ideal for: large properties, natural-looking solutions. Cost: $1,500–$5,000.
- Dry wells: Underground reservoirs that collect water and slowly release it into the soil. Ideal for: downspout water, isolated wet spots. Cost: $1,000–$3,000.
- Yard regrading: Reshaping your yard’s slope to direct water away from the house. Often combined with topsoil and sod. Cost: $2,000–$8,000.
- Catch basins & channel drains: Surface grates connected to underground pipes. Ideal for: patios, walkways, driveway edges. Cost: $500–$2,000 per drain.
- Downspout extensions & burying: Redirecting roof water at least 6 feet from the foundation. Cost: $300–$1,000.
Yard Drainage Costs in Montreal (2026)
- French drain (50 linear feet): $2,500–$5,000
- Swale installation: $1,500–$5,000
- Dry well: $1,000–$3,000
- Full yard regrading: $3,000–$8,000
- Catch basin system (3 drains): $2,000–$5,000
- Downspout burial (4 downspouts): $1,200–$3,000
How We Diagnose Your Drainage Problem
- Site walkthrough: We inspect your yard after rain to see where water pools
- Grade assessment: We measure slopes and identify low spots
- Soil evaluation: We check soil composition and compaction
- Downspout & gutter check: We verify roof water is being managed properly
- Custom solution plan: We design a drainage system specific to your property
FAQ: Yard Drainage
How do I know if I need yard drainage?
If water pools in your yard for more than 24 hours after rain, your lawn has persistent wet or muddy spots, or you see water near your foundation — you need drainage. A free assessment from Nael Construction will confirm the issue and recommend solutions.
Can I fix yard drainage myself?
Minor issues (extending downspouts, adding soil to low spots) can be DIY. But French drains, swales, and regrading require heavy equipment and expertise to ensure proper slope and avoid damaging underground utilities. Professional installation ensures it works and lasts.
Will yard drainage damage my landscaping?
There will be some disruption during installation, but we minimize impact and restore affected areas. Swales can be designed as attractive landscape features (dry creek beds with river rock and plants).
Get a Free Yard Drainage Assessment
Nael Construction has been solving Montreal drainage problems for 10+ years. We provide free on-site assessments and custom drainage plans. Contact us to schedule yours.
Related: French Drain Installation | Drainage Guide (FR) | Basement Waterproofing