What it is
Regrading reshapes a larger part of the yard, not only the strip next to the house. It can fill low spots, cut high spots, and create gentle swales that move water across the lot toward a drain, street or ditch.
Regrading is often combined with other work. A swale may lead to a catch basin, or a regraded side yard may carry water from downspouts to the front of the lot.
When it is a good fit
- Low spots where water ponds across a lawn
- Lots where water flows from the back yard toward the house
- Uneven lawns after construction or tree removal
- Side yards that hold water between houses
When something else may work better
- Lots with no lower point to send water (drains or pumps may be needed)
- Changes that would send water onto a neighbor
How it is usually installed
- Survey or measure elevations across the yard
- Design a drainage path to a legal outlet
- Remove sod and move soil to shape slopes and swales
- Compact and fine-grade, keeping soil below the siding and weep holes
- Restore sod or seed and check after rain
Every property is different. A drainage professional confirms the design onsite. Call 811 before any digging.
What a drainage professional checks first
- Elevations across the whole lot and at property lines
- Where neighbors' water enters
- Trees, utilities and irrigation
- Erosion control while the soil is bare
- HOA, city or drainage district rules on lot grading
Maintenance
- Keep swales clear of debris and leaves
- Re-sod bare spots before they erode
- Avoid blocking swales with beds or fences
What affects the cost
Pricing pending verification
Drainage.net does not publish prices until they have been checked against sourced data. See what drives the cost of regrading a yard, or request an onsite evaluation for a real quote.
Problems this can help with
Frequently asked questions
Will regrading send water to my neighbor?
It should not. A good grading plan sends water to a legal outlet or drainage path. Texas Water Code section 11.086 prohibits diverting or impounding the natural flow of surface water in a way that damages another property, so plan carefully.
How long before regraded soil settles?
Fill settles over time, especially after rain. A professional compacts fill and may come back to touch up low spots.
Sources
This page is educational and does not replace an onsite evaluation. Conditions, codes and HOA rules vary by property.