This project spotlight follows a Twin Oaks Landscape project for an Ann Arbor area homeowner dealing with drainage issues near the home’s foundation and an outdated wood deck. It explains how the team addressed water flow with a new drainage system, replaced the deck with a Unilock paver patio, and handled an unexpected structural issue discovered during installation. The project demonstrates how drainage improvements and thoughtful landscape design can work together to create a more functional outdoor space.
A beautiful outdoor space should add enjoyment to your home, not create concerns about water damage or drainage problems. When water collects near your foundation, it can lead to ongoing issues that affect both your home and your ability to enjoy your yard.
For this Ann Arbor area homeowner, the goal was to address a serious drainage concern while also creating a more functional outdoor living area. The existing wood deck needed to be removed to make way for a better solution, and Twin Oaks Landscape was brought in to design a space that improved water management while adding a new patio area.
It began with a common challenge many homeowners face: water pooling near the foundation of the home. The grading around the property was directing water toward the house instead of away from it, creating concerns about moisture and potential foundation issues.
The homeowner wanted a long-term solution that would redirect water away from the home while also replacing the existing wood deck with a more durable outdoor space.
Twin Oaks Landscape developed a plan that addressed both needs. The team designed a drainage solution that would move water away from the foundation and installed a new paver patio using Unilock materials to create an upgraded outdoor area.
The project required careful planning to solve the drainage issue without sacrificing the design of the backyard. The Twin Oaks Landscape team installed a drainage system using triple-walled drainage pipe and a corrugated wall drain to help guide water away from the home and toward the nearby wooded area.
Once the drainage work was completed, the old wood deck was replaced with a new paver patio. The team installed 4×8 Unilock pavers to create a clean, durable surface that provided the homeowner with a more attractive and functional outdoor space.
This approach allowed the homeowner to solve a water management problem while also improving the overall look and usability of the backyard.
As with many landscape projects, the team discovered an unexpected issue once work began. During the process of removing the existing deck and preparing the area for the new drainage system and patio, the crew found that the back of the home had rotting wood.
Before continuing with the planned installation, the Twin Oaks Landscape team coordinated with another member of the company to address the structural concern. The mud plate and sill plate of the home were replaced before moving forward with the drainage and patio installation.
Taking care of this issue allowed the project to continue safely and helped prevent future problems related to the damaged wood.
The project combined functional drainage components with durable hardscape materials designed to provide long-lasting performance.
Materials used included:
The combination of these materials created a solution that improved water flow around the property while giving the homeowner a refreshed outdoor area.
This project was completed in a little over a week, transforming a problem area into a more functional and enjoyable part of the property. The new drainage system helped redirect water away from the home, while the Unilock paver patio provided an updated replacement for the old wood deck.
Although the homeowner lives out of state and was not present during the final completion, the project reflects Twin Oaks Landscape’s commitment to thoughtful planning, quality workmanship, and finding solutions that address both practical concerns and outdoor living goals.
Drainage issues and outdated outdoor spaces can often go hand in hand. By combining proper grading solutions with custom hardscape design, Twin Oaks Landscape helps homeowners create outdoor spaces that look great and perform well for years to come.
If your property has drainage concerns or you are considering upgrading your outdoor living space, contact Twin Oaks Landscape today to learn how our team can help bring your vision to life.