Stormwater management controls where rainwater goes after it lands on your property -- redirecting runoff away from foundations, preventing erosion, and protecting water features from contamination. Proper drainage design transforms a problem into an asset, often incorporating rain gardens and bioswales that double as beautiful landscape features.
In the Delaware Valley, average annual rainfall exceeds 45 inches. That water has to go somewhere. Without proper management, it pools against foundations, erodes garden beds, overwhelms existing ponds, and carries lawn chemicals, sediment, and debris into waterways and your water features.
New Castle County and Chester County both have stormwater regulations that apply to properties undergoing significant changes. Even homeowners adding patios, driveways, or large structures may need to demonstrate adequate stormwater handling. Our approach goes beyond compliance by designing systems that genuinely improve your property -- filtering runoff naturally, recharging groundwater, and creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
Every property drains differently. We assess your site, identify where water is going wrong, and design the right combination of solutions to fix it permanently.
Shallow planted depressions that capture roof and driveway runoff, filtering it through layers of engineered soil and native plants. Rain gardens absorb up to 30 percent more water than a standard lawn. We design them with native perennials like blue flag iris, swamp milkweed, and cardinal flower that thrive in the wet-dry cycle and attract pollinators throughout the growing season.
Linear vegetated channels that slow, filter, and redirect stormwater across a property. Unlike rigid pipe drainage, bioswales allow water to infiltrate the soil naturally while removing pollutants. They work exceptionally well on the rolling terrain common in Hockessin and Chester County, where they can follow natural grade lines and look like an intentional landscape feature rather than infrastructure.
Permanent water features that hold stormwater and release it slowly, preventing downstream flooding and erosion. We design retention ponds that function as beautiful ecosystem ponds complete with aquatic plants, fish habitat, and naturalized edges. Your stormwater solution becomes a backyard centerpiece rather than a muddy low spot.
Subsurface gravel trenches with perforated pipe that intercept groundwater and redirect it away from structures. French drains are critical in areas with high water tables or clay-heavy soils that hold moisture. We install them with proper filter fabric, clean stone, and positive drainage outlets so they function reliably for decades without clogging.
Naturalized stone channels that convey surface water during rain events while appearing as decorative landscape features the rest of the time. Dry creek beds handle heavy sheet flow on slopes where underground solutions are impractical. We build them with locally sourced fieldstone, river rock, and boulders to replicate the look of natural Brandywine Valley stream beds.
Redirecting roof runoff from downspouts into rain gardens, dry wells, or dedicated drainage channels instead of dumping it against the foundation. A single downspout can discharge over 600 gallons per hour during heavy rain. We connect downspouts to underground piping, pop-up emitters, or decorative rain chains that feed planted infiltration areas.
If you have a pond or water feature, stormwater management is not optional -- it is essential. Uncontrolled runoff carries lawn fertilizer, pesticide residue, sediment, motor oil from driveways, and pet waste directly into your pond. This nutrient loading triggers algae blooms, clouds the water, and can crash your ecosystem in a single heavy rain event.
We design stormwater systems that work alongside your existing pond by intercepting contaminated runoff before it reaches the water. Rain gardens and bioswales act as natural filters, removing phosphorus and nitrogen before clean water enters your pond system. For properties with existing algae problems or persistent green water, addressing upstream stormwater is often the single most effective fix.
Properties considering new pond construction benefit from incorporating stormwater planning into the initial design. By capturing clean roof runoff to supplement pond water levels, we reduce the need for municipal water while maintaining consistent water volume through dry spells.
It depends on the scope. Small rain gardens and downspout diversions typically do not require permits for residential properties. Larger projects involving grading, new impervious surfaces, or work near waterways may require approval from New Castle County Conservation District or Chester County Conservation District. We assess permit requirements during the initial site evaluation and handle the application process when permits are needed.
Costs vary widely depending on the solution. A simple downspout diversion with a rain garden starts around $1,500 to $3,000. French drain systems typically run $3,000 to $8,000 depending on length. Comprehensive site drainage redesigns with multiple solutions can range from $8,000 to $25,000 or more. We provide detailed estimates after the site assessment so you know exactly what to expect.
Most solutions require minimal maintenance. Rain gardens need seasonal weeding and occasional mulch replenishment. Bioswales should be mowed or trimmed periodically. French drains are essentially maintenance-free when installed with proper filter fabric. If you are on a Maintenance Membership, we include stormwater system checks during regular service visits to keep everything flowing properly.
Absolutely. In fact, many of our stormwater projects are retrofits on properties with existing ponds that are struggling with runoff contamination. We assess the drainage patterns, identify where unfiltered water enters the pond, and install interception systems upstream. This is often the most cost-effective way to solve chronic algae and water clarity problems without replacing or modifying the pond itself.
