How to Grade Landscape Away from House with Landscape Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Grading Your Landscape

Grading your landscape away from your house is a critical step for proper drainage and preventing moisture issues around your foundation. Using landscape fabric as part of the process can help reduce weed growth and support healthy landscaping, but it’s important to lay the groundwork—literally—before installing the fabric. Here’s a designer-approved step-by-step guide to grading your yard and integrating landscape fabric for best results.

Step 1: Assess Existing Grade

Start by examining the current slope of your yard. The ideal is to have the soil slope downward from the foundation at a rate of about 1 inch per foot for at least 6-10 feet. Use a long level or a string tied to stakes to test the grade.

Step 2: Remove Obstructions

Clear away plants, debris, mulch, or rocks in the area you plan to grade. This will give you access to the soil and make regrading more precise.

Step 3: Reshape Soil

With a shovel and rake, move soil so the grade falls away from the house. Check your slope regularly using your string level. For foundations at risk of water damage, consider adding extra soil, tamping it, and rechecking your grade to ensure positive drainage.

Step 4: Compact and Smooth

After shaping, compact the soil with a hand tamper or roller. This prevents settling that could reverse your hard work. Once compacted, smooth the topsoil for an even surface.

Step 5: Install Landscape Fabric

Unroll landscape fabric over the graded soil, overlapping edges by 8-12 inches. Secure with landscape staples, especially along edges and seams. Cut slits for plants if needed.

Step 6: Add Mulch or Rock

Cover the fabric with mulch, gravel, or decorative stones to hold it in place and improve appearance. This layer also enhances weed suppression and helps direct water flow.

As a designer, I’d suggest using home designer tools before starting to visualize the final appearance and ensure your grading lines blend naturally with your overall outdoor design. This approach not only ensures technical success, but also integrates the grading work seamlessly into your landscape aesthetics for the best curb appeal.

Tips 1:

Always keep the top of your foundation visible, and maintain a 6-inch clearance of soil below siding to prevent moisture issues. When choosing landscape fabric, opt for high-quality, permeable materials to allow water drainage but block weed growth.

FAQ

Q: Why is grading away from my house important?

A: Proper grading prevents water from pooling around your foundation, reducing risk of leaks, mold, and structural damage.

Q: Do I need landscape fabric for grading projects?

A: Landscape fabric isn’t essential for grading, but it helps suppress weeds and stabilize mulch or gravel above the soil, enhancing long-term results.

Q: What slope should I aim for when grading?

A: Aim for at least a 1-inch downward slope per foot, extended 6-10 feet away from the house.

Q: Can I grade my landscape myself, or should I hire a pro?

A: Small grading projects can be DIY, but for large or complex jobs—especially if foundation issues exist—professional help is recommended.

Q: How do I ensure my new grade will last?

A: Compact the soil thoroughly to limit settling, and check/maintain the slope each season to address any washouts or depressions promptly.