Many homeowners are surprised to learn that not all drainage problems require the same solution.

Standing water in the lawn, soggy planting beds, or water pooling near the foundation can all look similar — but the cause (and the fix) can be very different.

Before choosing a drainage system, it’s important to identify the source of the water.

Here are a few common drainage issues we see in Michigan landscapes:

Downspout Discharge – roof runoff dumping water in one concentrated location
Low Lawn Areas – natural grade collects water after heavy rain
Improper Slope – soil pitched toward the foundation instead of away
Compacted Clay Soil – slow absorption leads to surface pooling

In many cases, the key question is whether you’re dealing with a point source of water or a broader grading issue.

A point source means water is coming from a single, identifiable location — such as a downspout or sump discharge line. These situations often call for targeted solutions.

French drains are designed to collect and redirect groundwater along a linear path. They work well when water is moving across an area or when soil remains consistently saturated.

Dry wells, on the other hand, are typically used to manage water from a single discharge point. They allow water to collect underground and slowly infiltrate back into the surrounding soil.

However, neither system works properly without correct installation depth, proper stone backfill, fabric separation, and thoughtful grading. Installing the wrong system — or installing the right system incorrectly — can simply move the problem somewhere else.

That’s why drainage design should always begin with evaluation, not excavation.

At Turner Design Group, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every property has its own grading, soil conditions, and water patterns. Proper drainage requires understanding where the water originates, how it moves, and where it should safely go. Our team designs drainage systems that solve the issue at its source while protecting the health and integrity of your landscape long-term.

Turner Design Group is proud to be an NDS Professional Drainage Contractor, meaning our team has specialized training in designing and installing effective drainage solutions. For homeowners, this means drainage problems are diagnosed correctly and solved with proven systems that protect your lawn, landscape, and foundation.

If you’re noticing standing water or foundation concerns, contact us at 800-570-0675 and we’ll evaluate the best drainage solution for your property.