Front Yard Regrading and Sod Installation in Washington, DC
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Scope of Work
Project Overview
The homeowner was dealing with a front lawn that had gradually settled and developed a noticeable low area alongside the walkway leading to the home. The previous sod had struggled to establish properly, and the uneven grade created an inconsistent appearance between the lawn and the adjacent hardscape.
To restore the area, we removed the failed sod, raised and regraded the lawn section, made drainage improvements, and installed new sod. The finished project brought the lawn back to the proper elevation, improved surface drainage, and created a cleaner transition between the grass and walkway.
Before / AFTER
Site Conditions
The Property and Site Conditions
The project focused on a section of the front yard located alongside an existing paver walkway. Over time, the lawn area had settled several inches below the surrounding grade, creating a visible difference in elevation between the grass and the adjacent walkway.
As the ground settled, the surrounding landscape no longer matched the original grade. The low area contributed to poor growing conditions for the existing sod and affected the overall appearance of the front yard.
Because the walkway bordered the affected area, the grading work needed to be completed carefully to maintain proper alignment with the existing pavers while restoring the lawn to a more consistent elevation. Drainage improvements were also needed to help direct water away from the area and reduce future moisture-related issues.
ASSESsMENT
What We Did
Removing the Failed Sod
We began by removing the failed sod and preparing the work area for grading. Since the existing lawn had not established properly, the area needed to be stripped back so we could address the underlying grade issues before installing new grass.
Regrading the Front Yard
After clearing the area, we brought in fill material and regraded the lawn section to raise the elevation and better match the surrounding landscape. The goal was to eliminate the low spot that had developed next to the walkway and restore a more consistent grade across the front yard.
Because the lawn had settled alongside the existing paver walkway, portions of the walkway were temporarily removed so the surrounding soil could be built back up properly. Once the grading work was complete, the pavers were reset to align with the new elevation.
Drainage Improvements
To help manage water around the property, we installed a new underground drainage connection tied into the existing system. The line was extended to a pop-up emitter located farther away from the lawn area, allowing water to discharge more effectively and reducing the risk of future saturation near the front yard.
Installing New Sod
Once the grading and drainage work were complete, we installed new sod throughout the repaired area. The new lawn was laid over the freshly prepared surface and brought the front yard back to a uniform appearance.
With the grade corrected and drainage improvements in place, the homeowner now has a healthier foundation for long-term turf growth and a front yard that transitions more naturally into the surrounding walkway and landscape features.
Mosquito Treatment Program
As part of the project, we also provided a mosquito treatment plan for the remainder of the season. Treatments were scheduled twice per month to help reduce mosquito activity around the property and improve outdoor comfort during the warmer months.
Completed Project
Thinking About a Similar Project?
If your lawn has low spots, drainage issues, settling around walkways, or sod that struggles to grow, addressing the underlying grade is often the first step toward a lasting solution. Our team can evaluate the site conditions and recommend the right approach for your property.
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