Drainage & Grading Services in Duluth, MN

Concrete drainage system construction in a dirt pit. A pipe connects to a square concrete structure.
A worker in orange gloves lowering a large pipe into an open manhole on a street.

Protect Your Property With Proper Landscape Drainage and Grading

Water is one of the most damaging forces on any property—causing erosion, foundation issues, pooling, and landscaping failure. The good news: with proper landscape grading and drainage solutions, you can redirect water safely and preserve the health and integrity of your yard.


At Stone Forge LLC, we provide professional landscaping drainage and grading services across Duluth and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with standing water, runoff from neighboring properties, or poor yard slope, we help homeowners take control of their landscape and prevent costly water damage.

Why Drainage & Grading Matter

Grading and drainage go hand in hand. Grading shapes the land to direct water flow, while drainage systems capture and move excess moisture away from key areas.

If not addressed properly, poor drainage can lead to:

  • Foundation cracking or basement leaks
  • Washed-out lawns or mulch beds
  • Soil erosion on slopes and hillsides
  • Pooled water around patios or structures
  • Flooding in low-lying yard areas
  • Frost heaving in patios and hardscapes

Our team uses proven grading techniques and drainage system installations to manage water flow naturally, without compromising aesthetics or usability.

Our Landscape Drainage & Grading Services

Stone Forge LLC offers comprehensive grading and drainage solutions tailored to your yard’s unique conditions and challenges.

Yard Regrading

We reshape your lawn or garden areas to create positive slope—guiding water away from structures and problem areas.

  • Re-sloping toward swales or drains
  • Fill and compaction of low spots
  • Soil movement for planting beds
  • Corrections for improper builder grading
  • Erosion control on slopes

Regrading is often the first and most important step in solving chronic landscaping water problems.

French Drains

A French drain is a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe designed to collect and redirect subsurface water.

  • Installed below grade
  • Surrounded by filter fabric to prevent clogs
  • Drains water away from foundations, lawns, or hardscapes
  • Low-maintenance and effective in wet soils

We install French drains with proper slope and outlet placement to ensure efficient, long-lasting performance.

Dry Creek Beds

A dry creek bed mimics the look of a natural stream while directing stormwater across your property.

  • Decorative and functional
  • Prevents erosion in heavy runoff zones
  • Can be integrated with landscaping
  • Uses stone, gravel, and plants to slow and filter water

Dry creek beds are a great solution for properties where surface water collects or flows quickly.

Catch Basins & Channel Drains

For areas that see surface runoff, we install drainage systems that capture water and route it underground.

  • Inlets placed at low points (driveways, patios, lawns)
  • Connects to drain pipes for redirection
  • Includes grates for easy access and cleaning
  • Common in hardscaped areas and commercial properties

These systems are often paired with regrading to prevent pooling and protect flat surfaces.

Grading for Hardscapes & Structures

Before we build patios, retaining walls, or outdoor kitchens, we ensure the surrounding area is graded properly to prevent water from undermining the structure.

We provide:

  • Pad and base grading for new construction
  • Drainage sloping around walls and edges
  • Compacted gravel layers for structural support
  • Soil stabilization for steep or wet areas


Proper grading increases the life span of your hardscapes and reduces maintenance costs.

Our Process

  1. Site Evaluation - We walk your property, identify drainage issues, and assess soil, slope, and surface water flow.
  2. Grading & Drainage Plan - We develop a solution based on the unique contours and layout of your yard, using natural movement where possible.
  3. Excavation & Installation - Our crew uses equipment to regrade areas, install drains, or create swales and other water paths.
  4. Finishing & Integration - We backfill, compact, and restore lawn or landscape beds. For visible features like dry creek beds, we use decorative stone and plants to finish cleanly.

Why Choose Stone Forge?

Drainage and grading may not be the most visible part of a project, but it’s one of the most critical. At Stone Forge LLC, we approach every project with precision and care—making sure your property is protected and prepared for the seasons ahead.



Homeowners trust us because we provide:

  • Proven solutions for Duluth’s weather and terrain
  • Equipment and experience to manage small or large regrades
  • Integration with patios, retaining walls, and landscaping
  • Honest assessments and long-term fixes—not band-aid repairs
  • Proper drainage sloping and safe water redirection
  • Clean, efficient job sites and respectful crews

We’ve solved drainage challenges across the region, from small backyard puddles to full yard reshaping.

Workers around an open manhole on a road, with hose and green grass.

Get a Site Assessment Today

If you're dealing with soggy spots, erosion, or poor yard slope, don’t wait for the next storm to cause more damage. Stone Forge LLC offers expert grading and drainage solutions built to last.