Project · Franklin, TN · Starnes Creek Subdivision
Franklin TN Drainage & Grading Project
Solving Standing Water Around a Newly Landscaped Home in the Starnes Creek subdivision of Franklin, Tennessee.
A homeowner in the Starnes Creek subdivision of Franklin, Tennessee contacted CANDO LLC after noticing water collecting within a newly installed mulch bed alongside their home. The issue appeared simple at first glance, but after evaluating the property we discovered the real problem was a combination of improper drainage and grading.
The home's downspout discharged directly into the landscape bed, concentrating roof runoff into one area and creating standing water, saturated mulch, and ongoing moisture problems near the foundation. Rather than treating only the symptom, we focused on controlling water at the source and creating a complete drainage path away from the home — the same approach we take on every drainage solutions project across Williamson County.
The Problem
The homeowner had recently invested in landscaping improvements around the home. However, one of the downspouts terminated directly within the mulch bed. During rainfall, roof runoff collected in the landscaping and created standing water that remained trapped near the house.
The excessive moisture threatened to wash out mulch, create muddy conditions, and expose the foundation area to unnecessary water accumulation. In addition to the drainage issue, portions of the landscaping beneath the mulch lacked proper grading, allowing water to linger instead of naturally draining away.
Site Evaluation
During our inspection we identified several factors contributing to the problem:
- Downspout runoff discharging directly into the landscape bed
- Standing water within newly installed mulch
- Poor surface drainage beneath landscaping
- Areas where water naturally moved toward the home
- Limited ability for runoff to escape the landscaped area
At CANDO LLC, every drainage project begins with understanding how water enters, moves through, and exits a property. The goal is not simply to install pipe but to manage water correctly from start to finish.
Drainage Solution — Downspout Extension
The primary component of this project was extending the downspout discharge approximately 45 feet away from the problem area. A solid corrugated drainage line was installed beneath the landscape bed to carry roof runoff away from the foundation and discharge safely into the side yard.
By relocating the discharge point, water is no longer concentrated within the mulch bed. Instead, runoff is transported away from the house and released where it can naturally disperse without damaging landscaping or creating standing water.
Grading Improvements
Proper grading played a major role in this project. The landscape bed was reshaped and regraded to improve surface drainage and encourage water movement toward the side yard. Additional soil was strategically placed near portions of the foundation where positive drainage needed improvement.
These grading corrections help eliminate low spots, reduce water accumulation, and improve the effectiveness of the overall drainage system. At CANDO LLC, grading is often the most important component of a successful drainage solution because water naturally follows slope.
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Targeted French Drain Installation
While the downspout extension and grading solved the majority of the issue, we also installed two targeted French drain collection sections within the landscape bed. Each section consisted of perforated drain pipe surrounded by stone backfill.
These French drain sections provide additional collection capacity for residual surface water during larger rain events while remaining hidden beneath the finished landscape. This combination of drainage conveyance and collection creates a more complete water management system.
The Result
The completed drainage and grading system now:
- Moves roof runoff approximately 45 feet away from the foundation
- Redirects water toward a safe discharge area
- Improves overall drainage performance
- Reduces standing water within landscape beds
- Helps protect mulch from washout
- Improves drainage around the foundation
- Creates positive surface drainage
- Provides a long-term water management solution
Rather than relying on a single product or one-size-fits-all approach, this project combined grading, drainage conveyance, and targeted collection points to solve the root cause of the problem.
Why Drainage and Grading Matter
Many drainage issues begin with grading problems. Even the best drainage pipe cannot fully compensate for improper slope around a home. By combining grading corrections with proper drainage design, homeowners can significantly reduce standing water, erosion, mulch washout, and foundation moisture concerns.
This project is a good example of how controlling water at the source often provides the best long-term results — and why so many Franklin and Williamson County homeowners choose CANDO LLC for drainage and grading work in Franklin, TN.
Need Drainage or Grading Help in Franklin TN?
If you're dealing with standing water, wet landscaping, drainage concerns, erosion, foundation moisture, or runoff problems around your home, CANDO LLC can help. We specialize in residential drainage and grading solutions throughout Franklin, Tennessee, Williamson County, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.
Every property is different, which is why we focus on identifying the cause of the problem before recommending a solution. Call CANDO LLC today for a free drainage assessment and estimate.