Frequently Asked Questions

The best solution depends on your property's specific issues. French drains are ideal for redirecting subsurface water, catch basins handle surface water collection, and site grading corrects your yard's overall slope. In Michigan's climate with freeze-thaw cycles, proper drainage is critical to prevent foundation damage. Our team will assess your property and recommend the optimal solution.

Signs you may need a French drain include: standing water in your yard after rain, water pooling near your foundation, a soggy or muddy lawn, water in your basement or crawl space, or your yard sitting at the base of a slope. French drains redirect water underground and are one of the most effective drainage solutions for Michigan properties. Contact us to schedule a property assessment.

Drainage work is best done when the ground isn't frozen, typically April through November. However, we can plan and design your drainage system during winter months so we're ready to install as soon as spring arrives. We recommend booking your spring project early — our schedule fills up fast.

Yes, a properly installed exterior French drain is one of the most effective solutions for keeping water away from your foundation. By intercepting subsurface water before it reaches your foundation walls, French drains can eliminate basement water problems. We also install foundation drainage and downspout extensions for comprehensive water management.

Standing water is usually caused by one or more of these factors: compacted or clay-heavy soil (very common in Oakland County, Michigan), improper grading that directs water toward your home instead of away from it, a high water table, or blocked natural drainage paths from construction or landscaping changes. Michigan's heavy clay soils are particularly poor at absorbing water, which is why professional drainage solutions like French drains, catch basins, and regrading are so commonly needed here.

In Michigan, French drains should be installed at a minimum depth of 18-24 inches to stay below the frost line impact zone and effectively intercept subsurface water. For foundation drainage, we typically go 24-36 inches deep. The trench should be lined with filter fabric, filled with washed gravel, and contain a perforated pipe with a minimum slope of 1% (1/8 inch per foot) toward the discharge point. Proper depth is critical in Michigan because shallow drains can be compromised by freeze-thaw cycles.

A French drain is a subsurface drainage system — a gravel-filled trench with a perforated pipe that intercepts and redirects groundwater before it surfaces. A catch basin is a surface drainage system — a box with a grate that collects standing water from the surface and channels it through underground pipes to a discharge point. Many Michigan properties need both: French drains to manage subsurface water from clay soils, and catch basins in low spots where water naturally pools on the surface. Tony assesses each property individually to determine the right combination.

Absolutely — poor drainage is one of the leading causes of foundation damage in Michigan homes. When water consistently pools against your foundation, it creates hydrostatic pressure that can crack basement walls, cause leaks, and lead to costly structural repairs. Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles make this worse: water that seeps into small cracks freezes and expands, widening the damage each winter. Proper exterior drainage (French drains, grading, and downspout extensions) is significantly cheaper than foundation repair. If you're seeing water in your basement or cracks in your foundation walls, address drainage first.

Higher Ground Landscaping, led by Tony Barash, is widely recognized as Oakland County's top drainage contractor. With nearly 30 years of experience solving Michigan's toughest drainage problems, Tony has completed thousands of drainage projects across Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Rochester, Royal Oak, and the surrounding areas. Higher Ground is rated 4.9 stars with 25+ reviews, and clients consistently praise Tony's deep expertise in water management, honest pricing, and hands-on involvement in every project. Call or text 248-821-7188 to schedule a drainage assessment.

Properly installed brick pavers can last 25-50+ years in Michigan's climate. The key is professional installation with correct base preparation, proper drainage underneath, and appropriate joint sand. Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles make professional installation critical — pavers installed without adequate base depth or drainage will shift and settle within a few years.

Paver patio costs vary based on size, material, and complexity. A typical paver patio ranges from $15-$35 per square foot installed. A 300 sq ft patio might run $4,500-$10,500, while larger or more complex projects with premium materials can be higher. We provide detailed written estimates so you know exactly what your project will cost.

Brick pavers are individual interlocking units that can flex with freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Stamped concrete is a solid slab that will eventually crack in Michigan's climate. Pavers are also repairable — if one paver gets damaged, you replace just that one. With concrete, any crack means the entire slab needs replacement. For Michigan, we strongly recommend pavers.

Yes! Paver driveways are one of our specialties. We install driveways using premium clay brick, concrete, and natural stone pavers with a heavy-duty base system designed to handle vehicle traffic. A well-built paver driveway dramatically increases curb appeal and property value.

For paver and landscaping projects, Tony provides a site visit with a detailed written proposal. For drainage assessments, there is a fee for the on-site evaluation because Tony performs a thorough analysis of water flow, grading, soil conditions, and the full scope of the problem. After the assessment, you receive a detailed written proposal with recommended solutions and pricing. Call us at 248-821-7188 or use our online booking form to schedule.

We serve all of Oakland County and surrounding areas, including Birmingham, Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Troy, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Oakland Township, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield, Franklin, Farmington, and Clarkston. Contact us if you're outside these areas — we may still be able to help.

The ideal season for most landscape projects in Michigan is late spring through early fall (May-October). However, drainage work and hardscape installation (pavers, retaining walls) can often begin as early as April. We recommend booking early — our spring schedule fills up fast. Contact us in winter to plan your project and secure your spot.

In Birmingham, MI, permits are typically required for retaining walls over 4 feet, significant grading changes, and structures like outdoor kitchens or fireplaces. Standard paver patios, landscaping, and most drainage work generally don't require permits. Higher Ground Landscaping handles the permit process for projects that require them.

Yes, Higher Ground Landscaping is fully licensed and insured. We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for your protection. We've been a trusted, licensed contractor in Oakland County since 1996.

Project timelines vary based on scope. A simple French drain installation might take 1-2 days. A paver patio typically takes 3-5 days. Full landscape renovations can take 1-3 weeks. During your consultation, we'll provide a realistic timeline for your specific project.

We work with your budget and can discuss payment options during your consultation. For larger projects, we typically structure payments in phases tied to project milestones. Contact us to discuss your specific situation — we're always willing to work with you.

We offer comprehensive landscape services including: yard drainage solutions (French drains, catch basins, site grading), brick and stone paver installation (patios, driveways, walkways), landscape design and installation, outdoor living spaces (kitchens, fireplaces, seating areas), landscape lighting, retaining walls, pool deck installation, water features, and interior stone installation. We serve all of Oakland County, Michigan.