How to Slope a Yard

Examine your yard for its current shape and condition. Take a hose and water it down thoroughly until the land starts to puddle. Take notes on where the water currently drains and builds up. Look for spots with standing water.

Let the yard dry out. Use a shovel and wheelbarrow to move dirt and fill up the areas previously identified as pooling water. Smooth the dirt and land with a rake, taking out lumps and mounds until relatively flat.

Plan out the yard plumbing so that the water will drain to specific locations. Design trenches so that the water collected is then carried by drainage pipe away from the yard to the street and municipal drain system.

Use a trench shovel to dig the trenches where the piping will go in the yard. Lay the drainage pipe in it and then bury the pipe with gravel. Cover the top of the gravel with dirt.

Use the rake and shovel to shape the yard so that it slopes towards the collection points you previously designed. Create a gentle hill in the middle which goes to a lower level on the sides of the yard towards the pipes. Rake it smooth.

Water the yard again so that the water builds up and creates excess. Watch the drainage again to make sure it drains as desired. Begin to plant your yard when satisfied with the results.