Stop puddles, soggy lawns and damp edging with Garden Drainage in West Dulwich. We design discreet systems that suit period gardens and modern patios. From CCTV surveys to pump solutions, we fix the cause—not just the symptoms.
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If your garden stays wet long after rain, the problem is usually below the surface. We provide targeted drainage solutions across SE21, including near West Dulwich station and Belair Park. Our team installs French drains, channel drains and soakaways to move water away from lawns, borders and paving. The result is a garden you can use again, with fewer muddy patches and less standing water.
West Dulwich has many Victorian villas, Edwardian houses and period conversions with mature planting and older ground levels. These gardens often have compacted subsoil, tired gullies or patios laid without adequate falls. We’re used to working around established trees, tight side access and delicate brickwork. Whether you’re in Dulwich Village, Herne Hill or close to Dulwich Wood, we tailor the system to your plot and layout.
We start with a site visit to trace where water collects and where it can safely discharge. Where needed, we use CCTV surveys to confirm blockages, collapsed runs or poor connections before any digging begins. Installation is neat and controlled, with clear spoil management and careful reinstatement of lawns and paving. Homeowners choose Fine Landscaping because we explain options plainly, document the work, and back it with a solid warranty.
In the West Dulwich area, gardens can sit lower than neighbouring plots, so runoff is common after heavy rain. We factor in Lambeth requirements, existing surface water routes and practical access for machinery and waste removal. Period properties often have narrow side passages, so we plan materials and excavation methods to suit. We also set correct falls (grading) so water heads to the right place from day one.
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Costs depend on the cause and the system required. As a guide, simple channel drains or small land-drain runs often start from around £900–£1,800. French drains for a typical rear garden are commonly £1,800–£4,500. Soakaways, catch pits, grading or pump systems can take projects to £4,500–£9,000+. A site survey lets us price accurately for your layout and access.
Most garden drainage jobs take 1–3 days, such as a French drain run with a catch pit and reinstatement. Larger schemes involving multiple lines, re-grading, soakaways or pump systems typically take 3–7 days. Timescales vary with access, depth of excavation, weather, and whether we need a CCTV survey or to work around patios, steps, or mature planting. We’ll confirm a schedule before starting.
Garden drainage works are usually permitted development because they’re below ground and don’t change the building itself. However, rules can differ if you’re in a listed building, a conservation area, or if drainage connects to public sewers. We check discharge options, ensure soakaways are positioned sensibly, and advise if any permissions or water authority approvals may be needed. We’ll keep the design compliant and properly documented.
Yes. We provide a 10-year warranty on our garden drainage installations, covering workmanship and the performance of the installed system when used as designed. This includes correctly laid French drains, land drains, channel drains, catch pits and associated pipework. It doesn’t cover damage from third-party excavation, misuse, or exceptional events such as severe flooding beyond design assumptions. We also provide maintenance guidance to keep everything flowing.
We design drainage to suit your garden and finish. Popular options include French drains with clean gravel and geotextile, perforated land drains, channel drains with discreet grates, and soakaways using modern crate systems. Catch pits can be added for inspection and easy cleaning, and grading can improve falls without major hard landscaping. Where gravity isn’t possible, we can install pump systems. We’ll recommend the best mix after assessing levels and soil.
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