Licensed drainage contractors designing French drains, waterproofing, and surface water systems engineered for Memphis's expansive clay soil and heavy rainfall.
Memphis averages 54" of rain annually. Every storm adds hydrostatic pressure against your foundation — most repairs cost $12,000–$30,000. A drainage system is a fraction of that.
Prefer a form?
Tell us your drainage problem — we'll tell you exactly what it costs to fix
Every Plan Reviewed With Ph.D.-Level Engineering Insight
Dr. Farhad Jazaei, Ph.D.
NSF CAREER Award Recipient
Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering · University of Memphis
NDS Certified
Professional Drainage
Contractor (PDCC)
Licensed · Insured · 1-Year Warranty
Memphis sits on a thick layer of Peoria loess — a fine-grained soil with a high concentration of expansive clay minerals. Unlike sandy or loamy soil, this clay has very low permeability: when it rains, water doesn't soak in. It pools on the surface, saturates your topsoil, and sheds toward your home exactly like a paved driveway.
Memphis Peoria Loess
The clay beneath your yard
Memphis's Peoria loess soil contains high concentrations of expansive clay. Water can't drain through it — so it pools in your yard and sheets toward your foundation after every rainfall.
When clay gets wet, it swells — sometimes dramatically. When it dries out in summer, it shrinks and cracks, leaving voids under your slab. This expand-and-contract cycle repeats every season, gradually working foundations loose.
Saturated clay against a basement wall doesn't just sit there — it pushes. This sideways force is what causes bowing walls, stair-step cracks in masonry, and slow foundation settlement over time.
Memphis averages 54 inches of rain per year — well above the national average. Every storm repeats the cycle. Shelby Yard's designs are reviewed against this science by an NSF CAREER Award-winning civil engineer, so your system accounts for exactly how Memphis clay behaves — not a generic drainage plan.
While others do drainage as a side service, we've dedicated our entire business to solving water problems. Here's why that matters for your property.
Unlike general landscapers, yard drainage is ALL we do. We live, breathe, and solve water problems daily.
We understand Memphis's clay soil, flat topography, and heavy rainfall patterns. Our solutions are designed for our climate.
We focus on preventing foundation damage and preserving your landscape with proven drainage science.
Deep understanding of water flow & soil science. Licensed, insured, and 5-star rated by Memphis homeowners.
Clear, no-surprise estimates with detailed explanations of every component and cost.
Shelby Yard is proud to announce our partnership with Dr. Farhad Jazaei, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Memphis, as our Technical Consultant.
This partnership brings a Ph.D.-level understanding of water resources, stormwater management, and Memphis's shrink-swell clay cycle to every solution we design — ensuring your system isn't just built, it's engineered for success.
Scientific Analysis
Hydrologic modeling
Engineered Solutions
Proven principles
Ph.D. Confidence
Guaranteed performance
Dr. Farhad Jazaei
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering
University of Memphis
Every yard problem has a root cause — and a proven solution. Find what you're seeing below, then talk to us about your free assessment.
"Standing water pools in your yard for days after it rains"
"Water collects in low spots near your patio, driveway, or low-lying yard areas"
"Your downspouts dump water right next to the foundation"
"Your sump pump runs constantly or water comes right back"
"Your yard slopes toward the house instead of away from it"
"Water seeps into your basement or pools against the foundation wall"
Not sure which applies to you? A free on-site assessment identifies the exact cause — no guesswork, no obligation.
Every system is engineered for Memphis's clay-heavy soil, heavy rainfall, and flat topography. No generic approaches — just proven drainage that works.
Custom-designed perforated pipe systems with precision grading to redirect groundwater away from your foundation permanently.
Strategic catch basins and channel drains positioned to intercept surface runoff before it creates flooding or erosion problems.
Connect roof drainage to underground systems, moving thousands of gallons safely away from your home's foundation.
Properly designed discharge lines that prevent pump cycling and ice buildup while moving water far from your foundation.
Scientific reshaping of your yard's topography to create positive drainage flow patterns that work with Memphis' flat terrain.
Comprehensive perimeter drainage to protect your home's foundation from hydrostatic pressure and water intrusion.
Real results from Memphis homeowners who solved their yard flooding problems.
Completely dry yard with French drain system and proper grading
Flooded lawn after every rain, standing water for days
Catch basins installed, downspout extensions, zero water problems
Water pooling against foundation, basement moisture issues
Complete yard transformation with channel drains and grading
Soggy lawn, erosion problems, unusable backyard space
Your yard could look like this. Tell us what's happening and we'll tell you exactly what it takes.
We've perfected our process over hundreds of Memphis drainage projects. Here's exactly what to expect when you choose the drainage specialists.

Our drainage specialists conduct a thorough on-site evaluation, analyzing soil conditions, water flow patterns, and measuring precise slopes to identify the root cause of your water problems.

We create a custom drainage plan using Memphis-specific soil data and proven engineering principles. You'll receive detailed drawings and transparent pricing for every component.

Our experienced crew installs your system using commercial-grade materials and precision grading. We protect your landscaping while ensuring proper pipe placement and gravel selection.

We test your new drainage system and provide a comprehensive 1-year warranty. Your dry yard is guaranteed, and we'll return if any issues arise.
Every detail matters when it comes to drainage that lasts. Our Memphis-trained specialists use commercial-grade materials and precision techniques.

Trained specialists ensure proper pipe placement, precise grading, and quality materials for long-lasting results.
We use the same high-quality pipes, fittings, and gravel that commercial contractors rely on — not the cheap materials that fail in a few years.
Every system is designed with exact slope calculations, proper pipe sizing, and Memphis soil conditions in mind. No guesswork.
Our crew specializes exclusively in drainage work. They understand water flow, soil science, and proper installation techniques.
We're so confident in our installation quality that every drainage system comes with a comprehensive 1-year written warranty.

Comprehensive site evaluation

Detailed solution design

Tested & 1-year warranty
Fully licensed drainage contractors with comprehensive liability insurance
Dedicated to providing quality drainage solutions for Memphis homeowners
Committed to delivering quality drainage solutions for Memphis homeowners
Comprehensive warranty on all drainage system installations
Written GuaranteeNo obligation consultations and quotes
Fast response for urgent drainage issues
We respect your property and clean up thoroughly
No hidden fees or surprise charges
We understand the unique challenges of Memphis clay soil and high water table conditions. Our drainage solutions are specifically designed for local soil conditions and weather patterns.
Real reviews from neighbors who solved their yard drainage problems.
"After years of dealing with a flooded backyard, Shelby Yard installed a French drain system that completely solved the problem. Our yard stays dry even during heavy storms. Highly recommend!"
"Professional from start to finish. They evaluated our property, explained exactly what needed to be done, and completed the work in two days. No more water against our foundation. Worth every penny."
"We had standing water in our yard for weeks after rain. They installed catch basins and regraded our lawn. The transformation is incredible. Finally have a usable backyard again. Great local company!"
We provide professional yard drainage solutions throughout the Memphis metro area. Our local expertise means we understand how expansive clay soil and its seasonal shrink-swell cycle affect drainage and foundations in every suburb we serve.

Get answers to common questions about drainage solutions, costs, and installation in Memphis.
Don't see your question?
Fill out the form and we'll respond same day. Rather talk now?
Call 901-864-3411