From the desk of Bob Carr, TLC Incorporated
If you’ve lived in the Crofton, Gambrills, or Bowie area for any length of time, you already know how unpredictable our Maryland weather can be. One week it’s dry as a bone, the next week your backyard looks like Lake Crofton. I see it every spring and summer when our crews are out helping homeowners solve the same stubborn problem: standing water that just won’t go away.
Let’s talk about what’s really happening out there—and how we fix it the right way so you can enjoy your lawn again.
1. Understanding Why Yards Stay Wet
Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we deal with heavy clay soil. That clay acts like a saucer—it holds water instead of letting it soak in. Add in our sloping lots, older downspout setups, and compacted turf, and you’ve got a recipe for puddles.
You’ll often see:
- Water pooling near the foundation after a storm
• Grass that squishes under your feet days after rain
• Mushy, mosquito-filled areas that never seem to dry
These aren’t just cosmetic problems. Over time, trapped water can damage your foundation, drown your plants, and even push water into your basement.
2. The Top Drainage Fixes We Use Around Crofton
At TLC Incorporated, we’ve spent 40-plus years designing custom drainage systems that actually work for Maryland yards—not the one-size-fits-all kits you see online. Here are the solutions we rely on most:
French Drains
Think of this as an underground gutter system. We install a trench lined with fabric, gravel, and a perforated pipe that collects water and redirects it safely downhill or toward a drain basin. Perfect for: soggy lawns, low spots, and areas between houses.
Downspout Extensions
Most of the water problems we see start right at the downspout. If yours dumps water next to your foundation, it’s only a matter of time before it finds a way inside. We install solid underground extensions that carry that water 10, 20, even 40 feet away—out where it can harmlessly disperse.
Catch Basins & Channel Drains
These act like storm drains for your yard or driveway. We place them in low spots, patios, or the bottom of sloped driveways, connecting them to solid piping that moves water to daylight. Perfect for: patios, walkways, and pool decks that flood after every storm.
Regrading & Swales
Sometimes nature just needs a nudge. We can re-shape the yard ever so slightly so gravity does the work—guiding water to a drain line or planting area instead of toward your home.
Rain Gardens
For homeowners who want a greener touch, we can build a shallow landscaped area filled with water-loving plants. It looks beautiful and naturally filters runoff before it returns to the soil.
3. Our TLC Drainage Process
Every property is different, which is why we start with a full evaluation. When you call TLC, we:
- Survey your yard’s slope and soil.
2. Trace where the water is really coming from.
3. Design a custom system—sometimes combining multiple methods.
4. Install it with precision, using laser levels and heavy-duty materials made to last decades.
5. Backfill, seed, and restore your yard so it looks clean and natural when we’re done.
And of course, we stand behind every job with our TLC workmanship guarantee.
4. Timing Matters—Don’t Wait for the Next Downpour
Here in Crofton, early spring and late summer are prime times to address drainage because the ground is workable and we can test everything before the heavy fall rains hit. Once the cold sets in, it’s harder to dig and grade, so now’s the perfect time to get on our schedule.
5. Bringing It All Together
A properly drained yard isn’t just about keeping your shoes dry—it’s about protecting your home and enjoying your outdoor space. Whether you need a simple downspout fix or a full French drain system, my team at TLC Incorporated will make sure it’s done once and done right.
If you’ve got water where it shouldn’t be, let’s fix it together. Call TLC Incorporated today or scan the QR code below to schedule your free on-site consultation.
From my family to yours—thank you for trusting TLC to keep your yard, your home, and your peace of mind dry and beautiful year-round.
— Bob Carr
President, TLC Incorporated