What to Do When Your Neighbor’s Yard Drains Into Yours

Your yard is soggy, the grass is thinning, and puddles won’t go away, yet it hasn’t even rained in days. If water is coming from a neighboring property, you’re not imagining things. This is a common issue for homeowners, especially in neighborhoods with sloped lots, tight spacing, or new construction. And while you didn’t cause the problem, you may be the one stuck dealing with it.

In this post, we’ll explain why this happens, what you can (and can’t) do, and the best ways to fix water runoff from an uphill neighbor.

Why Is Your Neighbor’s Water Ending Up in Your Yard?

Here are the most common reasons water from another property is draining onto yours:

• • Their home is on higher ground. Gravity pulls water downhill during rain or irrigation.
  • Poor grading or landscaping. Their yard might be sloped incorrectly or redirecting water.
  • Hardscapes (like driveways or patios) may push water toward your side.
  • Downspouts or French drains on their property may discharge near your property line.
  • New development or home additions may have changed the water flow pattern.

In areas like Gainesville, Buford, and Braselton, sloped terrain and Georgia clay soil make this even more likely.

Can You Hold a Neighbor Legally Responsible?

In many areas, homeowners are required to manage water runoff on their own property. But local laws vary, and not every situation is enforceable. If water damage is severe, or if a neighbor has made changes that directly cause runoff onto your land, there may be legal options.

However, it’s almost always best to start with a conversation. In many cases, your neighbor doesn’t even realize their yard is causing a problem.

If that doesn’t help, you can:

• • Document the issue with photos or videos
  • Contact your local city or county stormwater department
  • Hire a drainage professional to inspect the situation

And most importantly, you can take steps to fix it on your side, without conflict or legal delays.

Best Ways to Stop Runoff from a Neighbor’s Property

Here are proven ways to manage water that flows into your yard from next door:

1. Install a Swale

A swale is a shallow, grassy channel that redirects surface water across your yard and away from structures. It’s one of the most effective and natural-looking solutions.

2. Use a French Drain

French drains collect and move water underground using perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. These are ideal for areas that stay wet long after the rain stops.

3. Add Catch Basins and Drain Boxes

These collect pooling surface water and connect to underground piping to move it elsewhere. Perfect for flat areas where water lingers.

4. Create a Dry Creek Bed

This is a decorative trench lined with river rock and boulders that channels runoff while adding beauty to your landscape.

5. Regrade Part of Your Yard

Sometimes the slope of your lawn is the issue. Regrading can redirect water flow and prevent it from collecting around your foundation or patio.

6. Extend or Bury Downspouts

If your neighbor’s gutters drain near the property line, you can extend or bury your own downspouts to move water farther from shared boundaries.

7. Build a Berm or Landscape Barrier

A low, raised mound of soil (a berm) can deflect surface water and create a visual break between your yard and your neighbor’s runoff path.

Important: You cannot legally block water from leaving their property if it causes damage elsewhere (like back into their yard). You can only redirect or manage it on your own side.

What You Should Avoid

• • Don’t dig trenches that send water into another neighbor’s yard.
  • Don’t pile up soil against a fence or structure to block water.
  • Don’t wait, chronic water damage can affect your foundation, hardscaping, and landscaping.
  • Don’t assume your neighbor will fix it. Even if they’re willing, it may take time.

Instead, take control with a drainage plan that works.

Why Professional Help Matters

At Razor Sharp Lawn & Landscape, we specialize in designing custom drainage systems for properties in Hoschton, Braselton, Buford, Gainesville, and surrounding areas. We understand the slope, soil, and stormwater patterns across Northeast Georgia, and we know how to fix runoff problems the right way.

Our team can:

• • Evaluate your yard and identify the water source
  • Recommend the best drainage strategy
  • Install it cleanly, quickly, and with minimal disruption
  • Ensure your solution lasts through seasons of rain and storms

Service Areas

We offer drainage and erosion control services throughout Northeast Georgia, including:

• Hoschton Drainage Solutions
• Braselton Drainage Solutions
• Buford Drainage Solutions
• Gainesville Drainage Solutions
• Flowery Branch Drainage Solutions
• Jefferson Drainage Solutions

Don’t see your city? Just ask, we likely serve your area too.

Ready to Fix the Problem?

You may not have caused the drainage issue, but you can take control of the solution. Let Razor Sharp Lawn & Landscape inspect your property and build a custom drainage plan that protects your yard, home, and peace of mind.

Contact us today to request an estimate or schedule a drainage consultation.