Licensed & Insured Free On-Site Estimates Owner-Led Site Work Across Central Alabama
Gravel drainage swale with a catch basin grate in a residential yard

Drainage Contractor

Fix the Water Problem in Your Yard for Good

Standing water, a soggy yard or water heading toward your house? We find where it is coming from and fix the cause, not just the symptom.

  • French drains and yard drainage
  • Grading and drainage solved together
  • Your yard put back clean

Get a Free Estimate

Free on-site estimate. We call you back fast.

Step 1 of 6

What do you need?
Licensed & InsuredAlabama site-work contractor
Free On-Site EstimateWe walk the property with you
Written Quote in a WeekMeasured, not guessed
No Surprise ChargesWritten change orders only

Why the low bid costs more

A Drain in the Wrong Spot Is Just a Ditch

Cheap drainage fixes move the water a few feet and call it done. We figure out where the water comes from and where it can actually go.

What a cut-down quote often leaves out

  • A drain dropped in without checking the fall
  • Water moved to a new low spot instead of off the property
  • The grade that caused the problem left as it was
  • Trenches and dirt piles left in your yard

What we scope on your drainage job

  • We walk the yard with you and find where water collects
  • Elevations checked so the drain has real fall
  • Grading fixed where it is part of the problem
  • French drains or swales sized for the water you get
  • Your yard put back clean when we finish
Drainage trench with pipe being installed in a yard

Residential drainage

Find the Cause, Then Fix It

Drainage problems usually come from grading. That is why we look at both. You get a plan that explains where the water will go and why it will stay fixed.

  • French drains
  • Yard drainage and swales
  • Regrading around the house
  • Drainage for new home sites
Get My Free Drainage Estimate

How we work

You Know the Plan and the Price Before We Start

  1. 01

    We call you back fast

    Tell us about the property and what you want it ready for. We talk goals and budget on the first call and give you a ballpark.

  2. 02

    We walk the property with you

    Free on-site estimate. We go over the good and the bad, shoot elevations and take measurements when the job needs it.

  3. 03

    Written quote within a week

    A clear scope that spells out every part of the work and why it is there, so you can compare apples to apples.

  4. 04

    Done as agreed, left clean

    A walkthrough before we start, weekly check-ins on bigger jobs, and work stops for a written change order before anything is added.

Recent jobs

Real Southern Dirt Projects

Every photo here is from our own jobs around Central Alabama.

Drainage trench beside a home
Drainage trench beside a home
Excavator clearing a wooded lot
Excavator clearing a wooded lot
Excavation on a home site
Excavation on a home site
Compact track loader grading a cleared lot
Compact track loader grading a cleared lot
Cleared pine lot with equipment on site
Cleared pine lot with equipment on site
Aerial view of a residential site being prepared for a new home
Aerial view of a residential site being prepared for a new home
Compact track loader grading a residential lot
Compact track loader grading a residential lot

One contractor for the whole site

Most Properties Need More Than One Thing Done

Clearing, grading, the house pad and drainage all affect each other. We plan them together so nothing gets missed between crews.

Google reviews

What Homeowners Say About Cole

5.0 from 16 Google reviews

Excellent service today by Southern Dirt, developer Cole Davis/crew arrived at 0700 to assist with flooding and washout issue on my property.

I am an FNP and travel at times for my job…I was notified by family that my yard was full of water completely on one side!

Southern Dirt buried lines, installed a drain box and sod was added to half of the yard! The guys arrived at 0700 and other than lunch I never saw them stop working on my issue!

I highly recommend Cole Davis, he has the knowledge base needed to correct water issues and flooding! Excellent service!!!

Donna D.Google review

Southern Dirt was a godsend to our project! We had to pivot after the project was already underway. Cole was able to step in to ensure that the excavation, grading and drainage was done properly, as well as complete the final grading and addition of several pallets of sod. He was dependable and communicated well throughout it all. He is the go-to man! He will get the job done! No doubt, we will be using him again if we have another project!

Beth S.Google review

Cole is a hard working guy and it shows in his work. Him and his team came out to our property to give us an estimate for re-grading the front, filling in a ditch, removing some debris, and giving us their professional opinion about our drainage issues in the yard. Cole was punctual, good with communication and gave a fair estimate. After the work, we had some bad storms that messed up some of the work; when we told him of this, he was back out to fix the issues with hardly any cost to us. After that there were no issues. I highly recommend Cole and will use him again for anything else we need done in the future. Excellent company and Cole will make sure you are happy.

KatherineGoogle review

We are extremely happy with the job done on our 5acre property.Cole and his team did an outstanding job removing trees and mulching our land completing transforming our space . They were punctual, hardworking and respectful of our property. The final results exceeded our expectations, and we would absolutely use them again and recommend to others.

Elizabeth V.Google review

Cole is a great contractor highly knowledgeable on anything dirt / grading and excavation or land clearing. He always picks up the phone too!

Logan S.Google review

I used Mr. Davis to clear out a hillside and move dirt from one side of my driveway to the other. He exceeded my expectations with the job he did. I would definitely highly recommend him.

Google reviewerGoogle review

Cole worked very hard. He takes a lot of pride in his work His prices are very reasonable. He does an excellent job.

Rufus L.Google review

Cole Davis and Southern Dirt made our families dreams come true! Easy and wonderful experience at a very reasonable fair price point.

We had tear down and added patio with 14 pallets of sod!

Van Tiffin D.Google review

These guys are extremely talented at what they do absolutely masters of their craft. They were very professional. I will absolutely use them again.

Jose A.Google review

Great guy. Does fantastic job and very professional. Extremely trustworthy

Nicholas N.Google review

Honest and dependable. Would definitely hire again.

Mike W.Google review

Service area

Based in Harpersville, Working Across Central Alabama

We take on site work in Shelby, St. Clair and Jefferson counties and nearby, including these communities:

Questions

Drainage Questions

Don’t see your question? Call us at (205) 506-2137.

How much does a French drain cost?

It depends on the length, the depth, how much fall there is and where the water can go. We walk the yard for free and send a written quote, usually within a week.

Why does my yard hold water?

Usually the grade sends water toward a low spot with nowhere to go, or the soil cannot take it. We will show you what is happening when we walk the property.

Do I need a French drain or regrading?

Sometimes one, sometimes both. We will explain which your yard needs and why before you sign anything.

Will you tear up my whole yard?

We disturb only what the job needs and leave the property clean. What we will restore is written into your quote.

Do you handle drainage on new home sites?

Yes. We plan drainage together with clearing, grading and the house pad, so water moves away from the house from day one.

Free on-site estimate

Get Your Free Drainage Estimate

Tell us where the water is going. We will come walk the yard with you and send a written quote.

  • Licensed & insured
  • We walk the property with you before quoting
  • Written quote, usually within a week
  • No added cost without your signed approval
Or call (205) 506-2137

Request Your Estimate

Free on-site estimate. We call you back fast.

Step 1 of 6

What do you need?
Call Now Free Estimate