What is the primary method for achieving proper drainage in a landscape?

Achieving proper drainage in a landscape is crucial for preventing water accumulation and ensuring the health of plants and soil. Grading the land away from structures is the primary method for accomplishing this. This technique involves shaping the surface of the land to create a slope that directs water away from buildings and other critical areas. By ensuring that water flows away from foundations, it reduces the risk of flooding, erosion, and damage to both structures and the landscape itself.

Other options, such as using artificial turf, planting dense foliage, or installing a fence, do not serve the primary purpose of drainage. While artificial turf can reduce water absorption and may have certain applications related to surface water management, it does not actively contribute to directing water away from critical areas. Planting dense foliage may aid in soil stabilization and water absorption, but it does not replace the need for proper grading to manage surface water runoff. Installing a fence may provide some boundaries or security, but it does not influence how water drains in a landscape. Thus, grading is the most effective and direct approach to managing drainage in landscaping.