1. Why Drainage Matters in Montgomery County

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you've had water where it doesn’t belong—pooling in the yard, creeping toward your foundation, or turning your lawn into a muddy mess. And if you’re like most homeowners we’ve worked with across Montgomery County, you’ve probably told yourself more than once, “I’ll deal with it later.”

We get it. It’s frustrating. You’re busy. But drainage issues in Alabama aren’t just an eyesore—they’re a silent threat to your home, yard, and sanity. Left unchecked, they can lead to foundation cracks, erosion, basement leaks, dying grass, and even mosquito problems. Whether you’re dealing with an old home in need of a better system, or you’re building something new, the question still comes up:

When is the best time to finally get this fixed?

Let’s dig into it.

2. The Big Question: When’s the Best Time to Install Drainage?

If you want the short answer: Fall and early summer tend to be the sweet spots in Montgomery County.

But the longer answer? It depends on what kind of drainage problem you’re dealing with, how urgent it is, and what kind of system you need. Timing matters—not just to make the work easier, but to make sure it actually holds up through our rain-heavy seasons.

Let’s look at each season and how they affect drainage installation.

3. Spring: Is It Too Wet to Work?

Spring in Alabama is beautiful—and soaked. We see heavy rains in March, April, and into May, which means the ground stays saturated. That’s not always ideal for installing a system like a French drain, swale, or trench line.

What could go wrong in spring?

• Saturated soil is harder to grade or dig cleanly
  

• Trenches can collapse or fill back in with muddy runoff
  

• New systems may not get a chance to “settle” before being tested by heavy rain

That said, if your yard is already flooding in spring, it may be too late to wait. We can still install drainage systems in wet conditions—it just may take a bit more time, care, and cost depending on access.

4. Summer: Dry Ground, Fast Installs

Summer brings drier soil, better digging conditions, and more flexibility in scheduling. We often recommend summer for new drainage installs simply because it gives us stable conditions and enough time for the system to settle before the fall rain returns.

Pros of summer installation:

• Faster digging and cleaner trench work
  

• Systems are tested before the rainy season
  

• Less disruption to your lawn or landscaping

The ownside?

• Heat. Alabama summers aren’t easy to work in, and some materials (like exposed piping or concrete) require careful handling in extreme temps.

Still, for homeowners who like to plan ahead, summer is one of the most reliable times to install a new system without weather delays.

5. Fall: The Underrated Season for Drainage Fixes

This is the season that often gets overlooked—but honestly, fall is our favorite time to install drainage systems in Montgomery County.

Here’s why:

• The soil is still dry enough to dig efficiently
  

• Cooler temps mean better working conditions (for both crews and materials)
  

• You’re preparing your yard before the winter and spring rains hit
  

• Landscapers often schedule their big work before the holidays, and we can align with them

We recommend September through November for homeowners looking to beat the seasonal rush and protect their investment before the ground gets soggy again.

6. Winter: Cold, Slow, but Sometimes Smart

Winter drainage work in Central Alabama is hit or miss. Some years, we have mild winters that allow steady installs. Other years, we deal with cold snaps, frozen topsoil, or unpredictable rain.

When winter works best:

• Emergency fixes (like water against your foundation or soggy crawl spaces)
  

• Gravel-based systems like curtain drains that don’t require concrete
  

• Small-scale residential projects that don’t need heavy equipment access

It’s not our first choice—but if your system fails mid-winter, don’t wait. A drainage issue that’s allowed to sit until spring can cause thousands in damage.

7. What Type of Drainage System Are You Installing?

Not all drainage jobs are created equal. The time of year that works best also depends on what you're putting in:

If you’re unsure what system you need, that’s where we come in. We don’t offer cookie-cutter fixes—we design the right drainage solution for your yard’s slope, soil, and water problems.

8. Timing Around Landscaping and Concrete Work

Here’s a common situation: a homeowner hires us after they’ve already poured a patio, planted new grass, or landscaped their backyard.

It’s understandable. But drainage really needs to come first—or it could undo all that hard work.

Pro tip:
If you’re also planning:

• Driveways or concrete pads
  

• Retaining walls
  

• Sod, trees, or irrigation
  

• Grading or erosion control

Let’s coordinate. That way, your yard works with the water—not against it.

9. Real Homeowners Ask: “Can I Wait Till Next Year?”

We hear this a lot. And look, we’re not here to pressure you into rushing. But we do want to be honest with you—putting off a drainage issue often leads to a bigger, more expensive fix.

Here’s what waiting could cause:

• Foundation shifting or cracking
  

• Erosion around walkways or driveways
  

• Rotted deck posts or waterlogged fences
  

• Damage to landscaping, trees, or gardens
  

• Basement moisture or crawl space mold

If you’re unsure how urgent your situation is, we’re happy to walk you through it. We’d rather help you make a smart decision—even if it’s not today.

10. What We’ve Learned From Installing Drainage Systems Locally

We’ve worked across Montgomery County and neighboring areas like Autauga, Elmore, and Dallas Counties. Every yard is different, but there are some things we’ve learned over and over again:

• Red clay soil doesn’t drain well. You need systems that can redirect water—not just soak it up.
  

• Older homes often lack any real drainage system. The first heavy rain shows you what the builder skipped.
  

• Neighborhood runoff can be brutal. Sometimes your drainage problem starts with your neighbor’s hill.
  

• People usually wait too long. Most of the calls we get are from homeowners in crisis, not in planning mode.

That’s why we’re big believers in prevention—and in working when conditions are best for your property, not just our schedule.

11. How to Plan Your Project With PennyEarned Concrete and Site Prep

We’re not a massive outfit, and that’s by choice. We take on a manageable number of projects so we can give each one the attention it needs. That means we don’t just show up and dig—we listen, assess, and work with you to build something that lasts.

Here’s how it usually works:

1. Initial Call – You tell us what you’re seeing and what you need.
   

2. On-Site Evaluation – We walk your property and talk options.
   

3. Clear Estimate & Timing – No surprises—just real numbers and real dates.
   

4. Installation – We handle it start to finish, respecting your property.
   

5. Follow-Up Support – If you have questions, we’re still here.

We serve Montgomery, Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Bullock, Macon, and all surrounding counties. We’ve worked on everything from small yards to full site prep projects. No two jobs are the same—and that’s why we love what we do.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for drainage system timing, but if you're planning ahead, fall and summer are the best bets for long-lasting results in Montgomery County. That said, if water is already pooling, the right time to install is now.

At PennyEarned Concrete and Site Prep, we’re here to help you protect your home and your peace of mind. No pressure, just honest advice—and work that’s done right.

Want help figuring out your drainage problem?

Let’s take a walk through your property together. You’ll get straightforward guidance, a custom plan, and no sales pitch. Just give us a call or send a message—we’re ready when you are.