Prevent Drainage Damage This Winter with Topsoil and Fill Sand

Winter in Hampton Roads brings many chores—insulation, leaf cleanup, and frost protection. Yet one task often gets overlooked: fixing low spots and drainage issues before the ground freezes. Addressing them now protects your foundation, prevents landscape damage, and keeps your lawn healthy. Mercury Mulch encourages homeowners and contractors to prepare their properties for winter today.

Why Low Spots Become a Winter Problem

When water gathers in dips or uneven spots in your yard, it becomes more than a minor inconvenience. Temperature swings throughout winter cause that trapped water to freeze and thaw. Over time, this cycle expands and contracts the soil, which can create several costly issues for homeowners and contractors.

Foundation Stress and Structural Damage

Water collecting near a home can freeze and expand, stressing the foundation. When repeated, cracks or water may appear in basements and crawl spaces.

Damage to Grass, Plants, and Soil Health

Low areas also take a toll on lawns and landscaping. Grass and plants enter winter under stress, and excess moisture only adds to the strain. When standing water freezes around root systems, it disrupts the soil structure and limits oxygen flow. Unfortunately, this often results in:

• Dead or thinning grass

• Injured roots

• Compacted soil

• Persistent drainage issues

Lawn experts, including Doctors Lawn & Landscape, note that repeated freeze–thaw cycles can break down soil composition and worsen drainage over time.

Winter Crown Hydration: A Silent Lawn Killer

Another winter risk is crown hydration injury—a process that happens when grass absorbs water during a warm spell, then freezes suddenly. Ice forms inside the crown—the plant’s main growing point—damaging cells. Low spots where water lingers are especially vulnerable.

Fixing Low Spots with Topsoil and Fill Sand

The good news is that leveling these areas is straightforward when completed before the ground freezes. Two materials work exceptionally well for winter-ready leveling projects.

Topsoil

Quality topsoil creates a solid base for reshaping grades, filling divots, and improving drainage. Mercury Mulch provides screened topsoil that supports healthy roots and encourages smoother water movement across the yard.

Fill Sand

Fill sand helps stabilize soft or sunken spots. It improves drainage, reduces compaction, and fills holes with ease. It is an excellent choice for any area that needs better structure before winter weather hits.

In many cases, a blend of topsoil and fill sand offers the best results. Completing this work now gives the materials time to settle naturally before the ground hardens.

Mercury Mulch: Your Local Partner for Winter Yard Prep

Mercury Mulch proudly serves homeowners and contractors across Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Chesapeake, and nearby communities with premium topsoil and fill sand, fast delivery, and expert guidance. Don’t wait for small low spots to become costly problems—protect your foundation, lawn, and drainage now. Contact Mercury Mulch today at (757) 219-2033 to schedule delivery and get your yard winter-ready.