Excelsior Outdoor Drainage Solutions

Lake Minnetonka's Drainage Specialists Building Dreams Since 2003

Outdoor Drainage Solutions for Excelsior's Homes and Businesses

Here at KG Landscape, we've been solving Excelsior's trickiest water problems for over two decades. Living on Lake Minnetonka brings incredible rewards, but it also means dealing with water challenges that most Minnesota communities never face. Our outdoor drainage solutions turn these lakefront obstacles into manageable systems that protect your investment.

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Master-Level Outdoor Drainage Solutions Expertise Throughout Excelsior Since 2003

Sophisticated Outdoor Drainage Solutions for Excelsior's Lakefront Setting


Most people don't realize that Excelsior sits in a geological sweet spot that makes drainage both easier and more complicated than surrounding areas. The glacial activity that formed Lake Minnetonka left behind layers of different materials - some that drain beautifully, others that hold water like a sponge. Your neighbor might have perfect drainage while you're dealing with standing water after every storm, and it all comes down to what's happening six feet below the surface.



Lake Minnetonka's massive surface area creates its own weather patterns that affect Excelsior differently than inland communities. Storm systems intensify as they cross the water, then dump concentrated rainfall on properties closest to shore. The lake also moderates temperatures, which sounds great until you realize it creates more freeze-thaw cycles that can damage poorly designed drainage systems. We've learned to anticipate these lake-effect challenges in every installation.


Properties along Water Street and near the historic downtown face unique challenges from the combination of older infrastructure and proximity to the lake's influence on groundwater. These areas require drainage systems that can handle both surface water from storms and the subsurface pressure that builds up when lake levels rise. Installing a catch basin in these locations means understanding how water moves both above and below ground. When we backfill the trench, we use materials that work with these complex conditions and surrounding soil rather than fighting them.


Excelsior's reputation as a destination community means many properties serve dual purposes - family homes that also host gatherings and events. This creates higher demands on outdoor spaces and makes yard drainage problems particularly frustrating. Nobody wants guests walking through soggy areas or dealing with pooling in your yard during outdoor entertaining. Our french drains and surface management systems ensure your property performs beautifully regardless of recent weather. The goal is creating outdoor drainage solutions that work invisibly, letting you focus on enjoying your Lake Minnetonka lifestyle rather than worrying about water flow management.

Why Our Transformative Outdoor Drainage Solutions Are Chosen by Excelsior Homeowners


Lakefront Stability


Professional water management creates stable soil conditions around your foundation, preventing the settling and movement that Lake Minnetonka's fluctuating groundwater levels can cause in unprotected properties.

Usable Landscapes


Effective drainage systems eliminate soggy areas that limit outdoor enjoyment, transforming problematic wet zones into functional spaces where families can actually use their entire property year-round.

Worry-Free Living


Comprehensive water control provides peace of mind during Minnesota's unpredictable weather, knowing your Excelsior investment is protected against the costly water damage that threatens less prepared homes.

What Our Clients Say About Our Services

“Working with KG Landscape was a great experience. We are very happy with the process and timing of working with KG Landscape from the initial consult, design work, planning and build of our paver patio and landscape.”

~Amy W.

“I would not hesitate to use KG Landscaping again and I feel comfortable advising others to use them as well.”

~Lucy B.

"Services we had were yard grading for water drainage, retaining wall and patio installation. Before and after pictures first two of the southwest side and second two from the back deck. Very happy with KG!"

~Laurie A.

Drainage Wisdom from Excelsior's Water Management Experts

  • Why do some Excelsior properties flood while neighbors stay completely dry?

    Underground geology varies dramatically across Excelsior due to how glaciers deposited materials thousands of years ago. One lot might sit on well-draining sand while the adjacent property has clay that holds water like a bowl. Lake elevation changes also affect properties differently based on distance from shore and ground elevation. We analyze each site's specific conditions to design drainage systems that work with your particular soil and water patterns.

  • How do you protect historic Excelsior homes without damaging their character?

    Vintage properties around downtown and near the Old Log Theatre require gentle approaches that respect original construction methods. We use low-impact installation techniques and carefully select materials that complement rather than compete with historic architecture. When we install a french drain around these properties, our sump pump installations integrate discreetly with existing foundations and landscaping. The goal is solving water drainage problems while preserving the charm that makes these properties special.

  • What happens when Lake Minnetonka's water levels affect my drainage system?

    Rising lake levels create hydraulic pressure that can back up standard drainage systems and cause surface water to appear where it normally doesn't. Our designs account for these pressure variations through proper depth planning and backflow prevention. We position catch basins and design gravel filled trenches to handle both normal conditions and the extreme scenarios that lakefront living occasionally creates.


Excelsior's Water Management Specialists Are Ready


Whether your property overlooks the historic Excelsior Bay or sits among the tree-lined streets near Minnewashta Parkway, KG Landscape delivers drainage systems that work.


Let us show you how expert water management enhances your Lake Minnetonka lifestyle.

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