Unquestionably Confused wrote:
Where there are evergreens, ground cover, etc. there is no problem. You
might do better with gutters and downspouts. Based on my experience, a
hard surface isn't going to help.

Right, I agree. Casper seems to be on a budget, so, right now, he can only
do so much. Gutters, etal, including the French drain, are/may be future
projects, but at least he has some ideas to consider.
Sonny

If it weren't for the budget right now, I'd be doing way more here.
Sadly we still have a leak in the roof and some house shifting to
remedy that is tapping into our budget unexpectedly.

Right now the second door is going up. I've primed/painted the
underside of the side trim so those hinges won't have to be removed
later. Now I am trying to decide on how to do the trim above the door
to cover the gap effeciently and maybe add a bit of rain protection.

Btw ... it's she, not he. Ironically my husband isn't into doing this
kind of stuff but I love it. I even enjoy painting. Yeah, I know.
`Casper