Constructing Drainage Swales
One simple way to make water drain where you want it is to contour the ground into swales, or long depressions, that guide surface
runoff
. Water in swales moves naturally toward its intended destination, usually the street. A
dry creek bed
along the swale can make an attractive landscape feature.
Keep in mind that swales work only after the soil is completely saturated.
Step by Step: Constructing A Drainage Swale
1. Cut or grade a long V-shaped depression in the soil.
2. Adjust the grade so there's at least a 1-foot drop for every 50-foot length of swale.
3. Check with a
line level
if necessary.
Tools and Materials
shovel
line level
mason's line
stakes
steel rake
wheelbarrow
Tool and hardware-related resources on the Web