When designing your landscaping, effective drainage should not be overlooked. Options may not fit in your aesthetics, but it is essential for protecting both your outdoor space and building foundations from water damage. There are different, creative ways to incorporate drainage solutions into your landscape design, as well as aesthetic options for trench drainage solutions.
Add Elevation
Adding grading to landscape design with berms or raised garden beds can help improve drainage by directing water flow away from problem areas. Keep in mind that this does not drain water away, it just redirects it. A great solution if you have somewhere where large amounts of water can drain into, such as a swale or area at the back of your property.
Garden Terrace
Terraces will create a stair-stepping effect to guide water runoff down the slope. Also beneficial for preventing soil erosion. The land’s natural slope will determine the number and height of the terraces. It’s important to ensure water will not pool in the terrace, as this can cause soil erosion or plant diseases.
Create a Berm
A garden berm is a raised mound of earth to add visual interest to a flat landscape, to highlight an area or for drainage reasons. A berm allows you to introduce better quality soil into your garden without digging. A great option especially of your soil does not drain well.
Native Plants
Native plants will always thrive in your area’s climate and soil conditions. Generally, if the climate in your area is wet; native plants will be able to survive and soak up some rainwater. Similarly, select plants that love moisture to help absorb excess moisture.
Hardscape Areas
Convert waterlogged or repeat flooding areas in your garden to hardscape areas. Hardscape materials like gravel or pavers will provide better drainage than soil. Convert areas into an outdoor entertaining area, or fire pit. Consider installing a trench drain as apart of the renovation.
Dry Creek
A dry creek bed mimics the appearance of natural watercourse, typically lined with rocks or pebbles. It is designed to fill with water during heavy rainfall as a natural drainage solution. Plants can also be installed within the bed to create a feature.
Trench Drainage Solutions
A proper landscape drainage system is the most effective solution for draining large amounts of water runoff in outdoor spaces. Modern trench drain designs have evolved from plain, industrial channels into sophisticated components that complement the overall landscape design. Options such as decorative grates in coordinating colours or discreet slot drains will compliment your hardscape area.
