Do Swales Require Professional Landscaping Services?

Designing Your Swale

Designing a swale is a straightforward process that involves identifying a low-lying area on your property, determining the water table depth, and calculating the swale’s dimensions. A general rule of thumb is to create a swale that is 1-2% grade, or 1-2 feet of elevation change per 100 feet of length. This allows water to flow slowly and infiltrate the soil without creating erosion issues.

Building Your Swale

Building a swale is a relatively simple process that involves digging a narrow ditch and creating a berm on either side. The ditch should be about 1-3 feet deep and 3-6 feet wide, depending on the water flow and desired infiltration rate. The berm should be about 1-2 feet high and 3-6 feet wide, and should be planted with vegetation that is tolerant of periodic flooding.

Contour Swales

Contour swales are a type of swale that follows the contour of the land, rather than flowing downhill like a traditional swale. These swales are particularly effective at capturing and infiltrating rainfall, especially on sloping land. To build a contour swale, use a string and stakes to mark the contour line, then dig a narrow ditch and create a berm on either side. Plant vegetation that is tolerant of periodic flooding, and be sure to leave a small gap between the berm and the ditch to allow water to infiltrate the soil.