Drainage ideas for French drains are many, and they vary depending on the style of your yard. Drainage systems are designed to maintain a natural flow of water from the soil to the yard below. There are three different types of French drains; underground perforated, French drains with springs, and normal perforated French drains. Perforated French drains are the least expensive. However, the most popular is the regular perforated type.
If you’re looking for some landscaping design ideas for French drains, then consider the benefits of the regular or underground system, as well as the benefits of DIY systems. A French drain is less expensive than a trenching installation. For this reason, a DIY French drain is recommended for areas with heavy foot traffic, where weeds might be an issue, or for those who want more flexibility for working with the soil and weeds in the bottom of the ditch.
Not all drainage ideas are about preventing water from being directed away from the home. In fact, many are designed to increase the ability of the soil to absorb rainwater and retain the moisture for use in the plantings around the house. This is why many landscaping companies use a combination of granular materials and polyethylene netting to build storm water run off areas. These materials will decrease runoff and collect much more water that can be reused in the plantings or transferred to groundwater.
With the increasing population in suburbs, and the need to find ways to reduce urban sprawl, more landscape designers are concentrating their attention on incorporating landscape drainage ideas into home designs. This is particularly important in suburban regions where houses are typically built close to one another and there is limited access to a public park. Landscape drainage systems allow residents to enjoy their parks and yards without worrying about water collecting in their driveways or running off to the side of their homes. These landscape design concepts are usually referred to as green infrastructure, since the materials used are plants that absorb environmental pollution and prevent it from seeping into surrounding areas. One popular landscaping idea is to build a low rise, tree lined pergola around a gazebo or tree house.
Landscape drainage ideas can also help homeowners with driveways. Most homeowners choose to create channels that will allow water to flow easily down the sides of their driveways. These channels can be made from concrete, brick, or stone and are usually less expensive than installing individual drainage channels. Some homeowners opt to build pergolas along the edges of their driveways. Pergolas can be constructed to add height to the home and act as an attractive focal point for gardening efforts around the home.
Another landscaping technique that is becoming popular with homeowners is creating a rain garden. A rain garden is designed with plants and landscape elements that will thrive during dry periods as well as withstand drought. The plants used in a rain garden are typically tolerant to milder climates and grow best in soil conditions that are relatively moist. Many people who live in climates that experience high seasonal rainfall develop their own version of a rain garden.
Some homeowners have been known to apply topsoil to their French drains in order to improve drainage. Topsoil can be applied to the inside of French drains by snaking the material through holes cut in the bottom of the drain. The process is relatively easy and does not require the use of pesticides. Once the topsoil is applied, it can often be scraped off and reapplied to the French drain with a new layer of topsoil.
Although a French drain can prove quite attractive when landscaping, it is often difficult to remove. If an individual has an unexpected runoff during a storm, it may be necessary to dig down to the lowest level of the property in order to clear away any standing water. In addition, certain objects such as large rocks may be impossible to remove. When a homeowner begins toying with the idea of constructing a French drain in an attempt to solve drainage problems, it is important to consult with a professional to make certain that the design will meet all of the necessary code requirements for the area in which the proposed design will be located. Many homeowners do not realize that installing a French drainage system within the walls of a home may pose a number of challenges that must be addressed before the project can proceed.