How to Landscape a Drainage Swell

A drainage swell is an area of ground built up to prevent drain water from escaping.

A drainage swell is related to a drainage swale or ditch. The drainage swell is the highest part surrounding the ditch. In some locations the areas directly around drainage ditches or low areas of a yard are built up to hide the ditch from view and to create a kind of dam to prevent the water inside the ditch from spilling out into the yard or road. Landscaping this location can sometimes be awkward because it sticks up from the rest of the yard. However, there are solutions that can make this part of the landscape more attractive.

Things You'll Need

• Water-loving trees
• Ivy
• Shovel
• Landscaping rocks
• Water-loving plants
• Mortar
• Trowel

Instructions

1. Consider planting trees to disguise the area. Plant trees near the base of the swell to disguise the swell and to soak up any excess ground water from the area. If the drainage swell is close to the house, make sure to plant trees about 20 feet away from any pipes to prevent the roots from causing damage. Plant maple, birch, dogwood, elderberry, alder or redwood to disguise the area.

2. Cover a small swell with ivy. This will help disguise the height of the swell and make it easier to maintain. Make sure to use a variety of ivy that spreads quickly for best results and that is hardy for your region.

3. Build a landscape retaining wall on a swell with a steep slope. You can dig out portions of the swell to create a stair-step garden that looks intentional and attractive. Use a shovel to dig out a four foot area from the middle of the swell, or the top, if it is less than three feet high. Use landscaping rocks glued together with mortar to build a wall up to that point. If the swell is steep, consider adding a second layer of wall leading to the top of the swell to create a multi-level garden.

4. Plant water-friendly plants along the top of the swell and in any garden beds that you made. Sweet alyssum, penstemon, nemesia and foxglove love moisture and will add brilliant pops of color to the swell. You can also mix ivy into the garden for a natural and wild look.

5. Use a mixture of all of the above methods to create a story-book garden around your drainage area. This will transform your unsightly drainage swell into a beautiful area that may become your favorite part of the yard.

References

• E-Landscaping Ideas: Hill Landscaping Ideas
• Garden Ideas: Troubleshoot Your Landscape Problems
• Ohio State University: Ohio Stream Management Guide