Are French Drains a Good Idea?

The combination of low ground and poorly draining soil can result in high levels of standing water in your garden. Furthermore, if left untreated, this can cause considerable damage to your property. Stagnant water can damage your lawn, trees and basement. It can also have considerable effects on your home’s value. But are French drains right for your garden? As providers for landscape and groundwork services, we will guide you through everything you need to know. 

What are French Drains? 

French drains are a top solution if you regularly experience flooding in your garden or basement. These are systems of ditches and pipes that divert water away from a specific area. 

French Drain Benefits

The main benefit of French drains is that they can help to prevent flooding. This in turn reduces the risk of long -term water damage to your property. They are also very long lasting, with a lifeline of between 30 and 40 years. 

Additionally when covered with turf, decorative aggregates or plants, they can also be aesthetically pleasing or blending perfectly in your garden. 

French Drain Pitfalls 

One downside of french drains is that they can be time consuming and difficult to install. Additionally, if you have existing structures such as walkways and decks, these may need to be removed in order to dig trenches. Furthermore, they can sometimes become clogged and overflow which can cause further damage. But the clogging issue can be avoided by installing a slightly different type of pipe system, which can be cleaned regularly, but this option is significantly more expensive than the regular, perforated land pipe based french  drain system.

How To Install French Drains 

Installing a French drain can be a considerably large project. For this reason, it is recommended that you contact a professional. 

Firstly, a safe area has to be arked and cleared for digging. A trench is dug and then lined with landscaping fabric. This prevents weeds and roots from clogging the pipe. Following this an intel grate is placed at the top of the trench and pipes are installed.  During this process, the pipes will eventually reach the drainage point. From here, the drain is often tested to make sure everything works correctly. If successful the trench is then covered with gravel and topsoil. 

Summary 

For many, a French drain is a great option to prevent flooding in your garden and basement. Key benefits include that they are incredibly long-lasting and can look great in your garden when covered with plants. However, they can be difficult and time-consuming to install and can also become clogged, causing further damage. 

Contact Us – Groundwork Services

As a local provider for landscape and groundwork services, BZ Gardens can help with a range of garden maintenance, from waste disposal, estate management, landscape design and much more. We create and care for unique gardens and open spaces for residential, commercial and public clients across London, Greater London. Should you need support with your end of tenancy garden maintenance, contact us and we will be happy to help with your enquiries.