Is your lawn soggy or does your basement regularly flood? In both cases, there could be a simple answer: you may have a drainage issue. If your garden is flat or you have non-porous soil, water has nowhere to go when it rains. As a result, it will accumulate, and either remain as standing water or drain off elsewhere—possibly into your home. If this sounds like your garden, a French drain could be the solution. But what is a French drain, and how does it work?

What Is a French Drain?

Named after Henry Flagg French, the farmer who invented it, the French drain is a popular drainage system. It consists of a lightly sloped trench that drains away excess surface water and deposits it in a more convenient place.

Depending on your drainage issues, your drain may be shallow or deep, interior or exterior, and it may traverse your property or run down through the yard.

How Does It Work?

It’s has a very straightforward mechanic that works similarly to that of a ditch. Once a contractor has located the source of the issue, they’ll build a sloping trench and fill it with pea-sized gravel.

The gravel intercepts the water and redirects it into the trench, thereby diverting it from the problem area and changing its course to run a pre-determined path. You can direct it to a local drain, the street, or some other harmless location.

When Is It the Right Solution?

There are several reasons why a French drain may be the best solution for you. They’re excellent for when you have a leaking basement. You may choose to build the trench around the base of your home exterior, or cut into your basement perimeter and install an interior drain instead.

It is also appropriate if you have an issue with surface water. In this case, the drain will be positioned several feet above where the water is accumulating but below where it’s coming from. It captures the water before it can reach the flat land.

The team at Buzz Landscaping Inc. in Conway, AR, has served the greater Central Arkansas area since 2003, making the lawn and landscaping visions of the local residents a reality. Their professional technicians will take care of every part of the process, including the design, installation, maintenance, and renovation work. Whether you have plans for a new patio or want to install a French drain, call them today on (501) 730-4515. Visit their website to request an estimate, or connect with them on Facebook for expert advice on landscaping and yard features.