Swale Installation

What This Service Involves

A swale is a broad, gently sloped channel that guides surface water along a planned path, an attractive and low-maintenance fit for larger PNW landscapes. We grade the swale to move runoff away from problem areas while its vegetated bottom slows the flow and lets water soak in. This reduces erosion, filters sediment, and can double as a landscape feature planted with rain-tolerant grasses and perennials. Swales are especially effective on sloped lots where concentrated runoff would otherwise cut channels through the lawn.

Benefits

Channels stormwater along a controlled path; Slows flow and reduces soil erosion; Filters sediment for cleaner runoff; Doubles as an attractive planted feature; Low-maintenance solution for sloped PNW lots

Our Process

1) Study site contours and plan the swale route; 2) Excavate and shape the broad channel to grade; 3) Stabilize the base with soil amendments or rock; 4) Plant rain-tolerant vegetation along the bottom; 5) Establish an outlet and confirm controlled flow

What Affects the Cost

Length and width of the swale corridor; Volume of grading and earthwork; Vegetation and erosion-control materials; Slope steepness and stabilization needs; Any rock armoring at high-flow points

Best Time of Year

Best built in early fall or spring so plantings establish during the wet season and stabilize the channel before heavy flows.