Neighbor's Runoff: Stop Water at the Fence Without Causing Problems

Water seeps under the fence from your neighbor's higher yard. You want a barrier—but damming water against a wood fence rots posts and shifts the problem next door.

Better Than Flashing & Block

• Swale or shallow basin on your side: slows water, lets it infiltrate
• Curb & gutter set back from fence: directs flow, looks intentional
• French drain with catch basins: captures subsurface seepage, pipes it away

Key Principle

Manage water, don't block it. Slow it, spread it, sink it. Your neighbor's cooperation helps—but even solo, a swale + French drain handles 20 feet of seepage cleanly.