Landscaping a Wet Backyard Trench: Drain, Don't Pond

Hand-dug trenches along property lines that fill with water are temporary ponds, not landscape features. Water must drain away in 48–72 hours.

Solutions

1. Perforated pipe + gravel (French drain) to an approved outlet (city property needs permit).
2. Underground retention: Plastic vault, large-diameter perforated pipe, or gravel gallery—if soil percolates.
3. Rock-lined swale to an outlet—V-shaped, planted or rock-armored.

Do not fill trenches with leaves/grass—creates odor, pests, and clogs. Plant only if drainage is positive (e.g., wet-tolerant shrubs in a retention basin).