Garden still flooding? Consider installing a French drain as a potential solution to your water woes in your yard
In recent weeks, torrential downpours have left many gardens waterlogged, making drainage solutions like French drains popular. But when is the best time to install one?
A French drain is a drainage system used to prevent flooding in gardens. It consists of a trench filled with gravel or rock, with a perforated pipe running through it. While French drains are a popular choice for improving drainage, it's essential to install them at the right time to ensure their proper functioning and longevity.
According to experts, the ideal time to install a French drain is during the dry season, such as late summer or early winter. The soil should be dry for easier digging of the trench where the French drain will be placed. Mark Irving, a building and landscaping expert, suggests installing French drains when the weather is dry.
Jess Thomas, the managing director of Drainage Central, states that the best time to install a French drain is during summer for a number of reasons. The soil is typically drier and easier to work with, allowing for better installation and preparation ahead of colder, wetter months. Moreover, grass will grow better during summer if it is covering the drain, for a more natural aesthetic.
However, it's important to avoid installing French drains during certain times. Installing a French drain when the ground is wet can be difficult as the excavated soil may be heavy and the trench may collapse or lose its form. It's advisable to avoid installing French drains during particularly wet weather, as saturated soil can hinder proper trenching and pipe installation.
Additionally, it's essential to avoid French drain installation during winter due to the likelihood of frozen ground. Winter is the only time when it would not be recommended to install a French drain. The frozen ground makes digging difficult and can damage the drainage system.
Similarly, spring thaw and heavy rain seasons should also be approached with caution, especially for drainage systems associated with retaining walls, because rapid melting and runoff can saturate soils, increasing hydrostatic pressure that might overwhelm or disrupt an underbuilt drainage system.
In summary, avoid French drain installation during winter due to frozen ground, during heavy wet weather or saturated soil conditions, and during spring thaw when soils are unstable and flooding risk is high (particularly for wall drainage). Summer offers a more favorable window for installation to ensure proper functioning and longevity of the system.
Sophie King, the new Gardens Editor at the platform, shares a soft spot for roses and dinnerplate dahlias. She loves sharing growing hacks for every space, from herbaceous borders to balconies. If you're considering adding a French drain to your garden, summer might be the best time to do it. Get ahead for the colder months and enjoy a well-drained garden all year round.
If you are considering adding a French drain to your home-and-garden to prevent flooding, summer might be the ideal time for installation as the soil is typically drier and easier to work with, ensuring easy trenching and proper installation (Sophie King). To ensure the longevity of your home-improvement drainage solution, it is recommended to avoid installing French drains during winter due to the frozen ground or during heavy wet weather, when saturated soil can hinder proper trenching and pipe installation (according to experts).
