4 replies to this topic

[msr]

One of my clients had a new sump pump installed over the winter. For whatever reason, the two drains for the pump were installed at the front of the house and they empty into the front flower bed. As you see in the photo, the drain is creating a pool of muck. If that's not problematic enough, the existing downspout is very near the new drains and the shrub in front of it is drowning.

Would appreciate thoughts on what to do/plant to make this better. Thanks very much!

msr

[Daniel Davis]

Once option may be to add some flat flagstone to assist with directing the water to the edge of the bed. Attached is a photo to give you an idea. (These were some left over pieces, would suggest some narrow longer pieces with thicker ones on the sides. Same could be done with the downspot. These were places directly on the soil, although when we redo it we will add some liner under the stone.)

Attached Images

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[msr]

Good idea ...Thank you very much!

[Cricket]

Is it possible to add downspout extentions to the downspout coming from the house so the extensions run along the back of the shrub row to the far edge of the bed (along the front of the house)? Extensions are available in darker colors that would blend in with the bed surface and not be as noticeable. A drain tray at the end of the entension would further direct water away from nearby shrubs.

[Janet Macunovich]

PRETTY answer, Daniel!
We love to play with water in a garden, direct it along paths like that... Guess we never really grew up, just made our bathtub toys into career tools!

Great photo showing the effects of too much water on a yew, MSR. We're going to make a link to it a reference point for others who ask "what's wrong with my yew" if it sounds like it could be a water issue.