This drainage swale is particularly troublesome because of the dense shade of the Maple understory. A solution to this muddy mess was desired that would be permanent, low maintenance and attractive.

Standard installation procedures include excavating the soil, typically to a depth of 10-12 inches, machine compacting the subsoil and installing 6-8 inches of crushed gravel which is also machine compacted to give a very solid and stable base.A one inch thick layer of sand is then spread (shown...