Good points about termites—definitely don't want to roll out the welcome mat for those little guys. A couple quick safety tips I'd add from experience:
- Make sure your swale or trench slopes away from the house consistently (at least 1-2% grade). Standing water can cause more than just termite issues—think mold, foundation cracks, and mosquitoes.
- If you're using gravel trenches, line them with landscape fabric first. Keeps dirt out and helps drainage stay effective longer.
Better safe than sorry...plus, your tomatoes will thank you later.
"Make sure your swale or trench slopes away from the house consistently (at least 1-2% grade). Standing water can cause more than just termite issues—think mold, foundation cracks, and mosquitoes."
That's a really good point about the slope—I hadn't even thought about foundation cracks or mold issues. I'm actually planning my first rain harvesting setup right now, and the slope thing has me a bit nervous. My yard is pretty flat, so I'm not sure how much digging I'll need to do to get that 1-2% grade consistently. Has anyone here dealt with a similar situation? Wondering if it's worth renting equipment to make the job easier or if hand tools are enough for a small yard. Also, curious if there's a specific type of landscape fabric that's best for drainage purposes...I've seen several kinds at the store and wasn't sure if it matters much.
Hand tools can definitely do the trick if your yard isn't huge—I did mine with just a shovel and rake over a weekend. For landscape fabric, I'd suggest woven geotextile; it drains well and holds up nicely. Are you planning to add gravel or mulch on top?
"For landscape fabric, I'd suggest woven geotextile; it drains well and holds up nicely."
Totally agree with this—I used woven geotextile under my rain barrels and it's held up great for over three years now. One thing I'd add: if you're planning gravel on top, go for angular gravel instead of round pebbles. It compacts better, stays put during heavy rains, and makes walking around your setup way easier. Learned that the hard way after chasing loose gravel down my driveway...
Good point about angular gravel—wish I'd known that before I set mine up. Ever tried moving a wheelbarrow full of round pebbles uphill after a storm? Let's just say my neighbors got some unexpected driveway decorations... Anyway, has anyone noticed issues with weeds poking through woven geotextile over time, or does it hold up pretty well long-term? I'm debating between that and doubling up layers.
