What Is a Swale, why is it important, and how can you improve it?
November 6, 2025
Discover how a swale fixes poor yard drainage naturally. Learn what swales are, how they work, and how they can be improved for suburban homeowners.
Why Does My Yard Have a Swale
If your yard turns into a soggy mess after every rain, you’re not alone. Many Northeast Ohio homeowners face the same problem: poor drainage. Whether it’s puddles that linger for days or water pooling near your foundation, excess runoff can cause damage and frustration.
Oftentimes builders, when developing new neighborhoods, utilize swales as a simple and natural fix to drainage challenges. Swales are oftentimes placed between homes or along rear property lines. In some instances, builders will empty downspout drains, sump pump drains, and other yard drainage pipes into swales.
What Is a Swale in Landscaping?
A swale is a shallow, gently sloped channel designed to collect, slow, and direct rainwater runoff. It’s often shaped like a grassy dip or shallow trench that follows the natural contours of your yard.
But unlike a ditch, a swale does more than move water away — it helps it soak into the ground slowly. This process reduces flooding, prevents erosion, and allows the soil to naturally filter pollutants.
Most residential swales are lined with grass, gravel, or native plants that hold soil in place and blend beautifully into your landscaping.
How a Swale Works in Your Yard
Here’s how a swale drainage system helps manage water in your yard:
- Collects runoff – The swale is positioned where water naturally flows, such as between homes or at the base of a slope.
- Slows the flow – Its gentle slope and vegetation reduce the speed of moving water, preventing erosion.
- Filters and absorbs – As water flows through the swale, it seeps into the ground, recharging groundwater and filtering out pollutants.
- Directs overflow safely – During heavy rains, excess water moves through the swale toward a safe outlet, like a rain garden, dry well, or storm drain.
Essentially, a swale turns excess rainwater from a problem into an opportunity — restoring balance to your yard’s natural drainage.
My Swale is Always Soggy. Is There Anything That I Can Do to Improve It?
Yes, there are solutions that homeowners in Northeast Ohio can utilize to improve this natural drainage system. Due to the clay soil that we experience, water does not soak back into the earth quickly after rain events. This makes swales difficult to mow/maintain during rainy seasons as well as potentially creating muddy areas that kids and our furry friends will definitely find with their shoes and paws.
To assist the work of swales during larger rain events, we may recommend installing a French drain and/or dry wells under the lowest point of the swale to store excess water during rain events. Additionally, this system may be connected to an existing catch basin or storm drain for moving more water during rain events.
We call this supercharging your swale!
Why Swales Are a Smart Yard Drainage Solution
Swales are a perfect balance of function and beauty. They protect your home from water damage, add visual interest to your landscape, and support a healthier environment…but they can still be improved.
Reach out to the team at Drain My Yard for your complimentary drainage assessment to determine if upgrades to your swale would improve your overall yard drainage.
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Why You Should Get Your Exterior Drains Checked with a Camera Scope Today, let's dive into a topic that often goes overlooked but can save you a ton of headaches down the road: checking your exterior drains (i.e., downspouts, surface drains, sump pump drain, etc.) with a camera scope. You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal?” Well, let me break it down for you. First off, the main benefit of this service is that it provides you with video proof of how your drainage system is functioning (or not functioning!) You get to see exactly what’s going on down there, and trust me, it’s worth it! You’ll not only find out whether your drains are draining correctly, but you’ll also learn where those drains go and how they’re connected to one another. This is invaluable information that most property owners don’t have, and it can really come in handy when issues arise. At Drain My Yard, we call this our Healthy Drain Program. If snow melt or rain leads to a puddle forming in your yard, the last thing you want is to be left in the dark about what’s causing the problem. By having your drains inspected, you can take proactive measures before things get out of hand. That camera scope can spot potential issues before they escalate—like a broken pipe or a serious clog—allowing you to address them effectively. Or, the camera scan gives your drainage pipes a clean bill of health! Additionally, when you have this service done through our Healthy Drain Program, you’re also given a map of where all your drain pipes are located on your property. This is a game changer, especially if you ever need to do yard work or before digging for any reason. Knowing where your pipes are can save you from accidentally damaging them, which could result in costly repairs. In the unfortunate event that you do have a broken pipe or a stubborn clog, you now have precise information at your fingertips. You’ll know exactly where the issue is, which allows you to determine the best course of action for repairs. Whether you handle the fix yourself, or you call in Drain My Yard, having that knowledge makes all the difference. So, if you haven’t had your exterior drains inspected with a camera scope yet, now’s the time to consider it! You’ll equip yourself with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your drainage system is functioning correctly—and if not, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done. If you'd like to schedule a drain inspection or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Drain My Yard at 330.678.9554. Let’s ensure your drainage system is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it! Remember, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way in protecting your home. Happy draining!
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