Improving Lawn Swales - Why Don't They Think?

I know. Lawn swales are a much better, "green" solution than leading all that water through pipes, ending in various places. But can't the townships give some more thought to homeowners and aesthetics?

Up north, water from property often drains over the lawn to the street. It's then carried along to a storm sewer.

Here in Virginia, they have a more natural approach. I was amazed when I first moved here and saw mostly swales on front lawns towards the street (running parallel with the road.) The water from the swales is directed to periodic culverts which eventually empty.

The good thing is that much of the swale water percolates back into the ground.

But here's the problem. Many of these swales that are built are extremely narrow and the side slopes are very steep. I can't tell you how many clients I have that want to improve upon this situation.

• The swale is often a nightmare to mow.
• It's always unattractive.
• Solutions are difficult.

The logical solution is to make the swale more gradual. However, this entails changing the grade, which often does not work well with the grades of the existing culverts. There are other solutions, but they become costly.

So I say this. When the swales are first designed, how about designing them to alleviate these problems? Make them more gently and easier to mow. Give some more thought to the grading.

These swales can really be an eyesore.