How to Build a Yard Drainage Ditch
- 1). Excavate a narrow trench that's between 10 to 14 inches deep and 6 inches wide, using a shovel. Your trench should extend the full length of your yard's problem water spot.
- 2). Shovel a layer of crushed gravel at least 2 inches deep into the trench. Smooth the gravel until level.
- 3). Cut a length of PVC pipe or tubing to fit the length of the drainage ditch, using a bow saw. Lay the pipe atop the gravel.
- 4). Cover the PVC pipe with another 2-inch layer of crushed gravel. Rake the gravel level.
- 5). Replace the excavated soil atop the gravel, leaving about an inch at the top of the drainage ditch. Top the soil with a layer of sand.
- 6). Smooth out the drainage ditch until the site is nearly level with the rest of the property, using the rake. Spread grass seed or sod atop the sand.
