Washed Out Driveway | Drainage Problems

This question is about a washed out driveway with drainage problems and how to correct the situation.





Our driveway is on a slope with crushrun/gravel overlay.

We had very heavy rains for several days and the run off made a foot deep gully along the side. What is the best way to fill this in? My husband wants to pour concrete in it.

ANSWER

It would be more attractive if you could add soil and then plant some groundcover in this area...creating a planting bed. Once the groundcover gets established, any run off should be minmized as the plant material roots will help to absorb water. What groundcover you choose would depend on whether the area is sunny, shady, or a combination of both.

Another idea would be to lay a perforated pipe along the driveway and cover it with decorative stone. The water should enter the pipe through the holes on the top of the pipe. Wrap the pipe in filter fabric to prevent any dirt from entering. For this to work, there must be an appropriate place for the pipe to drain to.

Susan