Swale Work

Swales—shallow, gently sloped ditches or other depressions in the land—can be natural or man-made.

Swales perform a key role in both agricultural and urban stormwater managements systems throughout our region. You’ll find them along roadways & driveways, farm fields, retention pond borders and property lines.

When properly designed and constructed, swales:

• Collect and channel excess water (attributed to rainfall, irrigation or runoff) to retention basins or drainage canals
• Enourage the settling and absorption of sediments by slowing the water’s movement
• Encourage water infiltration into the soil to reduce erosion & flooding
• In “green infrastructure,” filter fertilizers & pesticides from runoff and prevent nutrient loading into sensitive ecosystems

Swales often separate planting areas while simultaneously providing access for equipment. Importantly, they also support BMP’s to protect water quality. 

You can count on Harplyn to design, construction and/or repair your swales, such as:

• Design/redesign and grading to form, reshape or repair your swales
• Clear vegetation or sidement from swales and restore to original functionality
• Add culverts where swales cross roads, driveways or other access lanes