Swale vs French Drain

Water management is an essential part of landscaping and significantly affects property values. Understanding how to fix water drainage problems in a yard, or prevent them from occurring, is a must for homeowners and property managers alike.

There are two popular methods to consider: swale or French drain. Both sides of the French drain vs swale debate are effective at integrating into your landscaping design and managing moisture, but have key differences you must consider.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to compare a drainage swale vs French drain systems, including when to use each one, if you should use a hybrid of the two, and more.

Our team at Michaelangelo’s specializes in drain solutions for commercial and residential properties. If you’re in or around Alpharetta, we can help you choose the right solution, handle setup, and manage upkeep for years.

The Importance of Proper Yard Drainage

Water damage is indiscriminate. No matter how well you design your property’s landscaping, if you don’t have a drainage system, it’s only a matter of time before disaster strikes.

If you see signs of drainage problems in a yard, the danger has already advanced to critical levels. Drenched sod causing sinkholes in your yard, the smell of dirty laundry or mold after a rainy day, cracks in the foundation, and pest issues like termites and mosquitoes, all caused by excess moisture.

These issues only lead to expensive repairs and lower property values.

But it’s not enough to just place any drain you can find on your property and call it a day. Understanding the nuances between various systems, like choosing between a drainage swale vs French drains, will ensure the water is whisked away as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Getting your drainage systems in order is especially vital if you live in a rainy climate like Georgia. Otherwise, you’re playing a game of chance on your property every time a seasonal downpour comes through.

What is a French Drain?

If you invest in a drainage system for your property, you’ll need to know how it works.

The first half of the French drain vs swale debate is beloved for its balance of effectiveness and inconspicuousness. 

French drains are placed underground, allowing them to work their magic without interfering with aesthetics. 

They have a simple design–they use a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel and fabric. The drain is then placed in a trench sloping away from your property.

French drains work because water is an efficient traveler–it always flows along the path of least resistance. An adequately installed French drain lets you control that pathway.

Installing these nifty structures does require proper knowledge, but they are well worth the investment.

What is a Swale?

The other part of the drainage swale vs French drain comparison is equally beloved by landscaping companies and homeowners. 

Swales are less a “structure” and more of a natural adaptation you can add to your property. Swales are low-lying areas on a property, acting as indentations that slow water movement. As the water slows down, it will naturally pool in your swales, seeping into the soil instead of running rampant on your buildings.

This allows swales to perform double-duty: giving you a reliable water source during droughts, while staving off excessive runoff in the rainy seasons. That means less money spent on restoring topsoil and irrigation needs.

Swales are also affordable, as they don’t require any structures–you just need to plant or dig in the right spots to create them.

Of course, you still need expertise to install a swale or French drain; if you create too much slope, you’d have a different set of issues due to erosion.

Swale vs French Drain: Which Drainage System is Right For Your Property?

The swale vs French drain debate is hotly contested. They are two of the most popular types of yard drains out there, and for good reason.

To help you choose, let’s compare the two across several different factors.

Of course, the decision often isn’t between either a swale or French drain–sometimes the best solution includes both on your property!

Cost

When homeowners and commercial property managers consider upgrading their drainage systems, cost is often at the top of their minds. There’s a clear upfront winner regarding price in the swale vs French drain debate.

Swales have simple material requirements and less intensive labor. Installing swales on a property may cost anywhere from $.50 to $1 per square foot. French drains can cost up to 200 times more per square foot, with prices ranging from $10 to $100.

However, in the long term, the prices tend to even out. Once installed, French drains tend to stay in place. They are completely enclosed, so they won’t acquire much debris or deterioration. The only upkeep for French drains you may need is preventing tree root intrusion.

Swales are a more permanent upkeep commitment. They need to be monitored and occasionally regraded to remain effective. If your swale goes too deep, you’ll be dealing with erosion, while if it becomes shallow, it won’t be able to carry away water.

As such, swale maintenance expenses over 10-20 years may add up to a French drain's upfront costs.

Ultimately, cost is just one of several factors–getting the right system for your property, rather than one that saves you money, is essential.

Appearance

When planning a landscaping design for your property, drainage systems might not be the first aesthetic piece you consider. Both sides of the drainage swale vs French drain debate offer your property a different look and feel.

French drains are simple to grasp–they are almost entirely hidden on your property. They work their magic underneath landscaping features like sod and shrubbery. The only sign of their presence will be a discreet outlet where water emerges.

This makes them preferred for a seamless, luxury design, like gardens, patios, and entertainment spaces.

Swales are on the opposite end of the spectrum; they are prominent. The shallow depressions serve as a base for ornamental grasses, plants, and creek beds, adding visual variety to your landscaping.

This wraps up your drainage and landscaping design all-in-one; your yard will drain water and have elevation changes that catch the eye.

As such, this part of the French drain vs swale comparison is a personal preference–you can choose the one that fits your dream aesthetic.

Installation Complexity

Drainage systems are not easy to install. There is a reason why we recommend working with a professional: It can be frustrating to try to learn DIY yard grading, sloping, elevation changes, wrapping, and placement all by yourself.

Regardless of who installs your swale or French drain, one is more complex.

French drains feature excessive complexity. You need to excavate a trench around 12 to 18 inches deep precisely, carefully create a slope, wrap the drain in fabric, and strategically place gravel.

Swales are comparatively more straightforward. You only need a slope of around 1-2%, and don’t need materials like gravel or fabric. The main concern is not going overboard with your slope and causing erosion.

Consider Your Yard’s Soil Type and Slope

Healthy soil is the foundation that helps bring your landscaping dreams to life. Ensuring that your drainage system brings out the best in your soil is vital.

French drains are best suited for moderately permeable soil like loamy sand. They can struggle with clay soils, which are common to Georgia, unless installed with additional gravel and specialized backfill materials.

Swales are more adaptable. They hold water in clay soils longer and infiltrate sandy soils easily to provide the right amount of moisture.

Slope is also important to consider. Both drainage types need a minimum of 1% slope, which is defined as a 1-inch drop for every 10 feet.

If your property is excessively steep, past the 2% safety mark for swales, you may need miniature check dams to prevent erosion. On the other hand, French drains do not have this issue, working well with intense slopes.

The Nuances of Drainage Goals

There’s a crucial question you must ask yourself: where do you want the water on your property to go?

If you’re pushing it away from your structures, there are two typical answers: redirecting the water off your property entirely, or underground saturation for your soil.

Redirecting the water away to a street drain or retention pond is lower-fuss, and we recommend French drains for that purpose.

However, keeping some of the water around for underground saturation is a wise idea too–it can help you save on irrigation costs during dry periods. Swales are better suited for these tasks, as the water will pool and refill the groundwater on your property.

What About Other Types of Drainage Systems?

The French drain vs swale debate isn’t the only one to consider. Other drainage systems may complement these two.

Trench drains are more expensive than both options, featuring hard surfaces and a grate cover. But they are effective at handling surface water and can be cleaned easily.

Dry wells are a nifty option, working underground to collect water. Comparing a dry well vs a French drain, the former can manage larger volumes of water from collection to dispersal.

Creative dry creek bed ideas for drainage can be just as practical as swales. They are a more drastic aesthetic design, featuring rocks and pebbles, but their drought-resistant layout makes them effective in all climates.

Should You Combine the Two and Create a French Drain Swale?

You know enough to choose between a swale or French drain–but what if you don’t have to decide? Combining the two can be an effective option for your property.

How French Drain Swale Hybrids Work

Simply put, a hybrid features an above-ground swale with a French drain below it. This creates two layers of redundancy that provide superior drainage.

In periods of light rainfall, the swale collects water, allowing it to seep into the soil and replenish groundwater. When intense rain and storms come, the excessive water hits the French drain, where it is safely redirected away from your structures.

When a Combination is the Best Solution

A hybrid isn’t always the best choice. For example, if you wanted to save on costs, you’re best off going with only a swale. Alternatively, if you wanted a no-frills, hidden drainage system, just stick with the French drain.

But if you’re experiencing moisture issues in your foundation, a completely flat slope, and mixed soil on your property, a hybrid solution allows you to take the best of both worlds from each drainage solution.

Let Michaelangelo’s Take the Lead on Your Property’s Drainage!

Still not sure about the best solution for your property? If you’re in Alpharetta or the surrounding area, why not let the professionals handle everything?

Michelangelo’s is the most renowned Alpharetta landscaping and drainage solutions company. From Peachtree Corners to East Cobb, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners and businesses transform their dull yards with excessive moisture into stunning properties.

We’ve built our reputation as the top commercial and residential landscape company in Alpharetta due to our commitment to quality service. We begin every consultation with a detailed site analysis, including soil testing, slope measuring, and underground utility mapping.

That allows us to recommend the perfect solution from the get-go. From there, we know exactly how to integrate your drainage systems within the layout of your yard. We turn basic swales into eye-catching creek beds, and French drain outlets into decorative features.

Wrapping Up Our Comparison of the French Drain vs Swale

French drains and swales are two of the most common drainage solutions. While both can help remove moisture from your foundations and sensitive structures, choosing the right one will make a difference.

Swales are cheaper upfront and help retain groundwater, while French drains are wholly hidden and allow water to leave your property thoroughly. Of course, you can also use a hybrid setup for the best of both worlds!

For more advice, it’s best to consult the professionals. If you’re looking for drainage solutions and landscape design in Alpharetta, your search ends here at Michaelangelo’s! We are the region’s #1 residential and commercial landscape company, with awards from Houzz, Angi’s List, and My Alpharetta. Call or email us today to schedule a free consultation!