Ditches and swales move a lot of water in a short time. Without protection, that flow cuts into the bottom and sides, washes soil downstream, and turns a neat ditch into a gully. A layer of non woven geotextile under stone is a simple fix.
Why fabric under the stone
Stone on bare soil sinks and mixes into the dirt, and water still scours the soil between rocks. Fabric separates the two: the stone stays on top, and the soil stays underneath. Non woven fabric lets water soak through instead of running across a slick surface.
Which fabric
- 6 oz double needle punched: most residential ditches and swales with 2 to 4 inch stone.
- 8 oz: steep ditches, larger stone or heavy flows.
Install steps
- Shape the ditch with gently sloped sides and a smooth bottom. Remove sticks and sharp debris.
- Roll fabric lengthwise down the ditch, starting at the downstream end.
- Shingle seams like roof shingles: the upstream piece goes on top, overlapped at least 12 to 18 inches.
- Run fabric up both sides and bury the top edges in small trenches so water can't get under them.
- Staple along the edges and seams with landscape staples.
- Cover with stone, starting at the bottom. Don't leave fabric exposed to sunlight.
Tips
- Where the ditch empties, extend fabric and rock past the outlet to prevent scour.
- On long, steep ditches, small rock check dams slow the water down.
Shop non woven geotextile. Every order ships free.
Note: Ditches along public roads are often maintained by the town or county, so check with them before working in one.
