Backyard trenches are useful in a variety of ways, such as offering additional property drainage after storms or even making a walkway more elegant. Because of this, it’s becoming more common to see them incorporated into general outdoor design, and homeowners are taking this matter into their own hands. However, if you’ve never dug out a trench before, it can be difficult to know where to begin with the process and how to get your desired results. Here are our helpful tips for digging a trench in your backyard.
Plan Out Your Trenching Project
First and foremost, it’s crucial that you plan out your trenching project ahead of time. This means clearly mapping out where you want it to go and how large you want to make it. Having these blueprints from the start ensures that you only dig where necessary and that you’re less likely to interfere with other aspects of your landscape. In addition to the dimensions of your trench, make sure that your plan also mentions any utilities that may be nearby. This way, you can more effectively work around them.
Mark Your Path and Utilities
Once you have a detailed plan for your trench, take the key points and mark them on your property. Whether you decide to use a series of flags or lawn-safe paint for this purpose, having a clear outline of where you can work is vital to your overall success. Take special care to mark your utility lines, as you’ll want your estimate to be as accurate as possible to avoid interacting with them during your dig. You may even want to call an inspector out to double-check your work.
Use the Right Trenching Equipment
Make sure you’re using the proper trenching equipment as well. This is one of the most important tips for digging a trench in your yard, as it can have the largest effect on the quality of your result. While trenches can be hand-dug, this method can take twice as long and poses a larger risk for overall unevenness. So it’s best that you use a skid steer with a powerful skid steer trencher attachment. This will help you get the depth and consistency you’re after.
Apply Landscaping Fabric
After completing your dig, it’s crucial, too, that you follow up by laying landscaping fabric at the bottom of your trench. Exposing this richer soil to the sunlight can facilitate the growth of grass and weeds in your trench, making it difficult to use it for its intended purpose. But by placing some landscaping fabric down, you’re helping prevent those plants from breaking through. This can do wonders for keeping your trench clear and functional.
Trenching projects can be hard work. But with these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your efforts and ensure you get everything you need.
