I'm looking to create a swale for water drainage and possibly use the soil I remove to build up certain areas. There's already a small swale in place, and I want to extend it where I've marked it in the provided image. I want to keep a gentle slope and not make it too deep, but there's some uphill digging that may require more effort. While I know hiring equipment like backhoes or mini excavators can be expensive (and I'm not familiar with renting them), I was wondering: can I really do this all by hand with a shovel? Is it a massive undertaking? I've done some Googling, but didn't find much info on the topic.
3 Answers
Digging by hand can definitely be done! I once had to clear out about 300 square feet, just a foot deep, with two friends and it was tough—so be prepared for some hard work! The type of soil you’re dealing with makes a big difference. Remember, movies make it look way easier than it is!
Absolutely, it can be done! Just remember to have a solid plan in place and maybe grab some pain relievers for afterwards! If you learn the right technique, like sliding your shovel to scrape instead of forcefully digging, it might be less exhausting. But if it feels like too much, hiring a pro is also a good option.
If you’re willing to put in the time, go for it! There's something to be said for traditional methods—humans managed for thousands of years without heavy machinery. You could work at your own pace, watching how each little change affects your yard over time. Just keep erosion under control! Have you thought about planting a rain garden in the swale to help with drainage?
Yeah, technique really matters! I learned that the hard way, haha. It definitely helps to pace yourself and plan your approach.