This week we have been given the opportunity to redirect water flow, no small task. The house we're working on was built under some massive Redwoods, on the downslope. Since the 1950's (when the home was built) the redwoods have grown (270-300 ft tall) and the root system is beginning to affect the foundation. Water runs directly down the trees into a natural basin next to the home. We will dig out around the foundation and add a waterproofing membrane, we will then begin to create our swale. The swale is basically a channel that will direct the water away from the house, yet still let water percolate into the root system of the redwoods. We will create a rain garden in order to slow, spread and sink excess runoff, this helps recharge the groundwater and prevents erosion. The swale will direct any excess water into a restoration planting area nearby.