Q&A for How to Build a Berm

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Where do you put berms in your yard?

Matt Daly
Landscape Designer
Matt Daly is a Landscape Designer and the Founder of Water & Earth Landscape Design, which is based in both Richmond, Virginia, and San Jose, California. With nearly 10 years of experience, he specializes in designing outdoor living spaces, including patios, pools, and fireplaces. Matt also runs a blog where he educates homeowners about landscaping topics: https://www.liveinyourbackyard.com/. He earned his Landscape Design & Horticulture Certification from The University of Richmond, where he also studied Sustainable Landscape Practices.

Matt Daly

Landscape Designer

Expert Answer

Put your berm in a place where it can channel the extra water away and guide it in the direction you want it to go. Just make sure that you inspect your yard while it's raining so you know what the water is actually doing—a lot of people troubleshoot their drainage problems after the fact, which isn't helpful.

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Question

What is the maximum height for a berm?

Community Answer

It depends on however wide you can make its base. A good base is usually twice as wide as the berm's height. You may want to go wider if you plan on mowing the berm's grass and don't desire flipping the lawn tractor or struggling to keep the push-mower from sliding off its line.

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Question

Can I make a berm on top of small landscape rock?

Community Answer

You could, but it would wash off eventually, and would be almost impossible to mow. You probably couldn't grow much of anything on it, either.

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Question

What should I use between a berm and a fence to stop soil from washing onto the driveway?

Community Answer

A swale can be added anytime there is water pooling. Edge the driveway and put down a drainage tube or leave as a ditch that directs the water down the drive. Cover the tube with large gravel first, then progressively smaller. If there is room (or access), a swale in front of the berm may be helpful.

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Should I build a berm before I plant bushes?

Community Answer

If you want the bushes to be taller than they otherwise would be, for example, you're looking to create a screen, then yes.

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