A shallow, wide trench carved into the ground to collect, channel, and slowly drain surface water. Unlike a standard ditch, it is typically vegetated and gently sloped to prevent soil erosion while allowing water to percolate into the earth. Site crews grade these features along property lines or roadways to keep heavy rain from flooding structures or washing out graded terrain.
Grade a shallow swale along that back property line so the runoff doesn't flood the neighbor's foundation.
Rookies often confuse a swale with a ditch; a ditch is meant to move water fast, while a swale is designed to slow it down and let it soak in.
Related terms
Berm
A constructed mound or bank of earth used for drainage control, landscaping, or barrier purposes.
Dry well
An underground structure that collects surface runoff and allows it to slowly percolate into the surrounding soil.
Earthmoving
The process of excavating, transporting, and grading soil and rock to prepare a construction site.