How To Install French Drains

Two weeks ago, we undertook a HUGE project on the farm, installing French Drains on the farm. My friend owns Lockwood Construction, LLC, an excavation company, and he helped me solve our longterm water issues in front of the barn in our livestock heavy use area. First we dug vertical drains six feet deep. We installed geotextile fabric, then round rock, then drain pipe, then more round rock, then crushed rock on top. The vertical drains met with one long horizontal drain which carries the water away from the pasture. I learned to operate an excavator and also learned that ditch digging and shoveling rocks by hand are NOT my favorite jobs, but it is so worth it for the health and wellbeing of the animals. Not to mention, cleaning the barn is now WAY easier.

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[rmaniac]

I have so much admiration for you Anne. My wife and I hope our daughters will follow in the footsteps of women like her and you. You ladies aren’t afraid to get into the trenches, no pun intended, and sweat it out with the best of that trade. I always have a saying for my wife. “The grass don’t grow under her feet”. Women like you girls are in a class of their own. Keep up the hard work!

[worldview]

Geez, a Louis Vuitton drain, now that's a farming trophy

[AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

I TOTALLY get the satisfaction I'm sure you felt when you completed this...because I did the same thing a few years ago. I put in 200ft of French drain using only my little 19hp Kubota 4x4, and a rear mounted dirt scoop (made in 1945) that I bought from a scrap yard for $35. Went from swampy to solid dry yard...what a difference! Great Job!

[Awfully_Waffley]

The videos just get better! Glad to see this channel grow like this!

[venessarobins]

I love seeing you working on the tractor & excavator 😊Such girl power! I got the opportunity to have a go on a small excavator yesterday myself and it was so much fun! 🚜

[ronaldkearn]

I get the biggest kick out of those burrows. They are like puppies following youn around. :-) <3

[markbryan]

I live in New England and melting snow in the spring causes a lot of muckyness! Installed some french drains on my property and they are awesome. Nice job Anne!

[WattsWoodenWonders]

Amazing job!!! The animals will love you for it even if they don't realize what you did for them. lol That's a lot of work and a lot of great people right there! Congratulations on the upgrade! Love your videos and I learned a lot from this one for sure! I had never heard of that system before.

[RRBuildings]

Holy cow....All these machines!! Love the Orange one the best

[mountainviews]

Great idea for the farm thumbs up girl we love ya

[benjaminstockton]

Anne you did a good job your not out of shape that kind of work is back braking. work thanks fir video's Anne

[TheReformationWoodshop]

Look at Anne out here living the dream. 😍

[reforzar]

Incredible how much work can get done with the right equipment.

[latherookie]

Wow you are an inspiration. It would be great if more of our young people watched you. They can learn so much. Great Job.

[atomiczombie]

I discovered your channel not too long ago and have been watching a lot of your videos lately. Anne, I’m now convinced there is nothing you can’t do. Thanks for the inspiration. ❤️

[Gabosamu]

You´re an incredible woman!!! Keep up the hard work!

[TheSteveAS]

So interesting watching you labor to get RID of excess water, while here in California we are trying desperately to KEEP what little water falls from the sky! Love the idea of the retention pond. That will be such a helpful and beautiful addition to your property. Maybe a dock with a view from the tiny house for your Mom? Shout out to Billy Bob for helping you out Annie - friends like that are worth their weight in gold!

[beshamlochan]

an amazing job ....love whats going on. on the farm.

[CunninghamWoodWork]

I never really thought about animals needing dry land to walk. Makes sense though. You’re doing a lot for your animals. You can tell you really care about them. Not that I ever doubted it.

[FigmentsMade]

Santa needs to bring momma an excavator this year! That is such an epic project! I hope the fluffybutts appreciate all the work you're putting into their space. Amazing job!