Why this direction works
Driveways shed a lot of water, and a planted inlet at the edge diverts that runoff into a garden basin where it can soak away and feed planting. It eases the load on the street drainage and puts the water to use, turning the driveway edge into a small piece of green infrastructure rather than a chute to the gutter.
Finish and layout observations
Detail the driveway edge so runoff is guided cleanly into the inlet without undercutting the slab, and grade the basin to receive and hold the flow. Plant the basin with species that tolerate periodic water and help it soak away.
Circulation, drainage, and maintenance
- Detail the driveway edge so runoff enters the inlet without undercutting the slab.
- Size the basin and an overflow for heavy driveway runoff.
- Plant it with species that tolerate periodic water and aid infiltration.
What to verify before building
- A slab edge that feeds the inlet.
- A basin and overflow sized for driveway runoff.
- Infiltration-friendly, water-tolerant planting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a planted driveway inlet?
An opening at the driveway edge that guides runoff into a garden basin to soak away, easing street drainage and watering planting. It turns the edge into green infrastructure.
Will the basin overflow in a storm?
A well-designed basin has an overflow path for heavy storms so it does not back up onto the driveway. Size the basin and overflow to real runoff.
Practical next step
Start with a measured, editable estimate
Use the calculator for the concrete field that can be measured today. Keep steps, walls, utilities, drainage structures, shade supports, and other distinct construction elements separate until their real dimensions and support requirements are known.
Estimate a similar concrete featureRelated visual directions
