Cultec and Dig Right In

Managing rainwater on the property is an important aspect of building any structure.  Some of you may already know of the lengthy discussion we have had with the Village of La Grange's Department of Building and Zoning on just this subject.  After many months we have come to an agreement thanks to the tireless work of our landscaper.  They will allow us to use a Cultec System as designed and installed by Jeff Swano of Dig Right In Landscaping in lieu of their required system of large pipes and stone.  Our engineers provided a stamped design using the Cultec System and Jeff and the Village further 'tweeked' it and installed their version.  It made it in the ground just before the first frost.  WHEW... we were worried it wouldn't make it in before the ground froze.

By using CULTEC chambers, rainwater is collected in inlet structures and piped to an underground retention/detention system. The chamber systems control roof and driveway run-off thereby eliminating ponding.  The collected water then dissipates underground.  If you want to learn more about the system, you can visit their web-site at http://www.cultec.com/

After the system was installed, the grass was laid.  Again, just in time for the first frost. Apparently we were the last sod cut of the season.  Thank you Freyja Conrad of Dig Right In for your help and coordination with the grass, patio, etc.

Backyard

Front

The thing that bothered me about these systems as they were designed in the beginning of the project, was neither the Cultec or the Village's preferred system with the big pipes left us much planting space for a tree or shrubs.  What ended up being installed was a bit more of a compromise and we were able to get a decent size silver maple in the yard.  We really like how pretty it is when it's in bloom and it's a tree that sucks up a lot of water; a natural way to manage rainwater pooling should there ever be any.

If you want to know more about Dig Right In and all their services, click on the highlighted link and check out their website or give them a call at 708-485-1234.  Ask them about their rain gardens too.  I wish we had room for one of them!