French Drain Question

[Freedomfirst]

Hi Folks,
I just built a french drain behind my garage. Instead of filling it with gravel I filled it with concrete sand after laying my pipe with sediment filter. Do you recommend that I cover sand with soil and plant grass seed, or just leave the sand exposed?
Thank you,
Jim

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

In the end either way will work. If you don't have a surface water problem, cover with topsoil and plant. If you have a surface water problem, the sand will drain quicker without topsoil.

 

[Freedomfirst]

Thanks Geopavetraffic,
I appreciate the helpful advice. Would you recommend me channelling a gutter downspout into this trench?
Jim

 

[GeoPaveTraffic]

If you can extend the downspout to daylight, it would be better to keep that water in a pipe. You cold place the downspout pipe in the same trench. Once it is away from the house, you could use perforated pipe.

 

[Freedomfirst]

Thanks GeoPaveTraffic,
I truly appreciate the advice.
This is a good website.
Jim